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T-I Jazz Roundwounds - Why?
- Thread starter KenD
- Start date
See other threads about it, but the ultrasonic cleaner idea appeals to me. I haven't tried it (or any other cleaning method) yet.
Also, be aware that taking strings on and off is more tricky with round core strings (which TIs are).
Acknowledged. As a thought that seems to make sense. I've never run into anyone who says that they destroyed a set of TI strings that way though. I suppose it's possible.
Now I am super tempted to try this TIJR on my Sadowsky. I have used Sadowsky steel and then nickel strings since I bought it in 2013. Nickel rounds on it now, but I am thinking of switching to the TIs now...
I have been taking taking round core strings on and off for years. If you crimp them correctly when new, you shouldn't have a problem.
For me personally, for what TI's cost, I'd just as soon have 2 or 3 sets of something less expensive I could change more often. As good as they are, over time the tone goes away, just like anything else, so for me to change more often is a way to stay more consistent in the string sound I'm after.
As usual, I'm swimming against the current, but they're just not all that to me.
As usual, I'm swimming against the current, but they're just not all that to me.
The jazz rounds - for me at least - take some getting used to. If I switch to a nearly identical bass but with 100-40 Sunbeams (round core and light gauge) the feel and sound is so completely different.
I think I would have to either stick with Jazz Rounds on every bass or give up on them because once I play normal strings for an hour I can't go back to the Jazz Rounds without having to re-learn the technique. But I have no trouble going from 100-40 Sunbeams to other "normal" strings of any brand, gauge, hex/round core, steel/nickel.
The JazzRounds have a great sound (and legend has it that they last a long, long time without losing that sound) but the E string just doesn't have nearly the volume that I get with normal strings --- I have to raise the pickup under the E string to get it in balance. (or maybe it IS balanced but I'm just used to overly loud E strings from "normal" string sets?)
I think I would have to either stick with Jazz Rounds on every bass or give up on them because once I play normal strings for an hour I can't go back to the Jazz Rounds without having to re-learn the technique. But I have no trouble going from 100-40 Sunbeams to other "normal" strings of any brand, gauge, hex/round core, steel/nickel.
The JazzRounds have a great sound (and legend has it that they last a long, long time without losing that sound) but the E string just doesn't have nearly the volume that I get with normal strings --- I have to raise the pickup under the E string to get it in balance. (or maybe it IS balanced but I'm just used to overly loud E strings from "normal" string sets?)
I get this. After starting this thread and reading through so many responses, the only thing left is to try a set for awhile and see what I think. There are so many subjective variables in the chain from our mind's muse to what comes out of the speakers that personal experience is really the only way to know what assists and enhances, and what doesn't.
My main player for a few years, a import "super j 5" with an Audere pre and Nordy big singles wore TI jazz rounds tuned E to C. I bought a 6 string set to get the C. They were very responsive to right hand position (right handed finger style) and striking pressure.
Played softly, they sounded almost like flats, and when dug in or struck hard, they produced an amazing grinding tone from the fret noise.
I cleaned them every few months by spraying silicone on a shop rag, the rag around one string and sliding the rag up and down at various angles. It didn't penetrate the wrap, but did remove lots of oxidation and improved the feel. Until I sold the bass.......
My experience with strings is that each bass has its own preference. I am about to install a set on a double P to check them out again.
Played softly, they sounded almost like flats, and when dug in or struck hard, they produced an amazing grinding tone from the fret noise.
I cleaned them every few months by spraying silicone on a shop rag, the rag around one string and sliding the rag up and down at various angles. It didn't penetrate the wrap, but did remove lots of oxidation and improved the feel. Until I sold the bass.......
My experience with strings is that each bass has its own preference. I am about to install a set on a double P to check them out again.
This is really the only way to truly learn about different strings - try them, yourself. Give them time, don't pass judgement in the first day or two, as, depending on your playing style (primarily the plucking/picking hand) you might have/want to adjust for the slinkier string feel. Worth it, IMO. I really learned that many years ago at a Tribal Tech show. After watching Gary play like a monster, as usual, I got to play his bass, afterwards. The action was so low that I could barely produce any clean notes, yet Gary had just ripped it up for the past hour and a half, getting amazing sounds on that very same bass! After that awakening, I really worked on lightening my touch, to the betterment of my playing and to the bass' longevity. It helped make me a better bassist.
Exhibit A:
New set of Jazz Rounds played fingerstyle.
This one is a similar spec'd bass with JRs that were about a year old. Same playing technique.
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Have you tried the TI Jazz Flats? Because they don't sound like your ordinary flats.
In my opinion, they are the best sounding strings, from the dozens I tried flats or rounds.
The tension is perfect, the feel is smooth, and they respond very well to playing dynamics.
I may have to order a set of TI Rounds, to see how I like them.
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No I haven't yet. My ear naturally inclines towards the round wound "sound". Ideal for me is not "bright" but a bit of the wire sound of round wounds with more balls in the mids and without the finger noise.
You really need to try the flats then...
To my ear they sound exactly like what you're describing.
I agree, that's why I love them, and why those ghs, labella, pyramid, and d'addario strings sit in the closet.
The Fender 9050, however, are another breed. Super aggressive and bright, but very high tension.
What part of "not close to death" did you not understand? The initial twangy nonsense that new rounds display is just that - the sound of brand new rounds that haven't broken in yet. Broken in is how they're supposed to sound. Which, if you keep them - and your hands - clean and dry, is how they'll sound for quite a while... And broken in is not the same as "dead", regardless of whatever nonsense you've been told. But, if you want that annoyingly bright twang - and are willing to change your strings every other day to get it? Knock yourself out; your friendly neighborhood music store probably squeals with glee, every time you walk in the door...
