How Low Tension are TI "Low Tension" Flats?

[Geddy Claypool]

Hi yall!

Forgive me, as I'm a bit of a flats noob after playing rounds pretty much my whole life, but I've been stepping over to the dark (and warm) side lately by trying different sets of flats. I recently picked up a Vintera Precision and I'm really excited to get some flats on it. I've tried things like Chromes before, which I liked a lot.

My question: In demo videos/clips, I've found myself really digging the sound of TI flats. Based on tone alone, I'd love to pick a set of these up to try. They sound like they sit in the mix beautifully and they retain some highs like I like. But the words "low tension" concern me. I'm a noted hater of floppy strings, and I always use hex core round wounds over round core because I like the string to have some heft to it when plucking through. So how low tension are the TI flats? Are they just low tension in a flats context (and therefore are comparable to hex core rounds), or are they properly loose and low tension like round core strings? I don't need them to be huge heavy cables like Labellas or heavy-gauge Chromes, but I'm just not a fan of floppy strings generally. Also of concern is the fact that both bands I play with regularly tune a half step down from standard.

Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[michael_t]

I'm a noted hater of floppy strings, and I always use hex core round wounds over round core because I like the string to have some heft to it when plucking through. So how low tension are the TI flats?

Take a typical 45-105 set of hex-core rounds and tune them down to DGCF. That's probably close to how the TI Flats would feel in EADG. "Floppy" is a relative term, so you might have to experiment.

 

[Geddy Claypool]

Take a typical 45-105 set of hex-core rounds and tune them down to DGCF. That's probably close to how the TI Flats would feel in EADG. "Floppy" is a relative term, so you might have to experiment.

That's a helpful comparison actually, and sounds like something I could deal with. "Floppy" is definitely a relative term, but to me I'm thinking of standard gauge round-core rounds when I say that. Of course the main issue with experimentation in these areas is that TI flats don't exactly come cheap. Otherwise I would just order and try them and not worry about asking here.

 

[bwildt]

You may currently prefer a certain string tension. However, don't underestimate anyone's ability to become accustomed a new technique and "feel" and maybe come to prefer it. I've run TI flats for lots of years and I have really become OK with them. My technique is quite a bit lighter than it was when I started out. However, I never found TI's to be excessively floppy.

 

[michael_t]

Of course the main issue with experimentation in these areas is that TI flats don't exactly come cheap.

I meant experiment with what you have by using the down-tuning method before investing in a new set of TI flats. How low can you go in tuning before they become unplayable for you?

By the way, don't forget to check the TB classified to see if there might be someone trying to sell a used set.

 

[iiipopes]

Thomastik-Infeld JF324 Jazz Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings - .043-.106 Short Scale 32" 4-string

They average @ 32 pounds tension per string, where a typical set of 45's NPS has about 40-45 pounds tension per string.

 

[adje]

Thomastik-Infeld JF324 Jazz Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings - .043-.106 Short Scale 32" 4-string

They average @ 32 pounds tension per string, where a typical set of 45's NPS has about 40-45 pounds tension per string.

That's for the medium scale set. The long scales have higher tension than that - except for the A string.
Thomastik-Infeld JF344 Jazz Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings - .043-.100 4-string Long Scale 34"

 

[iiipopes]

That's for the medium scale set. The long scales have higher tension than that - except for the A string.
Thomastik-Infeld JF344 Jazz Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings - .043-.100 4-string Long Scale 34"

I stand corrected. In any event, at least 5 pounds average less tension per string than a typical NPS 45-105, and the A string is a floppy rubber band.

 

[mrjim123]

I play them after having found a TON of discussion on TB w/r to TI Flats tension/floppiness/etc. Dig a little.

 

[dalahorse]

I don't find them to be excessively floppy at all. I've even downtuned a whole step (DGCF) and found them to be fine. Use a lighter touch and/or pluck a tiny bit closer to the bridge if necessary. A good setup after changing strings will help a lot. This is especially true of TIJFs.

 

[bolophonic]

Lightly used sets show up in the classifieds all the time, I got a set for $35 and I am very glad to have found them, because I love playing those strings.

 

[JimmyM]

Based on what you said, I doubt you will like them.

 

[jasper383]

You will get used to them. They aren't really "floppy" in my opinion.

You might need to add a bit of relief to the neck and/or raise the string height a bit, but not by a huge amount.

Once you get them dialed in, they are a real pleasure to play, and if the sound works for you, boom.

 

[SmokinJoe992]

Others may have differing opinions, but based on my experience with them "floppy" would be how I would describe them. Whether that equates to " too floppy " to you depends. There is noticeably less tension in them.

 

[michael_t]

In demo videos/clips, I've found myself really digging the sound of TI flats. Based on tone alone, I'd love to pick a set of these up to try. They sound like they sit in the mix beautifully and they retain some highs like I like. But the words "low tension" concern me.

If you like the tonal quality of the TI Jazz Flats but want a little more stiffness to suit your playing style, you might want to check into the latest version (as in version 3) of Sadowsky Blue Label Flats, which come both in 40-100 and 45-105.

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@ljazz probably can provide some insight on them as he's familiar with both the TI and the Sadowsky.

 

[Killing Floor]

TI JF are interesting because they're not flabby feeling. You just don't need to tug them to get the tone you want. They are actually a little brighter than some flats, you could even get a thick slap tone if needed. They don't feel loose in a sloppy way. They just feel less rigid. You'd likely need to take a couple days to get used to them but it doesn't feel weird. I use them on several basses and also use LB flats and DR HiBeams and once I spent a while getting used to them they just become normal. They don't feel like Chromes for sure but they aren't so loose you'll have any trouble adapting. The tone is magnificent and they last a century.

 

[fishdude101101]

they are some of the floppiest string you'll find. I love the feel but hate the tone (don't shoot me)

 

[darwin-bass]

I run TI Jazz Flats on a two 32" scale basses. The lower tension of the shorter scale makes playing stiffness even lower than what you'd see on 34" scale. I also play a 34" scale bass with round core rounds. Perhaps I've just gotten used to the feel but going back and forth I don't even notice a difference. Each bass plays like that bass. I did briefly have Chromes on the 34" scale bass and they felt stiff in comparison.

I love the tone of TI JF enough that I'm totally fine with adjusting my playing style to allow me to get the most out of them. I adapt to it rather than having it conform to me.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

They are pricey to try, but that's the only way to see if they're right for you, unfortunately. There's a place on Amazon that sells them as "Accordion Accessories" laugh for about $60, which is the cheapest I've been able to find them.

I love the tone the most. They just work for me. I also like how they feel. I have to adjust the truss rod a little if I had higher tension strings on before them, but that's simple enough. I'm waiting for my 3rd set to put on one of my main players; then I'll have them on the 3 basses I use most. I like Chromes OK, and I have had both DTB and Low Tension LaBella flats, which I like also.

But I just get better growl and highs with the TI's, with a really nice low end, and the feel is great, so in my mind, that ends the strings debate. (For me anyway; there will never be an end to the strings debates on TB!)

 

[Deleted member 271037]

They are amazing strings, one of my favourites, but if you're "a hater of floppy strings" you will hate them. Not only are they very low tension, they are also round core and very flexible. They are certainly more floppy than other strings of a simular gauge. Save your money and get something else.


Or be prepared to adapt your style of playing. It might be worth it if you love the tone as you won't find that tone with ANY other strings, TI Jazz Flats are unique, there's nothing even remotely like them.