TI jazz flats string height

[FunkHead]

The A does feel like it could be bigger.

I am cool with the A string. In my case, the D that needs the action set higher or I get a "mwah" sound in the higher register from it.
This doesn't happen with the TI's.

 

[Oobly]

Medium-low. I play most of the time with a light touch, but like that I can get some buzzy grindy tones when digging in.

 

[Sparkl]

I’m curious as how others have set up these strings—

Lowish string height and using a lighter attack (pluck)?
Or
Higher action and having at least the ability for a firmer attack?

My Fender 5 is set up with the Thomastiks with “medium low” action.

I’m think what I’m interested in is feedback from players who use these strings with a medium action (or higher). Also helpful— what kind of music context you play these strings under.

Thanks for your input.

My personal height is always the same no matter the strings being used and is always around 1.8-2mm max if I can help it (don't know the mm-inch conversion).

 

[Loring]

Low side of low for me...

 

[Lowendtech]

Right now I’m running 2mm @ fret 17 on the ‘66 CS J I just got. Just put these on from another bass and had to completely re-setup the neck and bridge from whatever rounds were on it. So far it’s good but I may lower them a bit after it settles in.

 

[Selim]

I am cool with the A string. In my case, the D that needs the action set higher or I get a "mwah" sound in the higher register from it.
This doesn't happen with the TI's.

Not in favor of mwah.

 

[Selim]

I'm tempted to just play around with the string height (raising it a little) just to see if I'll get a bit more punch/weight -- even just a little thump would also be nice (although I read that these strings don't really do that).

Normally, I make my own adjustments. But the TIs just seem to be such a different animal altogether. So I had the bass professionally set up with the TIs when I had the pickups swapped out last week and I'm hesitant to mess with it.

Like other flats, patience and time pays dividends with the TIs also?
They don't have a lot of mileage on them.

 

[Sparkl]

I'm tempted to just play around with the string height (raising it a little) just to see if I'll get a bit more punch/weight -- even just a little thump would also be nice (although I read that these strings don't really do that).

Normally, I make my own adjustments. But the TIs just seem to be such a different animal altogether. So I had the bass professionally set up with the TIs when I had the pickups swapped out last week and I'm hesitant to mess with it.

Like other flats, patience and time pays dividends with the TIs also?
They don't have a lot of mileage on them.

In my experience, everything can be adjusted properly if wanted. Thing is you shoudl search for string height position which supports your playstyle well. But what I mean by that is that it supports your technique and you find it comfortable.

 

[Passinwind]

Maybe there’s an alternative to the TIs that gives you the best of both worlds, the TI’s clarity & richness, as well as a traditional flat’s girth and strong front end attack...

I found that Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats pretty much did that for me on the particular fretless that has always worn TIJFs from day one, and was specifically built and setup for them. But oddly enough, I recently put a set of nickel roundwounds on that bass, and it now does the old school thump thing much better than it did with either set of flatwounds. It took a few setup changes to get me there though, mostly pickup pole tweaking.

 

[Selim]

I found that Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats pretty much did that for me on the particular fretless that has always worn TIJFs from day one, and was specifically built and setup for them. But oddly enough, I recently put a set of nickel roundwounds on that bass, and it now does the old school thump thing much better than it did with either set of flatwounds. It took a few setup changes to get me there though, mostly pickup pole tweaking.

It’s possible the TIs can’t give me what I’m looking for. They’re so different from the traditional flats I’ve played for decades. I think they are a fantastic string but maybe just not for me. And the main reason is that they are too soft — in feel and tone and attack.

The strings that did it for me were the Sadowsky black label. Very articulate but they could thump if you asked them to.

I guess that’s the trade off with these low tension, round core, soft feeling, easy playing designs — it’s minus the booty.

 

[Luckydog]

It’s possible the TIs can’t give me what I’m looking for. They’re so different from the traditional flats I’ve played for decades. I think they are a fantastic string but maybe just not for me. And the main reason is that they are too soft — in feel and tone and attack.

The strings that did it for me were the Sadowsky black label. Very articulate but they could thump if you asked them to.

I guess that’s the trade off with these low tension, round core, soft feeling, easy playing designs — it’s minus the booty.

Selim, I was just going to suggest if you could find a used set of Sadowsky blacks, then they might check your box...but I see you already are aware of them. I know what you mean about the “attack” issue. TIs, as sweet as they are, arent known for a powerful initial attack. They can get thumpy tho, depending on how old they are and can be accelerated by adding lube/lotion/grease whatever...which can then attract dirt and funk. I love how TIs sit in a mix but I do miss a strong attack when I use them.

 

[Loring]

or try tapes...