Are Thomastik-Infeld flats really flats?

[JKos]

Looks just like mine.

 

[aero58]

Looks just like mine.

Roger that - thanks!

 

[jd56hawk]

TI Flats are not wound as tightly as some of the others, such as La Bella and GHS. By design, there is a small gap between the windings, which are more noticeable with E and A.

Never knew that, but they definitely don't look smooth...much like Cobalt Flats...and despite what people say, I can't imagine them being the best flatwounds made.

 

[woodyng2]

As already noted, the TI's have roundcore construction, which gives them a much more flexible feel.
I've always found their one gauge too light for my taste. (and i like light sets).
Optima RB and Labella low tension flats are just a bit heavier, and both sets are very smoothly wrapped.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Yes they are definitely flats.

No they are not as smooth as many other flats like LaBellas, GHS Precision Flats, etc. That doesn't mean the TIs are defective, they are supposed to be like this.

Btw, Rotosound 77 flats are even rougher. They are still flats.

 

[petrus61]

TI Flats are not wound as tightly as some of the others, such as La Bella and GHS. By design, there is a small gap between the windings, which are more noticeable with E and A.

IME the gaps in GHS flats have always been quite obvious, much more so than TI's. The difference being that they're consistently spaced on TI's and are in random spots on the GHS (particularly on the heavier gauge sets).

 

[michael_t]

Here's an interesting comparison...

Dunlop vs. TI vs. DR vs. Roto.

Flatwound string close ups...

 

[tpaul]

I found the TI flats "grabby" compared to the GHS flats I was used to. It felt like my fretting fingers were catching in sharp little grooves when sliding along the strings.

I got used to it.

 

[White Funk]

View attachment 4275866

With those gaps (or what looks like gaps) between the windings, do they age faster than other flats?

 

[2saddleslab]

With those gaps (or what looks like gaps) between the windings, do they age faster than other flats?

Just the opposite. Not uncommon for a set of TI's to last a decade or more.

 

[White Funk]

Just the opposite. Not uncommon for a set of TI's to last a decade or more.

Wow thanks for letting me know. I watched a video on how the company makes them and I'm impressed. Ordering my first set tonight!

 

[woodyng2]

Here's an interesting comparison...

Dunlop vs. TI vs. DR vs. Roto.

Flatwound string close ups...

I'm not surprised by the way the Rotosound flats look up close,
but I didn't expect the huge gaps in the TI flats. Now I'm wondering about my old Maximas, and the newer Optima RB flats. As well as my Labella LTFF sets.

 

[FranF]

Regarding service life, I've got TI's on around 12 basses, ranging from 3 years old to 22. ;-)