I see. I haven't noticed any kind of loose rubber band feeling out my A string is all.
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TI Flats Question
- Thread starter smtp4me
- Start date
I see. I haven't noticed any kind of loose rubber band feeling out my A string is all.
I definitely notice the tension difference between the A and the others with TIJFs. Fortunately, it doesn't bother me much, but it's clearly noticeable.
What DOES bother me some is the tonal difference of that string (and actually of the D, as well, but in different ways). The TIJF A sounds a little weird, especially on my fretless, but also noticeably on fretted basses as well. It has a unique kind of growl that has a honky kind of quality (is that even possible
). On the fretless, the mwah on the A string is unusual and a bit disconcerting until you get used to it.As for the D, once it breaks in, it sounds noticeably deader/darker than the other strings. The overtones aren't as rich, and you can notice this even unplugged. I've had a couple of TIJF sets that had dead D's right out of the box (TI replaced them graciously), so there may be something about that string that lends itself to deadening, I dunno. Good ones aren't dead, per se, but the tone isn't quite as rich and vibrant as that of the other strings.
And yet ... and yet ... I still really like the TIJFs, more than any other string. The clarity, the singing quality, the midrange, the lovely G ... even with the A & D quirks, they're really enjoyable.
As always, YMMV.
I used TI's Acousticore strings on the two Rick Turner Renaissance basses I had (4-string and 5-string). They roll under the fingers sort of how the wounds strings on a classical guitar set do, so that takes a bit of getting used to, but those strings were magical sounding on those basses (no experience with them on other brands of basses).
Here is the Renaissance RB4-FL.
This is the RB5-FL.
I have both JFs and JRs on my two Ricks.
I had an older set of JFs (JF344) on my '97 CIJ Mustang Bass. Worked just fine, for me.
Thomastik publishes the string tensions on their site. Right hand column is in kg. Tension is low in the E string and way low in the A string.
Could be. For what it’s worth, the mismatch seems goofier early on. I just pulled out my ‘68 P-bass that’s had a set on for donkey’s years and the balance feels fine. Could be a change over the years but I’m guessing not.
I definitely notice the tension difference between the A and the others with TIJFs. Fortunately, it doesn't bother me much, but it's clearly noticeable.
What DOES bother me some is the tonal difference of that string (and actually of the D, as well, but in different ways). The TIJF A sounds a little weird, especially on my fretless, but also noticeably on fretted basses as well. It has a unique kind of growl that has a honky kind of quality (is that even possible
As for the D, once it breaks in, it sounds noticeably deader/darker than the other strings. The overtones aren't as rich, and you can notice this even unplugged. I've had a couple of TIJF sets that had dead D's right out of the box (TI replaced them graciously), so there may be something about that string that lends itself to deadening, I dunno. Good ones aren't dead, per se, but the tone isn't quite as rich and vibrant as that of the other strings.
And yet ... and yet ... I still really like the TIJFs, more than any other string. The clarity, the singing quality, the midrange, the lovely G ... even with the A & D quirks, they're really enjoyable.
As always, YMMV.
Well, I can feel it and it feels like crap. See the chart jmlee posted. It's not just slightly lighter, the tension of the A string is @15% lighter than the D and G strings. That's more than the feel of tuning one string of a pair that have the same tension down more than one semitone, or more than one fret.
That's unfortunate I guess. I'm not the pickiest bass player by any means. i.e. factory bass setup specs work fine for me, might make a slight adjustment here and there. String spacing only recently became a thought in my mind while developing a technique still new to me. 19mm spacing feels the best to me in any case, but, as long as it's fingerstyle or a pick I'll get by with 16.5mm and own two 18mm 5 strings. Not that any of this has to do with tension, but, kind of the same deal. I like lower tension, but it's not like I'm really thinking about how taut my strings are while I play.
To my point I'm not disputing the potential for Thomastik-Infeld to re-examine their tension set, but without actually looking for it or it being pointed out to me? I'd never have noticed.
While I have had to adjust my signal chain and maybe let them age to enjoy the sound.. other than maybe enjoying the lower tension all around nothing has stopped me from playing it like I would with any other flatwound.
