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Need some help: TIs vs. Fender Flats

squeally dan

squeally dan

Mar 30, 2008
572
668
#1
One of 10 year old strings on my J bass unwound down by the ridge so needed some new ones. I really liked the strings that were on it. I don’t know for sure but think they were TIs. They felt very low tension. Decided to try something different and cheaper this time so I installed some Fender 9059Ls. They feel much stiffer and the low E is rattling…..I think because it might be too big for the nut.
So, when I look at the gauges, the TIs and Fenders appear to have the same size E. So why would the Fender not fit as well?
Also, the other 3 TI strings smaller? Is that the less tension I’m feeling? Didn’t think it would make that much difference?
 
#2
squeally dan said:
Decided to try something different and cheaper this time so I installed some Fender 9059Ls. They feel much stiffer and the low E is rattling…..I think because it might be too big for the nut.
Click to expand...

Fender 9050L = 45-60-80-100. I have a hard time with the idea of 100E being too big for the nut slot.

A couple of things to check for... Make sure the E string is wrapped around the tuner post properly so the last wrap is as close to the bottom as possible to ensure adequate break angle at the nut.

Also, make sure to do a complete setup going from TI's to Fender 9050s as the tension difference is fairly significant and would probably require a truss rod tweak.
 
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#4
Only open. A string as well. It has had the same strings for at least 10 years so this is my first time changing bass strings.
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#8
And if you need different strings, probably the most popular answer is Labella Deep Talkin' flats, 760FL model. Been my go-to for more than 20 years.

And when you re-install that E, shorten the string. You don't need more string than enough to reach 4 inches past the tuner post. That includes bending over the end of the string to insert into the tuner post.
 
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#9
michael_t said:
Fender 9050L = 45-60-80-100. I have a hard time with the idea of 100E being too big for the nut slot.

A couple of things to check for... Make sure the E string is wrapped around the tuner post properly so the last wrap is as close to the bottom as possible to ensure adequate break angle at the nut.

Also, make sure to do a complete setup going from TI's to Fender 9050s as the tension difference is fairly significant and would probably require a truss rod tweak.
Click to expand...
Thank you. That fixed it. Still may change back to TIs for the mellower tone and lower tension.
 
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#10
squeally dan said:
Thank you. That fixed it. Still may change back to TIs for the mellower tone and lower tension.
Click to expand...

Don't give up on the Fender 9050s too soon, though. It does take a good month or two for them to settle into their true character. They happen to be my favorite flatwound for my Fender Jazz for their full-bodied punch and a nice midrange with a hint of grind.
 
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