T.I. Flat Users, I need help with string action.

[interp]

I've played TI Jazz flats for years and yes they do like a lighter touch. However, setup issues may be just as important a factor here. If you don't have any high frets and you make careful truss rod and bridge adjustments you should be able to stop most or all of the buzzing.

Incidentally, I took a few lessons from Carol Kaye back in the 80s. At the time she was living on a friend's couch. Might have just been temporary money troubles, but I seriously doubt that she ever made "zillions." Not to take anything away from her playing or her contributions. She was and is amazing.

 

[dalahorse]

So my Jazz Flats came in today. I let out about one quarter turn on my truss rod, raised string heights a bit, and reset intonation (saddles all came forward). No fret buzz at all and strings are not uncomfortably high.

These strings are awesome - especially compared to my old EB flats! Just the right amount of thump and sustain. Moving to the bridge pickup (EMG 35HZ) makes a nice mellow growl sound - nicer than my EBs. The neck pickup (same) is very round and warm sounding. And I get a much broader sound pallet when moving my right hand. I officially have a favorite string for life! Well, I can't tell the future. But really, I can't imagine there's a more right string for me!

On the floppiness discussion - They really aren't floppy at all. Loser than my EBs - yes. But definitely not loose. They string tension is perfect in my uneducated opinion.

Shawshank72 - I definitely hope you can come up with a good setup that makes these strings work for you!

 

[pedroims]

+ 1 on the light touch, the action on my basses either with TI and Fat beams is 5/64 on the E and 1/16 on the G with very short relief, not fret buzz at all.

 

[engedi1]

To add my .02. I play with a pretty hard touch sometimes, and have found bliss with the TI Flats by one hugely dramatic alteration to my technique. PUTTING MY HAND CLOSER TO THE BRIDGE. This produces not only a really cool tone with TI Flats, but fixes your buzzing issue. My neck has a slight relief, and the action is pretty low, but not super crazy low. These strings are designed to emulate an upright bass tone and need some room to travel like upright strings do. However, the low tension lets you have a little higher action and still get around pretty fast.
I have found no better string for fingerstyle playing, either rock or jazz, or country, or anything else. The tone is worth whatever minor right hand adjustment necessary.
Where I agree with the OP, is that if you use a pick and get too excited they will fret out. Not the best strings for use with a pick.

 

[anonymous122511]

I've played TI Jazz flats for years and yes they do like a lighter touch. However, setup issues may be just as important a factor here. If you don't have any high frets and you make careful truss rod and bridge adjustments you should be able to stop most or all of the buzzing.

+1 on the setup. While a lighter touch does generally work best you can play harder if you figure out the control and finesse required. That said while I can do it with my fingers I haven't figured out how to really lay into the TI's with a pick.

 

[engedi1]

That said while I can do it with my fingers I haven't figured out how to really lay into the TI's with a pick.

+1 to this right back!

 

[freshbass]

mine are set really low but i have a light touch. light touch gives u control and more tone not less + u can vary the "attack" (see bob babbitt phil jones interviews). i set my bass w/ very little relief but i also have a luthier dress the frets.