Thomastik-Infeld on a Mustang

[mjnyc]

I just bought some short scale Thomastik-Infelds JF324 strings for my Mustang 30 inch bass guitar. Two issues:

1. There is loud fret buzz when the G string is fretted at the second fret. I think this string is a bit narrower than the previous one and sits lower in the nut. Probably correctable.

2. Especially with the E string, there is very loud clicking when I fret, even if I try to fret fairly lightly or more vigorously. This was not an issue with the prior strings (Labella 760 FHBB). Also these strings are bit noisier when sliding up and down the string. The tone of the TIs is much brighter than that of the previous strings, and the sustain seems to be greater. But I don't think I can deal with the clicking and am thinking of selling them.

Any thoughts?

Michael J

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Any buzzing from the nut would only be noticable when playing open strings. However, TI flats are very low tension so you might need to loosen the truss rod a bit. If the truss rod is too tight you will not get enough relief (or even a backbow). This can definitely cause buzzing around the 2.fret.

Having said that, I have often needed to replace the nut when changing to TI Jazz Flats but if your open strings sound fine with no buzzing or weird ringing you're probably ok.

The clicking and string noise is something I've never experienced with TIs so I can't comment on that except that I suspect it MIGHT be a setup issue. But if you want the thumpy old school flatwound tone of the LaBellas you won't get it with the TIs. They have a much stronger upper mid presence and a lot more sustain.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

One more thing: TI Jazz Flats are round core strings. These need to be handled carefully. The standard procedure for installing round core strings is to bend the strings 90 degrees (or crimp them) before cutting to avoid the windings loosening from the core. The bend will need to be in the same position where ALL strings are bent when inserting them into the hole in the tuning shaft. You just need to bend it before cutting the string, which also means you will have to be extra careful about measuring the length.

The problem with TIJFs is that they are very soft/flexible strings. If you loosen the strings completely and pull them out of the tuning shafts the 90 degree bend won't always stay firmly at 90 degrees. I've had several sets of TIJFs go bad when loosening the strings completely. The strings have developed some kind of weird metallic overtones/ringing. I can't say for sure why this has happened but I've always suspected it must have been the windings shifting slightly along the core. It's not like the windings have unravelled completely but something has definitely happened and it has ruined the tone. I've learned my lesson and NEVER loosen TIJFs completely anymore, unless I really have to.

From your description I don't think this is what you're experiencing but it's definitely something to be aware of. These are expensive strings and they need to be handled carefully. Maybe crimping would keep the windings more firmly in place than a 90 degree bend with these flexible strings?

When installed properly and kept at tension they last a VERY long time and they're definitely one of my favourite strings. That doesn't mean they're right for YOU of course.

 

[mjnyc]

Thanks for the advice. The buzz at the second fret completely resolved with loosening the truss rod a bit.

The clicking when I fret is still there. From doing lots of googling/reading I get the impression that it's related to these strings being more flexible (all the more so since it's a short scale bass).

I had no idea about the differences between round and hex core, so thanks for pointing me towards that information! Luckily I didn't cut them yet.

I think these TIs are not for me. If Sweetwater will take them back, uncut but used once, fine; otherwise I will try to sell them.

Thanks again!

Michael