T.I. on a Fender Flea Roadworn?

[Bootrice]

Hi there!
Long time lurker in this section of TalkBass, first time posting. Here's my dilemma ...

a) I would like to give T.I. Flats a try on my Fender Flea bass, but I'm worried that the relatively light gauges of the set may cause problems with the nut of Jazz bass, since the factory strings installed by Fender run from .45 to .105, quite a bit thicker than the T.I. set I'm eyeing. I am well aware that the truss rod will have to be adjusted, intonation obviously, too.

I have very little experience with different string gauges, and I was wondering wether I would have to change the nut, or not.

b) Be aware, I fully understand that the following is highly subjective, but I'm just interested in your experience: T.I. flats on a Flea Jazz, yay or nay? For context, I currently enjoy learning my favorite Led Zep, Beatles and Sly & Family Stone songs.

Maybe you'd like to chime in, I appreciate all your input!

Cheers
Bootrice

 

[Gorn]

Going with smaller gauges than are intended for the nut isn't as big a problem as going with larger gauges. It's not ideal and you may want a new nut cut to the right sizes at some point, but it's really not a big deal. Flats on a jazz bass are great. TIs are great. Should be a great combo.

 

[e-flat]

Agreed w/ @Gorn on this topic: TI Flats on a Jazz Bass are a great combo and help the Jazz speak with a bit more midrange authority.

Maybe give them a shot, do the usual setup adjustments for a new string type, and then assess the nut slots. I’ve never had issues with TIs regarding the nut slot width / depth, so you may find that you’re ready to go with no fuss.

 

[starjag]

Do it! Don't worry about the nut as it will be fine. Neck relief and string action might need to be fine tuned to your preferences. Should be fun

 

[uwrossl]

To echo the previous comments...It'll be a great match. TI's are a fantastic match for a Jazz bass. You'll have no issue with the nut and the smaller gauges. I've got the original nut on both my Moollon P and my Sadowsky J that were cut for 45-105 and no problems. The setup tweak for the lower tension was easy to do myself as well.

TI's are great for pretty much all styles of music. Extremely versatile and will suit the style of the artists you listed. Put em on and play the heck out of em. Takes a bit of time for em to settle but it's well worth the time to get them there.