Questions about new Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats

[SethD]

I decided to replace a 5+ year old set of TI Jazz Flats that still feel and sound pretty darn good, primarily because the G-string outer wrap is starting to unravel from the core in the section around the tuning peg.

The new E-string sounds blurry and indistinct in comparison to old E -- almost difficult to hear the fundamental -- which differs from other accounts I've read here on TB about extremely bright new E- and A-strings. The new E and new D also have silk wraps and presumably windings beneath that look different from the rest (pictured below). Has anyone encountered dull strings on a new set of Jazz Flats? Are the different E and D cause for concern?

I've also noticed that the new set feels less flexible than the set it was replacing (and is now back on the bass). Do Jazz Flats break in in sound and feel over time?

 

[Bibby]

Just put on a set of TIJF's this past weekend myself.

The wraps look the same as mine, the G is noticeably smoother, looks good to me.

Mine feel and sound like I think they should, so I can't comment on that. Sorry that the string change did not go as expected. I have had that experience a few times, never fun.

 

[SethD]

Thanks for the response @Bibby and for confirming that the wrap isn't unusual. I reached out to TI as well and will update this thread if they respond.

 

[SethD]

I reached out to Thomastik-Infeld with the questions in my initial post. Their rep did not comment on the difference in feel between the old and new strings or potential break-in over time. However, T-I's US distributer, Connolly Music Company, did send a replacement E-string, which sound much better than the original. Kudos to both for excellent customer service and product support.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

Connolly Company is an honorable firm. I've bought strings from them for 2 decades, and have done beta-testing and reviews of prototype strings for them.

 

[RocknRay]

Two sets of TI Jazz Flats that I have acquired over the last 15 years had very inconsistent brightness across the strings. The first was a long scale set and Connolly replaced them promptly with a very good set. One more good set was purchased maybe 5 years ago. A short scale set I received today is the second inconsistent set. I’m done, sorry to say, hope others get more joy from these expensive strings.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Two sets of TI Jazz Flats that I have acquired over the last 15 years had very inconsistent brightness across the strings. The first was a long scale set and Connolly replaced them promptly with a very good set. One more good set was purchased maybe 5 years ago. A short scale set I received today is the second inconsistent set. I’m done, sorry to say, hope others get more joy from these expensive strings.

Can anyone tell me about how long it takes (generally speaking) to break in a set of TIs? I just strung them up, for the first time, and I'm wondering.

 

[Brian K]

I change mine every few months, dozens of sets with no inconsistent strings, I like them best brand new, they do get darker over the first 8-10 hours of playing, I find.

 

[Root 5]

It’s very common with flats of all brands that the E is ‘duller’ than the rest. They will balance out with time. Flats are a marathon, not the 100-metre sprint

 

[GIBrat51]

I decided to replace a 5+ year old set of TI Jazz Flats that still feel and sound pretty darn good, primarily because the G-string outer wrap is starting to unravel from the core in the section around the tuning peg.

The new E-string sounds blurry and indistinct in comparison to old E -- almost difficult to hear the fundamental -- which differs from other accounts I've read here on TB about extremely bright new E- and A-strings. The new E and new D also have silk wraps and presumably windings beneath that look different from the rest (pictured below). Has anyone encountered dull strings on a new set of Jazz Flats? Are the different E and D cause for concern?

I've also noticed that the new set feels less flexible than the set it was replacing (and is now back on the bass). Do Jazz Flats break in in sound and feel over time?

View attachment 4018496

A lot if TIJF users (me included) find them to be pretty typical flat when new; dull/"dead" E string, with pretty bright A,D, & G strings. Their only standout feature at that stage, is a really bright A string. But, like other flats? When they break in (which took a long time, in my case), they even out nicely. Sorry your G string came apart; the tendency of flats to do this, is why I always put a crimp in them before I cut them. Whether the string maker says to do so, or not...