Not a big deal. I may be curious at this point whether this is something you noticed before or after seeing/hearing it mentioned somewhere, or via the chart jmlee posted. Not that I'm trying to debunk you or anything, just comparing experiences.
Different strokes for different folks.
I notice it but it doesn’t bother me. Like with D’Addario chromes, they have a D string with higher tension than the others if you get a standard set (45, 65, 80, 100). I found it comfy but some people don’t and opt for the balanced set.
Ya, can't do TI's...tried them once, they felt like they were rolling under my fingers and I thought they sounded as much like rounds as rounds do. I've heard players sound great with them, but they aren't for me.
Just reinstalled a set of TI flats one this one, had them on initially and switched to LaBella low tension and then to Dunlop super bright rounds. Didn’t realize how much I missed that TI mid growl.
I’m a long time lover of TI flats on my Stingray 5’s and some 4’s but never considered them for a 6 string which I always thought of as the perfect vehicle for rounds. Well I finally gave I. And put a set on my Roscoe SKB 3006 and am loving them too lol especially on the burpy Jazz tone.
Yeah; kind of confusing, isn't it? Let's see if I can help...
The Thomastik-Infeld company makes 3 kinds of electric bass strings (to my knowledge):
- TI JF 344 Jazz Flats
- TI JR 344 Jazz Rounds
- TI IN344 Infeld Bass Guitar Strings.
Which ones are the most popular? That would be the TI Jazz Flats. And, that's what people refer to when they say "TI Flats". There are people around here who use - and like - the TI Jazz Rounds, too. I have a set of them on my Hollowbody Gretsch Bass, and like them very much - on that bass. But, TI Jazz Rounds users are very much in the minority around here... And, as for the Infeld strings? As far as I can find out, their construction is different from The Thomastik-Infeld strings, and they are only offered as long scale roundwounds. I've been lurking around on the Strings Forum since 2013, and I cannot remember a single post about these strings. From reading what TI says about them, I get the impression that they are TI's attempt at a more "modern" bass string. Don't really know, but AFAIC, they lost me at "roundwound". I much prefer flats, and the TI Jazz Rounds on my Gretsch are the only rounds I have on any of my 24 basses. They will probably stay the only exception, too. And, yes; I do use the TI Flats. I have a set of them on my '95 Alembic Epic; awesome strings for Jazz on that active bass...
Glad you warmed up to them! Actually they’re on my BSR6 fretless. My BSR6 fretted has a set KS Tapered rounds and love them on that bass. I don’t think I could ever put a set of rounds on that beautiful fretless rosewood board. Sacrilege….
In my only 34 years of playing the bass the TIJF A string has proved to be my absolute most favorite ever. I always thought A strings were too stiff on most sets. This one is so expressive and the tone spot on for my hands and ears. Horses for courses I guess.
I do think there are several things to take into account when moving to this string set though.
1. Have to wait at least a few weeks for the tension to settle in
2. Do a proper setup specific to the string set, address the neck bow and adjust saddles
3. Don't ever expect these strings to be a normal flat wound or a round wound tone set. They are what they are and I think the only string like it. They sound unique, they also feel unique and MOST importantly they are not for everyone and that is absolutely OK. Thomastik should never change the formula to retain all these great qualities.
Yes, and I have 45+ years of bass playing. I'm glad you like them. I HATE them, and I will always point out the deficiencies of the TI A string. I don't expect them to sound the same as any other set. I expect them to sound and feel consistent from string to string, which they don't. Last week I was running sound for my friend's band at a gig where their bass player had a set properly set up on his P-bass. I played it for sound check while we both listened, and then, of course, he played it as we slotted him into the mix. This recent experience confirmed my opinion on the subject. Where reasonable players may differ.
Awesome, and for you that is exactly true and you just supported my statement that they are not for everyone! And the great news is there are dozens of string options designed just to your needs and threads that expound on their magnificent qualities.
I really like my TI flats on a jazz bass going through a Arkham Oracle and REDDI to the board. Tone heaven for me.
