Cheaper version of TI flats?

[GIBrat51]

Hi
I am new to the world of P basses and Flats. The Youtube videos I have seen showed me that The TI flats are brighter than others and seem to keep the sound of the P bass pickups. I also looked at Labellas Deep Talkin Flats ( because of Jamerson) which seem to be much darker. Is that right? Coming from active J basses with roundwounds I have not developed an ear for what is good about one type of flats vs another. But I do like the sound of the TIs. I just don't like the Price tag. Almost 100.-? Jeez. Is there a cheaper alternative? I can get a set of the Labellas for $40 bucks. Are the TIs that much better or is it just because Pino is using them? Is there another string that sounds similar that doesn't hurt you as much in the pocket book?

Okay, a couple of things...
1. The TI's themselves. Yes, the initial price is pretty steep, but it does vary some; it pays to shop around. People do sell them occasionally here on TB, so... maybe a used set? And, if you're curious? There are some flats that cost as much as the TIs - or even more. You can by 2 sets of the TIs for what I paid for a set of Dogal Hellborg Flats. New ones are an investment, but... if you like them? They can last for a couple of decades - if you take reasonable care of them. Which brings me to...
2. Cost amortization. Spread that initial cost over the potential life of the TI's, and they wind up being just about the least expensive strings you can buy. I did the numbers once, for a thread here several years ago. Spread over 10 years (which is pretty conservative for their life for most people), they wound up costing about $0.002 a day. Typical rounds, over the same period? About $1,200...
However... A lot of people don't like TIJFs, for lot of reasons besides the cost. They are very low tension strings, and although it's not quite the same thing, they are also very flexible, too. I use them, and I do like them, but... they are the only strings that I never play with a pick. And, I play with a pick about 95% of the time. And, the bass they're on, gets used for one music genre only. I don't consider TIJF's to be good for everything; in fact, for some of what I like to play? IMO, they don't work very well - at all... I also have them on a Fury Anthem fretless bass; but, they're the short scale TI's. They feel a lot stiffer, and sound a lot "bassier" than the long scale TI's, so they really don't count here...
So, are there other strings that sound similar to long scale TIJFs? Yes, there are; sorta similar, anyway. Because of the way they're made, TI's have rich, sort of orchestral, overtones. Which are great for some kinds of music (like what I use that one bass for), but for, say, "Vintage" Rock & Roll? Pretty much wasted on that kind of stuff. Other than that? TI's are "modern, midrange-y" flats. Decent low end; lots of low-mids and mids; and really good highs. And, there are a number of flats that fit that description. The ones that I think come closest to the TI's? Fender 9050Ls. I've used them on several basses over the years - and still have them on 2. 9050L's do have overtones - most long scale flats do, to some extent -, but not as rich as the TI's. They won't last as long, but one of my basses has a set that's about 11 years old, now, and still sounds good. But, I keep my hands - and strings - clean, so... Other flats in the "modern" category? Of the flats I'm familiar with; D' Addario Chromes; Sadowsky Blue Labels; Optima 4440 RBs; Roto SM77s (low end of the "modern" tone range, IMO); and, also on the lower end of the category - La Bella 760FX's (39-96). The only place I know of that has the long scale 760FX's, is Strings and Beyond. I have them on one of my Danelectro DC59 Pros. Midrange-y as can be, too, but some of it is certainly the Dano... Other than those? I imagine any of the lighter gauge flats might make you happy...

 

[gimmeagig]

That mute looks cool. Was the one you made yourself similar to that? I wonder what type of foam you would use for the Nordy style. I know I can just use a sponge but it would be cool to try the Nordy version.

I had some relatively dense foam that came out of a box from EMG pickups. I cut a strip out and took a hacksaw to cut slots into it Just like the nordymute. I did not glue the foam to a piece of wood. It works and it does not make the strings sharp. So I don't have to retune my bass like I would with foam from the bottom.

 

[SteC]

I had some relatively dense foam that came out of a box from EMG pickups. I cut a strip out and took a hacksaw to cut slots into it Just like the nordymute. I did not glue the foam to a piece of wood. It works and it does not make the strings sharp. So I don't have to retune my bass like I would with foam from the bottom.

Amazing thanks. It never occurred to me that I could just make my own lol

 

[blacktocomm]

I like TI flats and have them on several basses, but keep in mind they aren't "magic" they're just strings. Some basses will sound great with them and others not as much. You'll probably want to experiment with a few different strings to find what your bass likes best.

This has been my experience. I absolutely love TI’s on the basses that love them back.

