Any way to make my TI flats less floppy?

bowerbird77 · #1 07-04-2009, 07:58 PM

Hello,

I've tried many flatwound strings, and Thomastik Jazz flats are by far the best sounding & feeling strings I've tried yet (for my style). The only problem (and it's a big one) is that they're just too damn FLOPPY! Is there a way to set up my bass to get the strings tighter without throwing the intonation off?

Thanks!
- Dan

strozey · #2 07-04-2009, 08:49 PM

those strings were designed to be really low tension, not 100% but they may not stand up to a higher tension, good luck

bowerbird77 · #3 07-04-2009, 09:27 PM

How would I achieve a higher tension without throwing off the intonation?

ErebusBass · #4 07-04-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowerbird77

How would I achieve a higher tension without throwing off the intonation?

Tune up or get different strings.

NorCal Dog · #5 07-04-2009, 09:32 PM

35" scale, they're not near as floppy

HugoM · #6 07-04-2009, 09:33 PM

Your technique will adapt.

Jazzdogg · #7 07-05-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowerbird77

Hello,

I've tried many flatwound strings, and Thomastik Jazz flats are by far the best sounding & feeling strings I've tried yet (for my style). The only problem (and it's a big one) is that they're just too damn FLOPPY! Is there a way to set up my bass to get the strings tighter without throwing the intonation off?

Thanks!
- Dan

I have TI jazzflats on all of my electric basses, and don't find their tension problematic, but I don't set my action very low, so that may be why it isn't an issue for me.

You may have to make a truss rod adjustment any time you change strings to assure your neck has the correct relief. After you've assured your relief is correct, adjusting your action is fairly simple and straightforward. With the relief and action adjusted, you can fine-tune the intonation and get to playing! If you're not sure how to perform any of these tasks, there are many threads that provide instructions; you'll find the search function and "sticky" threads invaulable.

Good luck!

dmusic148 · #8 07-05-2009, 12:42 AM

You cannot actually make them tighter, that's impossible. The only way would be to tune your bass to a higher pitch, not the best solution.
What you CAN do is raise the action a bunch. You may find that since those strings run on the loose side, you actually need to loosen your trussrod to get the relief back where it should be. Then raise the bridge to suit, and check intonation. There's nothing else to be done.

edwinhurwitz · #9 07-05-2009, 12:44 AM

What bass are they on? Scale length? You might try the DR Flats. I found them to be fairly similar to TIs but with a bit more tension. The do sound a little different, but not as different as strings like D'Addario Chromes, etc.

Edwin

strozey · #10 07-05-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HugoM

Your technique will adapt.

so simple, yet so eloquent.

king_biscuit · #11 07-05-2009, 01:05 AM

Yeah, jack them up and park a set of La Bellas under them

I hate TIs...

mongo2 · #12 07-05-2009, 07:48 AM

I finally gave up on TIs due to their floppiness.

Darkstrike · #13 07-05-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strozey

those strings were designed to be really low tension, not 100% but they may not stand up to a higher tension, good luck

I've often tuned a standard EADG set up to ADGC, Thomastic tone, higher tuning, regular high tension flat feel.

bowerbird77 · #14 07-08-2009, 03:12 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. I think I'm going to try buying a 5 string TI Jazz bass flatwound set, throw away the g string, and tune up a 4th. If that doesn't work, I'll have to go with set of Pyramids, which are still really good strings, IMO.

Are there any other pure nickel flatwound bass strings out there besides Thomastik and Pyramid?

Rick Auricchio · #15 07-09-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowerbird77

I think I'm going to try buying a 5 string TI Jazz bass flatwound set, throw away the g string, and tune up a 4th.

Check the string gauges to be sure they'll fit through the nut slots.

ironrat · #16 07-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Floppy?????

nahhhhh

I have a Frankenbass P Copy with Chromes and a SX PJ with TI...........I love them! I dont like stiff strings.!

try a lighter touch

MIJ-VI · #17 07-11-2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowerbird77

Hello,

I've tried many flatwound strings, and Thomastik Jazz flats are by far the best sounding & feeling strings I've tried yet (for my style). The only problem (and it's a big one) is that they're just too damn FLOPPY! Is there a way to set up my bass to get the strings tighter without throwing the intonation off?

Thanks!
- Dan

Have you tried Rotosound RS 77 Jazz Bass flat-wounds?