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Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Rounds

Johnny Alien

Johnny Alien

Supporting Member
Jan 24, 2003
6,207
3,591
Harrisburg, PA, USA
#1
So we have a thread about the flatwounds but not the rounds. Also searching the forums I see there is a 4-1 ratio of flat threads to rounds.

I just picked up a set and it will be my first try with them.

I have played every other TI string including the Flats, Superalloys and Powerbass but these will be new to me. I am still a tad apprehensive about the low tension but I do enjoy a lower tension and I wanted a smoother easier round for a Fullerton reissue I have coming to me.

Anyone using these? Like them? Is the E string too skinny?
 
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#3
I used to use them on my Fender Roscoe Beck 5-string. They still are the best single-bass, round-wound strings I ever played. The low tension, string feel and sound were a perfect for my playing style and the sound I strive for. The only reason I no longer use them is that I switched to headless basses and double-ball strings.
 
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#6
Superalloys are a great string. Medium tension and very mellow. They sound broken in from the time you put them on. I would go for them on this bass but I wanted something a little lower tension.

PowerBass are higher tension (although not too high) fairly close to a standard set of D'Addario's or similar. Very high output and very zingy. The zingyness tends to last awhile to. I like these for aggressive rock but not my favorite TI string. Also much pricier than the Superalloys.
 
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#7
I love TI Jazz rounds and still have my set, even though they aren't strung up on any of my basses currently (mainly because of travel and only having one bass, a P, at the moment).

they are EXTREMELY well balanced strings from bottom to top. Effortless to play and you will have to change your play style for sure if you've only played 105-45 strings your whole life. that said these really articulate every nuance of your playing and sound great while doing it. A very natural sounding roundwound to me.

check out tb member lokire's videos on youtube to hear them in all their glory. here's one:

 
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#9
These strings became my favorite the first time I used them. Great "woody" tone and they last forever. The older they get the better they seem to sound. I had a set that was over 3 years old that was killer but finally wore out. I even like to slap them, though they are not a bright sounding string. The only other string I use now is the DR Sunbeam in .40-.95, but I prefer the TI Jazz Rounds most of the time. You may grow to like them even more over time. :)
 
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#10
Johnny Alien said:
Superalloys are a great string. Medium tension and very mellow. They sound broken in from the time you put them on. I would go for them on this bass but I wanted something a little lower tension.
Click to expand...

absolutely agree with this.
the superalloys are a great string.
a nice smooth overall sound.
I had them on my rick and loved the sound.
but i also found the tension was a little to high for me.
 
#11
sal4bass said:
These strings became my favorite the first time I used them. Great "woody" tone and they last forever. The older they get the better they seem to sound. I had a set that was over 3 years old that was killer but finally wore out. I even like to slap them, though they are not a bright sounding string. The only other string I use now is the DR Sunbeam in .40-.95, but I prefer the TI Jazz Rounds most of the time. You may grow to like them even more over time. :)
Click to expand...

After 3 years did they start to lose their intonation? Or just sound bad?
 
#14
I have TI flats on all of my electric and upright basses, and have never understood comments saying the string tension on TI jazzflats was remarkably low. I played a Turner Renaissance RB5FL strung with Thomastik Infeld phosphorbronze strings strings; the sound was warm and rich with overtones, but those were the lowest tension bass strings I've ever played!

Can anyone comment on the tension and finger noise of TI rounds relative to jazzflats?
 
#15
Jazzdogg said:
I have TI flats on all of my electric and upright basses, and have never understood comments saying the string tension on TI jazzflats was remarkably low. I played a Turner Renaissance RB5FL strung with Thomastik Infeld phosphorbronze strings strings; the sound was warm and rich with overtones, but those were the lowest tension bass strings I've ever played!

Can anyone comment on the tension and finger noise of TI rounds relative to jazzflats?
Click to expand...


The jazz rounds are lighter tension than the jazz flats. They have less finger noise than your average roudwound strings too, since they use smaller windings (smoother feel). TI Jazz Rounds are my favorite electric bass strings, by far!! :D
 
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#18
Number27 said:
do you guys play with super high action to avoid major fret buzz?... i can't imagine being able to dig in at all with an E string thats only a .89 o_O
Click to expand...

I will take a photo later but I have fairly low action.

I play in a loud Ramones style band mainly and my touch isn't exactly light. PLaying acoustically you might hear some fret buzz if you dig in but playing at loud volumes through an amp I have never noticed it.

I don't mind any fret buzz that does not amplify. I like a light string and low action.
 
#19
sal4bass said:
I play low action setups, but use a fairly light right hand touch. I set my basses to the lowest action I can to avoid fret buzz with the TI Jazz Rounds.
Click to expand...

Johnny Alien said:
I will take a photo later but I have fairly low action.

I play in a loud Ramones style band mainly and my touch isn't exactly light. PLaying acoustically you might hear some fret buzz if you dig in but playing at loud volumes through an amp I have never noticed it.

I don't mind any fret buzz that does not amplify. I like a light string and low action.
Click to expand...

ok cool. i may have to try these then.

you guys say that it gets a "woody" tone and that they are not a bright string (which i like). how would you compare the tone to flats or ground rounds?
 
#20
I play these strings on my Guild Starfire II short scale bass, and like them better than the flats everyone raves about. As you go up the neck, they blossom, and plenty of low end on the E string.

Yes, string diameter (especially the E) takes getting used to especially after the flat 0.106 monster, but I like the zingyness
 

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