 

[Heisenbass]

I had some relatively dense foam that came out of a box from EMG pickups. I cut a strip out and took a hacksaw to cut slots into it Just like the nordymute. I did not glue the foam to a piece of wood. It works and it does not make the strings sharp. So I don't have to retune my bass like I would with foam from the bottom.

^^^This!!! Can confirm it works great. Mutes evently and avoids strings going sharp

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I'm 67,The flats might outlive me LOL

Good point!!! Probably will! LOL!!! I think I read once somebody on this board has the same set of strings on his bass for over 40 years. That why at age 71 I buy rounds. I don't buy green bananas either!! LOL!!

 

[gimmeagig]

Good point!!! Probably will! LOL!!! I think I read once somebody on this board has the same set of strings on his bass for over 40 years. That why at age 71 I buy rounds. I don't buy green bananas either!! LOL!!

LOL

 

[Heisenbass]

I use TIJFs on two basses. On a 84 Washburn Force 8 with a single passive humbucker they sound great and give a gorgeous thumpy but smooth Precision sound. I also have them on my Sandberg California TT fretless, which is essentially a (much enhanced) Fender J clone. Here, the sound is a bit on the brittle side and I miss some warmth. Don‘t know if this is an issue with this specific bass. Plus, the silk is too long for the toploading bridge. I had to cut some off, but I think this is not optimal. On a side note: when budget is an issue, GHS Precision Flats come pretty close, IMO.

 

[SAlcott]

Hi
I am new to the world of P basses and Flats. The Youtube videos I have seen showed me that The TI flats are brighter than others and seem to keep the sound of the P bass pickups. I also looked at Labellas Deep Talkin Flats ( because of Jamerson) which seem to be much darker. Is that right? Coming from active J basses with roundwounds I have not developed an ear for what is good about one type of flats vs another. But I do like the sound of the TIs. I just don't like the Price tag. Almost 100.-? Jeez. Is there a cheaper alternative? I can get a set of the Labellas for $40 bucks. Are the TIs that much better or is it just because Pino is using them? Is there another string that sounds similar that doesn't hurt you as much in the pocket book?

The initial pain will be offset by longevity. Thomastik Spirocore double bass strings regularly last 10+ years. I have T-I Jazz Flats on three bass guitars that after around 5 years regular use show no signs of needing to be replaced.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Hi
I am new to the world of P basses and Flats. The Youtube videos I have seen showed me that The TI flats are brighter than others and seem to keep the sound of the P bass pickups. I also looked at Labellas Deep Talkin Flats ( because of Jamerson) which seem to be much darker. Is that right? Coming from active J basses with roundwounds I have not developed an ear for what is good about one type of flats vs another. But I do like the sound of the TIs. I just don't like the Price tag. Almost 100.-? Jeez. Is there a cheaper alternative? I can get a set of the Labellas for $40 bucks. Are the TIs that much better or is it just because Pino is using them? Is there another string that sounds similar that doesn't hurt you as much in the pocket book?

I paid full price for the sets I have on several different electric basses. Let's say six sets @ $100 each amortized over twenty years; that's only $30 per year!

 

[LG TPAFL]

My local shop guy recommended the TI jazz flats when I was looking to get my first flats on a P bass. Paid the $90 for them but I love the tone. And if they last anywhere close to ten years (assuming I do) the better. Only strings Carol Kaye uses. I also have D'Darrio ECB80s on a Squier JB and really like them as well.

 

[mikeGJ]

DI’addario Chrome Jazz Xl Lights have been an acceptable substitute for Ti Jazz, for me. Good feel, good sound, lower price.

 

[Levent]

I would say 45-95 GHS Precision Flats . It's closest to TI Flats with tone character and tension per my taste.
Only difference I feel is a little more punch, a little less singing treble. I tried almost all flats and this is one of my favourite.

 

[Chadwick Salls]

LaBella Low Tension Flats are the closest I have found but with that being said, TI is worth the price and essential to the tone I am going for (mid-range, groove/melodic playing). I have them on 3 vintage Fenders (Precision/Jazz/Mustang), hollow body Guild M85, and my Moollon, and the tone is still the same after 5+ years. My only issue with TI is that the A string is a pretty light gauge compared to the other strings (I adapted easily to a lighter touch) and I have had a few sets with a zingy metallic A. Still, I got replaced without hassle (the US customer service guy I found was awesome). Pitbull Audio in California gave me the best deal on TI. They are on Reverb but I called them directly in CA and got 10% off, no tax, free shipping (I'm in TX)

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Those "$100" TIs will last you a decade, or more.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

One of the key factors that give TI their sound is the flexibility. So id start by looking at the lightest available gauges in typical hexcore rounds. To my blasphemous ears TI's sound really close to extra light gauge halfround strings. I love every sound sample I hear from their products but I too refuse to support them, they strike me as folks who overcharge for a product simply because the ravanous appetite of its consumers allow them to jack up the price to 11, in this day and age any effort by a company to have its products remain affordable goes a very long way in keeping my business.

