Thomastik Infeld Powerbass strings

[Cthulow]

Maybe someone on the forum can advise me on this. I had decided to try some more upscale strings on my Ibanez 5 string bass. So, I purchased this TI Powerbass set. After making adjustments to the truss rod, string height, intonation, etc. I was getting ready to use them for the first time, making the final tuning, when the cores & windings of two of the strings separated, rendering them useless. Now, as you know, these strings are not cheap - they cost me over $100, so I was less than pleased.
The company that sold them from their online site seems to have a policy specifying that I need to air my complaint to the manufacturer. Well, that's a bit inconvenient, since Thomastik Infeld is located in Vienna, apparently.
Anyway, it is possible that I may be responsible for the malfunction. I cut the strings to length without "crimping" them first, which may be necessary with some types of strings (I had read somewhere that this should be done but wasn't sure if it was required in this case). These have a hexagonal core - is it especially important to "crimp" these strings before cutting? If so, then, "my bad" and I may have to "eat the cost"! Could be this was a case of my own ignorance, but I had never crimped any strings in the past and have never had this problem. Thanks to all of you in advance for any information you can share about your own knowledge/experience with this.

 

[Cthulow]

All right. So far, no bites. Here's a quick follow-up. At least I'm getting excellent customer service from JustStrings - have always had fine support from them. They have informed the distributor in NY concerning the apparently defective string set and I expect to hear from them in a couple days - then we'll see what kind of satisfaction is offered. Those Powerbass strings, as I mentioned have a hexagonal core. So, here's a question for anyone who may be reading this. Does a hexagonal core typically give a string a brighter sound? Would the same string with a round core sound less sparkly? I might, then, lean more toward the TI Jazz roundcores. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[michael_t]

These have a hexagonal core - is it especially important to "crimp" these strings before cutting?

I have never crimped hex-core strings and I have never had any issue. I have used round-core strings in the past but I've always preferred hex core over round core both for tone and feel.

Does a hexagonal core typically give a string a brighter sound? Would the same string with a round core sound less sparkly?

Hex core strings are not necessarily "brighter" as such, but I generally find them to have a little more "punch" and "bite" compared to round cores due to their natural stiffness.

 

[Cthulow]

Thanks for weighing in, Michael_T....have you ever heard that mentioned anywhere that you can recall (crimping before cutting to length?). Can't seem to recall where I saw that bit of info...maybe some other posters would like to chime in on that subject?

 

[michael_t]

Thanks for weighing in, Michael_T....have you ever heard that mentioned anywhere that you can recall (crimping before cutting to length?). Can't seem to recall where I saw that bit of info...maybe some other posters would like to chime in on that subject?

There have been plenty of discussions regarding crimping. It's one of those things that would never hurt to get into the habit of doing as it can prevent issues with certain types of strings. I personally don't do it as most of the strings I regularly use are designed in a way crimping is simply not necessary.

 

[Cthulow]

Thanks again for the insight....will have to go hunting around for the discussions you mention. Maybe try a search on this site and elsewhere in the blogoverse......

 

[michael_t]

Thanks again for the insight....will have to go hunting around for the discussions you mention. Maybe try a search on this site and elsewhere in the blogoverse......

Instead of using the TalkBass search function, do a general Google search by entering "talkbass crimping strings".

 

[ZuluFoxtrot]

Connolly Music is the TI distributor here in the USA and I would encourage you to email them with your case. My experience with TI in Austria and Connolly here has always been first class. I only know about Connolly since TI referred me to them with what turned out to be a wonky string production run.

 

[Cthulow]

Thx, ZuluFoxtrot….Turns out Connolly Music along with the good folks at JustStrings will take care of this for me. All Connolly asked for was that the janky string set be returned to them for analysis of the problem. JustStrings has already shipped me replacements…always tremendous service from them! Can't wait to try out these purportedly bodacious strings! I asked for the round core Jazz set instead of the Powerbass strings this time around.

 

[CTW68]

Instead of using the TalkBass search function, do a general Google search by entering "talkbass crimping strings".

The best way to search this site would be Googling "crimping strings site:talkbass.com" That will tell Google to only search TB.

 

[fermata]

I asked for the round core Jazz set instead of the Powerbass strings this time around.

Fabulous choice! (And crimp them before cutting/installing.)

