• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Are TI Flats expensive?

#21
iiipopes said:
For a light tension flat, for about half the cost, I would play the LaBella Low Tension Flats instead of the TI's. All the tone, none of the grief.
Click to expand...

The La Bella LTFF are slightly more bass-loaded than the TI; somebody stated that they feel a little floppy however.
The price difference, seeing TI more expensive than La Bella, is true only on the USA market.
In Europe TI are less expensive than La Bella (of course, TI are made in Austria).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: Inara
#22
Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati said:
Well, rock and especially punk-rock stay away from me ... I'm a kind of groovy/bluesy/jazzy guy; I was referring to the D'Addario XL series such as the EXL 165 or 170, fairly common nickel plated roundwound strings, which do not sound particularly clanky in my opinion (Fender 7150 pure nickel roundwound strings are much more clanky IMO).
For roundwound strings, being characterized by lower tension than flatwound strings is fairly normal; I've got TI JF344 on my jazz bass and they are characterized by a lower tension than the Chromes I was using before; however, a lower tension is manageable as well.
From what you stated, I believe that the JR344 will be my go to rounds; I'll buy them next month.

Thx.
Click to expand...

It sounds like the TI Jazz Rounds could be perfect for you if you can handle the low tension.

You are of course right that roundwounds are generally lower tension than flats but the TI Jazz Flats are the exception. They are lower tension (or at least feel floppier) than most rounds. And the TI Jazz Rounds are even floppier than the Jazz Flats. I mean, the E- string is 089. The Jazz Rounds are BY FAR the lowest tension strings I've ever tried. I actually had to raise the action a bit to make them buzz-free. They vibrate with such a HUGE amplitude. But that's also what makes them sound so wonderfully warm and rich. And they are so easy to play that a slightly higher action doesn't feel bad at all.

Yes I was referring to the XLs when I said clanky. I guess we hear things differently. For me they are the epitome of clanky bass strings and I personally don't like them at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati
#23
interp said:
On a cost-per-use basis, and considering that TI Flats maintain good quality throughout their long lives, they are the cheapest bass strings you can buy.
Click to expand...

I have dozens of gigs on my Dunlop flats with no change in tone or feel. I can't see why TI's would last longer and they're more than double the price. ijs
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Selim
#24
Brad Johnson said:
I have dozens of gigs on my Dunlop flats with no change in tone or feel. I can't see why TI's would last longer and they're double the price. ijs
Click to expand...

Dunlop and TI flats are my two favorite strings. I love both. One of the ways they differ is that the TIs are much lower tension, so they have their own feel to them. They may both be long lasting strings, but they don't feel the same.

You can get TIs @ Amazon for around $50 if that deal is alive, and the Dunlops typically run $33 in my experience.

edit to ad this URL
you'll see them as a prime item for $55.59
if you look at "other sellers" you'll see the option for:
$40.46
+ $9.94 shipping
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Brad Johnson
#25
Skillet said:
Dunlop and TI flats are my two favorite strings. I love both. One of the ways they differ is that the TIs are much lower tension, so they have their own feel to them. They may both be long lasting strings, but they don't feel the same.

You can get TIs @ Amazon for around $50 if that deal is alive, and the Dunlops typically run $33 in my experience.

edit to ad this URL
you'll see them as a prime item for $55.59
if you look at "other sellers" you'll see the option for:
$40.46
+ $9.94 shipping
Click to expand...

I play fives. I got two five string light gauge sets of Dunlops for under $70 delivered on ebay. One set of TI's run $109... the cost of three sets of Dunlops.

As far as feel and tension, everyone I've handed my bass to has been blown away by the feel. They have enough tension to work great with very low action. Coupled with no friction they're about as close to effortless as I've come across.

I like TI's. Prior to getting the Dunlops they were my only option for flats that I liked. I prefer the Dunlops.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Selim and Skillet
#27
Vinny_G said:
Import fees, I guess. Here in Europe they are not excessively expensive. They are a little more pricey than others, but not that much. Similar to Elixir, let's say. For example I can get a 4 string set of Jazz Flats for 44€, the Superalloys are at 26€ and the Powerbass 37€ (plus/minus a few ones depending on the store). Also remember that they are handmade.

Conversely, I have a hard time finding a store that imports GHS Super Steels without 35 to 45 euros shipping and 2 to 3 months waiting. And I do not understand why because the Boomers are everywhere at the same price as others.
Click to expand...

Import fees don't explain the pretty ridiculous jump for a B and C string. $30 for an electric bass C string... nope.
:D
 
#30
I think of strings like TIs as smart investments to your playing future, they last forever and if they are right for you then there’s nothing better. I work in kitchens as well, I remember when I got my first really good knife. It required a much more delicate touch, but the precision, accuracy, and cleanliness of the cuts was revelatory. TI’s are like that to me, but for strings!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Inara, Jeff Scott, DrThumpenstein and 3 others
#32
Just strung up my first-ever set of TI strings (rounds), and my string search is over.

It’s like playing a different instrument—they’re totally consistent up and across the fingerboard, have well-balanced tension, are incredibly responsive yet easy to control, and offer a warm but very defined tone...they’re remarkable strings. Also, they’re not noodles; soft and supple, yes, but not floppy. They do reward a light/controlled touch, but that’s naturally how I play, and heavier strings can be a bit of a fight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati, Jeff Scott, bassrique and 2 others
#38
Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati said:
The La Bella LTFF are slightly more bass-loaded than the TI; somebody stated that they feel a little floppy however.
The price difference, seeing TI more expensive than La Bella, is true only on the USA market.
In Europe TI are less expensive than La Bella (of course, TI are made in Austria).

Political note:

The world is big but still divided ... Mr. Trump and the EU Commission should work in order to lower the commercial barriers between USA and Europe, making those towards China even stronger instead.
Click to expand...

I agree with all your points. In addition to currency fluctuations and shipping, the biggest reason that TIs are so expensive in the U.S. is that they have an independent distributor (Connolly Company) that also adds a markup to the price. In Europe, Ernie Ball, Fender and other American made strings are expensive for the same reason. Nonetheless, even with their higher prices, Thomastik strings deliver value thanks to their sound and long life
 
  • Like
Reactions: Inara, HaphAsSard, Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati and 1 other person

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back