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Thomastik Jazz Rounds WOW!

Jun 6, 2001
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Went to flats a number of years ago, started with Chromes and then to TI jazz flats. Recently was thinking I should try rounds on my jazz bass so I put on TI jazz rounds and was glad I did. That led to me trying a set on my P that was a lot harder decision as a P and flats is my bread and butter. I was impressed to find how on the P the same rounds sounded closer to flats and brought out how different these basses are. I was really impressed how the P still thumped just with a tad more sparkle, couldn’t be happier i mean these strings are something else (better be for $100 a set lol) Just wanted to share how crazy good these strings are on any bass.
 
I’m putting together a precision bass and I have a set of TI rounds, I’m tempted…………….

I was supposed to put on some standard Fender nickel rounds to see how it goes but I’m not sure anymore.

By any chance,did you ever compare the TI rounds vs the Fender nickel rounds ?
 
I’m putting together a precision bass and I have a set of TI rounds, I’m tempted…………….

I was supposed to put on some standard Fender nickel rounds to see how it goes but I’m not sure anymore.

By any chance,did you ever compare the TI rounds vs the Fender nickel rounds ?
Night and day! not just tone but the feel. The TI’s are very flexible to the feel, the fenders are like cables in comparison. You do need a light to normal touch although you can still dig in to a point as they actually give way. Again just amazing strings imo.
 
Yes and no.... I have tried them on P's and J's. Agreed.... they do sound nice. But.... I often play neanderthal style bass and these are strings are too light for that. Sometimes I get the rubber band feeling from them. Sure, yes, agreed. If you play normal and use the vol. knob more, they are fantastic. Big if you play with a heavy pick or attempt any drop tuning that loose feeling only gets worse.
 
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@Toneman, and anyone else who’s switched to the TIs, did you find you needed to raise the action to compensate for the very low tension? I briefly tried a set and found that .089 E was rattling like crazy. Now I’m wondering about giving them another shot and raising the action to reduce the rattle.
 
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I LOVED TI rounds on a fretless Fodera I had for a few months. Perfect strings… on that bass. My fretted Fodera felt all kinds of wrong. Excessive fret noise unless I raised the action to like 7/32 lol.
Ah yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. Wondering what other action changes folks have had to make for these strings.
 
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Ah yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. Wondering what other action changes folks have had to make for these strings.
I think a lot of it depends on the player. I’ve got a notoriously heavy plucking hand and enjoy heavy gauge strings usually, but for some reason I could play with extreme finesse on the fretless basses I had. TI rounds are by far the most limp noodle metal strings I’ve ever played next to LaBella tape wounds.
 
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Went to flats a number of years ago, started with Chromes and then to TI jazz flats. Recently was thinking I should try rounds on my jazz bass so I put on TI jazz rounds and was glad I did. That led to me trying a set on my P that was a lot harder decision as a P and flats is my bread and butter. I was impressed to find how on the P the same rounds sounded closer to flats and brought out how different these basses are. I was really impressed how the P still thumped just with a tad more sparkle, couldn’t be happier i mean these strings are something else (better be for $100 a set lol) Just wanted to share how crazy good these strings are on any bass.
I suggest checking prices on Amazon if you need to purchase Thomastiks again. I've been purchasing TI Flats off Amazon for the past 3 years at discounted rates (typically for $20-$25 less per set.) The artwork on the packaging is a bit different that what I purchased since 2014, however, they're the same strings.
 
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@Toneman, and anyone else who’s switched to the TIs, did you find you needed to raise the action to compensate for the very low tension? I briefly tried a set and found that .089 E was rattling like crazy. Now I’m wondering about giving them another shot and raising the action to reduce the rattle.
A few minor issues could happen, one is the string is sitting too low in the nut. Next before you raise the saddles and you might first sight the neck for bow back. I had to loosen my truss rod to keep the neck straight and then Raisethe saddles on my A and D string a little bit. Fortunately for me my low nut in my P is ok with the lighter strings.
 
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Thanks, I’ve got very slight relief in the neck I put the TIs on, and raised the saddles a little (they were on the low side before). Combined with a lighter touch most of the rattle is gone. Tone is very nice, but I don’t think I’m gonna get used to how small and pliable these strings feel. lol I feel like I’m playing a toy bass!
 
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