 

[Deleted member 271037]

To answer a couple of your questions:

Based on the information you will find on forums like Talkbass you would think that hex core strings NEVER have problems with windings unravelling from the core. In real life it happens. Not very often but I've experienced it a couple of times in my 30 years of playing (and working at a guitar workshop). Crimping or bending the strings 90 degrees before cutting is always a good idea, even with hex core strings. It shouldn't happen to an entire set though. The odds for that happening would be insane.

Thomastik's customer service is both horrible and amazing:

They're horrible because they seem to take a rather arrogant approach to customer feedback (for example about their totally weird selection of gauges for certain sets/scales) and deny any known QC issues, like a bad batch.

They're amazing because they will usually replace any faulty strings and ship it to free of charge you no matter where you are located (they may ask for the faulty strings back though... which isn't always convenient). Just don't expect any friendly, warm communication. They're very polite but in a kinda cold, business like, "proper" way.

As for hex core having a brighter tone than round core... Not necessarily but in you specific example, Thomastik Powerbass vs Jazz (Rounds/Flats?): Yes, definitely. These strings are on the complete opposite sides of the spectrum. You didn't specify Jazz Rounds or Flats but both are quite mellow sounding strings, at least compared to the Powerbass strings.

The Powerbass strings are Thomastik's brightest bass strings by quite some distance. At least when they're new. They mellow out quickly and become rather dull though. They're my least favourite Thomastik bass strings. It's a bit strange because the corresponding Powerbrights GUITAR strings are one of my favourite electric guitar strings and stay fresh longer than most!

The Powerbass strings are also quite stiff compared compared to other Thomastik strings.


The Jazz Rounds are the most mellow roundwounds you will ever find. Not even a hint of any metallic "zing". No other strings are even remotely close. They are also extremely light gauge with an .089 E-string. The tension is extremely low. They vibrate with such a huge amplitude that you will 100% certainly need to adjust you bass for more relief and higher action. You will most likely also have to adapt your playing technique. Even the slightest issue with the neck/frets will be made worse with these strings. They are extremely sensitive to any issues with the instrument but they're also extremely articulate and organic sounding. They sound absolutely amazing to my ears (but opinions will most definitely be divided on these!) and will last forever once they're broken in, which takes about 5 minutes.

The Jazz Flats are also amazing. These are brighter than most flats but not in a zingy or harsh way. Just a perfect amount of upper mid presence. They're not thumpy like most flats but very articulate with perfectly balanced lows and sustain like roundwounds. These are also rather low tension. Some would say floppy but not nearly as floppy as the Jazz Rounds. The Flats are a lot more forgiving and they're of my favourite strings.

Both of these Jazz sets really are on the COMPLETELY opposite side of the spectrum compared to the Powerbass strings. If you want something similar to Powerbass but want to stick with Thomastik you would probably be better off with the Infeld Superalloys. These are slightly less bright out of the box but with a bit more bite in the upper mids. They also last MUCH longer and are slightly less stiff.

In fact, ANY roundwounds out there would be closer to the Powerbass strings than either of the Thomastik Jazz sets. The Jazz sets are truly unique and not even remotely close to any other strings. They can be extremely hit or miss. Personally I love them but I totally get why some people hate them.

BTW, $100 for the Powerbass set is insane! You seriously need to find a different dealer.

 

[Cthulow]

Sounds like you have a history with TI string sets, and perhaps a fan of the Pretty Things (or maybe you just like the name of that album....considered to be sort of the first "rock opera"...whatever that means, predating "Tommy"). Anywho, the Jazz Round set is installed, crimping and all & it really seems to be a "keeper"....suits me fine. The Powerbass set was sent back to JustStrings (so you think their prices are high for the TI's, eh?...recommend any alternatives?), then from there back to Connolly Music in New York, and I guess, eventually back to Vienna for analysis of some kind.
Thanks for weighing in with all that info. The Jazz set is on an Ibanez SR655, which I tune to DGCFA#. Some would probably say I'm not really using it as a proper 5-string - my excuse is that all my 4-strings are tuned DGCF, so I do this for consistency & to avoid confusion, knucklehead that I sometimes am, and previously I had trouble making that low B sound decent, so gave up on standard 5-string tuning (if there is such a thing).
At first, right after installing the TI Jazz Rounds, the 1st string (A# for me) seemed to lack volume compared to the rest of the set, but I think it's improving as break-in begins. We'll wait and see on that score....think it will turn out to be copacetic, though.