You are seemingly unaware that Tomastik-Infeld is an orchestral string company that makes a few kinds of strings for non-orchestral instruments. If you really, truly, think that they are jacking up the price "because they can", then you've never bought a set of high quality double bass strings. Seriously, the price of TI Jazz flats pales in comparison to upright strings from almost any string maker. Yes, there are cheap strings that sound cheap and warrant replacement at a rate that makes them far less economical than good strings (try getting an arco sound out of cheap strings...), but a high quality set of upright strings can set you back $500, and they'll typically last for many, many years.

 

[ToddB1963]

Hi
I am new to the world of P basses and Flats. The Youtube videos I have seen showed me that The TI flats are brighter than others and seem to keep the sound of the P bass pickups. I also looked at Labellas Deep Talkin Flats ( because of Jamerson) which seem to be much darker. Is that right? Coming from active J basses with roundwounds I have not developed an ear for what is good about one type of flats vs another. But I do like the sound of the TIs. I just don't like the Price tag. Almost 100.-? Jeez. Is there a cheaper alternative? I can get a set of the Labellas for $40 bucks. Are the TIs that much better or is it just because Pino is using them? Is there another string that sounds similar that doesn't hurt you as much in the pocket book?

I've been an on/off user of TI Jazz flats since 1998 or thereabouts when they first appeared on the market over here and have used them on several different basses, both active and passive. I've been through many sets on many different instruments.

Here's my take:

1) Yes, very low-tension (as the name suggests). Great if you have a light touch like I do, but even then, I find them a bit too soft, even 'floppy', as some might put it.
2) Long lasting. Had a set on my '78 Jazz bass for seven years. There was no deterioration in sound at all during that time. A 'set and forget' type of string (for want of a better expression).
3) Smooth/creamy high end. Not harsh or brittle (speaks for itself really).
4) Not a transparent-sounding string by any means. Heavy on the mid-range: Good, if that's what you like, but I found this characteristic rendered them unsuitable on certain instruments. For example, they were well suited to the aforementioned '78 jazz bass, but wholly unsuited to my 3 band EBMM Stingray ('colored' the sound too much for my liking).
5) Slightly lacking in the low end: Not an inherently 'punchy' string IME. I think 'smooth' is a more appropriate adjective - which is why I liked them on the jazz bass (playing in a jazz quartet).

Yes, they're a good string, but in my opinion not the be-all and end-all regardless of what instrument you might be playing. (see #4). Tonally, they suit certain basses, and not others.

I've skirted around the question (kind of) but thought it worth giving you some information from first-hand experience. The most important thing to note is this:

Even though Pino uses them, that's no guarantee they'll float your boat. I loved the tone Anthony Jackson got from his 'career girl' jazz bass - but AJ used roto swing bass 66s and as good as they sounded when he used them, personally I cannot stand to use them myself.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I don’t find TI flats brighter than all other flats. I think Chromes are brighter when new and EB Cobalt flats are brighter for a long time. I’ve had two sets of TI’s. One set I tried on every electric long scale I own (8 at that time). They ended up on a fretless acoustic. The second set is on my fretted acoustic. I had them on a PBass for a while, but went back to EB Cobalt flats.

I just received a set of LaBella deep talking flats in medium gauge as a gift. I put them on my PBass and liked the tone a lot, but the tension + stiffness was too high for me.

My favorite flat was D’Adderio Chromes, but I’m an EB Cobalt Flats player now.

 

[JLS]

Don't look at the price as you would as buying a meal, look at it as a mortgage. These strings will last for decades. Broken down over the course of time they are a great purchase and a bargain. Compare their longevity to that of guitar strings, which only last for a short time (in some cases, one gig). Hope this helps.

I have a set of TIs on one of my basses from early 2002. 5 string.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I don’t find TI flats brighter than all other flats. I think Chromes are brighter when new and EB Cobalt flats are brighter for a long time. I’ve had two sets of TI’s. One set I tried on every electric long scale I own (8 at that time). They ended up on a fretless acoustic. The second set is on my fretted acoustic. I had them on a PBass for a while, but went back to EB Cobalt flats.

I just received a set of LaBella deep talking flats in medium gauge as a gift. I put them on my PBass and liked the tone a lot, but the tension + stiffness was too high for me.

My favorite flat was D’Adderio Chromes, but I’m an EB Cobalt Flats player now.

P bass + EB cobalt flat = match made in heaven ! Rock and sing like nothing else for me.