Odd inconsistency in a new TI flats set

[robert_stuart]

I'm not sure what new TI flats should sound like.

Is it me? My bass? Or do I need to ask for a new A string? Or maybe a new set? Or does the set just need to break in?

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I'm not sure what to say about that. I have used that set for ages, and don't think I've ever heard an A-string, or any other sound that markedly bright, open or otherwise.

I would look at obviously things first... the pickup height at the center particularly for that string. Check the witness points at the saddles and nut. That doesn't sound like a twisted string. (I've done that...)

Failing that, then yes, I'd ask them to replace the string. I expect they would.

 

[rcmbass]

For whatever this is worth, I purchased a set of Ernie Ball Pino Palladino flats for my P Bass for $80. They are marketed as “broken in” from day one.

I played the Pinos for a month. From the first install until a month later, the E string was dead as a door nail. I reached out to Ernie ball for a replacement string. They sent me a whole new set. Same results with the E string. After more research, I found that it’s a common problem with that set.

I switched to TI flats and they are amazing. My set are even across all stings.

 

[ardgedee]

I'm not sure what new TI flats should sound like.

Is it me? My bass? Or do I need to ask for a new A string? Or maybe a new set? Or does the set just need to break in?

I would send them a link to this video and ask for a new A string. Every string company has their occasional clinkers, what makes the good ones good is how they respond when one is discovered.

 

[nixdad]

I've been using TI flats for the past 12 years, and have them on multiple basses. I don't recall ever having a set with a wonky string.

I agree with @ardgedee - contact the company. From what I've read, they have wonderful customer service.

 

[rogerb]

I recently put a new set on. Much different than the old ones E and A were bright, they did break in after a lot hours of playing. Then tha A string broke at the bridge, I put on the old A string and kept going...

D and G sounded great out of the box.

Old set was actually strung through bridge 5 years, new set was top load, 3 months the one that broke!

I bought other flats to try, but haven't tried them yet.

 

[mikecd1]

Before I blame the string I'd want a close look at the pickup height on each string for each of those two pickups. I like the tone overall in the video, but the inconsistency being discussed at face value seems like an issue with the electronics / and or the setup. I'd like to hear a different set of strings on that bass to compare with if we're going to blame the string. Pbass pickups when they get slanted can sometimes need fine adjustments for even response. I'd also want to check your string setup with a radius gauge to make sure you're following the fretboard with the radius of your string setup first and then measure pickup height from pole piece to bottom of string. If you changed the strings you owe it to yourself to check everything else in between. Its a pain, but little things can make a big difference.

 

[JamesGrant]

Yeah - that’s not a set up issue. Never heard such a huge difference on a string like that before. String ‘sings’ very differently from its neighbours. Duff set I’d say - (speaking purely from your very interesting video)

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Had a DEAD E String about a year ago. They sent me a new one; I think I may have gotten routed through a distributor, but the replacement still came rather quickly - no questions asked.

 

[robert_stuart]

Update: I moved the strings to another bass, a fretless. I also compared them with a new set of Labella DTF.

The TI Flats have the same problem on this bass. So, everyone who guessed it's the strings seems to be right. In fact, we can see the difference in loudness objectively from this iMovie display. Here, I was alternating between D (how I wish they'd all sound) and the problematic A. It's the first 15 seconds of this new video:

 

[Yahboy]

Interesting, the A clearly sound brighter meanwhile the E sound slightly dead .

So far, i only meet a dead E string once on fresh Ti flat , otherwise all A string just sound fine with the rest.

Suggest contact Ti customer service.

 

[Edward Knox]

As mentioned elsewhere I dug the TIs on my Jazz, but the E string for whatever reason (my impertinence?) just did not sound right to me. Took them off the Jazz, saved them. Going to put them on my 4-string Washburn acoustic bass.