TI Jazz Rounds are dangerous. Heed my warning.

[drumvsbass]

I have often remarked that TI flats feel like little silken elves massaging your fingers whilst you play. This has now been confirmed.

 

[Vinny_G]

Welcome to the dark side...

Welcome to the dark sound?

 

[marchone]

I’m pretty happy with TI Jazz Flats on my Precision. They took a week or so to stretch/break in but since then they’ve held their tune very well. At first I found the G string a bit weak but a full turn on the screw to bring the pup up a bit solved that quickly enough.

 

[DaveDeVille]

... TI flats for the WIN !!

 

[ahbass2500]

To all in this thread who like the flats and have not tried the rounds... Try the rounds. I thought I was going to be 100% TI Jazz flats... then I tried the rounds. Now my Jazz Bass wears the rounds while my other electrics all have the flats. They take some getting used to (insanely low tension), but once you soften your touch they are amazing strings.

 

[thisheregiraffe]

I have been interested in TI strings for a while now but have been scared off by the price. Can anybody compare the feel (in terms of flexibility / tension under the fingers) of jazz rounds and flats compared to some of DR's offerings? Medium Sunbeams (45-105) are currently my favourite set, though I have also enjoyed playing the light Pure Blues (40-100) set when I had it installed on my Shifter. I don't find either Sunbeams or Pure Blues to be floppy, but I am curious how much more flexible / low tension (if at all) the TI strings might feel in comparison.

 

[fishdude101101]

I know what you mean. Thomastik really are in a league of their own. Other roundwounds feel crude by comparison. They last considerably longer than other roundwounds too.

Having said that, the ultra-light gauge won't be for everyone and I can totally understand why some people don't like them.

I kinda felt the same way but I think DR Sunbeams, because of the smallish windings are pretty good too, and low tension as well. Not as low at TI, but low.

 

[DaveDeVille]

To all in this thread who like the flats and have not tried the rounds... Try the rounds...

i might just do that ,
the idea of rounds on my Jazz Bass has been rolling around in my head for the past couple of years ...

 

[Shanannigan]

I have been interested in TI strings for a while now but have been scared off by the price. Can anybody compare the feel (in terms of flexibility / tension under the fingers) of jazz rounds and flats compared to some of DR's offerings? Medium Sunbeams (45-105) are currently my favourite set, though I have also enjoyed playing the light Pure Blues (40-100) set when I had it installed on my Shifter. I don't find either Sunbeams or Pure Blues to be floppy, but I am curious how much more flexible / low tension (if at all) the TI strings might feel in comparison.

I recently switched from TI Jazz Rounds to DR Sunbeams in search of a more affordable option. I think they are pretty similar in tone, Sunbeams being a bit brighter at first, and beefier in tone. Sunbeams are also more stiff, but have the closest feel and flexibility to TIs that I've come across, since Sunbeams are still a lot more flexible than most other rounds. They are both roundcore, which I think is the main factor in being more flexible than hexcore strings.

 

[REV]

Anyone using Ti Jazz rounds on a five string? How does that thin low B work?

 

[LetItGrowTone]

To get the heavier gauge of TIJR I used the 36" set on my 33.25" Ric with no ill effects.
43 55 75 101 vs 43 51 68 89
That was my decision at the time, over a year ago.

Interestingly, the short scale gauges are slightly different.
I guess they have good reasons and I would probably go for that on a short scale: 42 56 69 93

 

[coyote1]

Anyone here had the TIs and the Elixir coated strings, and can provide a comparison?

EDIT: I see InstantEcto did this.

 

[2tonic]

...But there is a dark side that nobody dares speak about.
Left hand - ruined. Right hand - ruined.

Other strings, such at D’Addario, Ernie Balls, and even Optima round wounds suddenly felt abrasive and stiff under my right hand. Under my left hand, they felt draggy - as if I was running sandpaper across wood, or had fingertips made of Velcro.

My hands are now ruined...for other strings. Even the TI Super Alloys, a very nice string, seems brutish in comparison.

Your calluses aren't even trying!
You've become worthless and weak!
The only solution is a rigorous training program to re-motivate your jelly-like meathooks, and instill in them a sense of duty to serve.
First, go out to the garage and turn on your bench grinder. You DO have a bench grinder, don't you?
Good.
Now, grasp the spinning wheel between your thumb and fingertips, slowly exerting more pressure, until you bring it to a complete stop. Repeat.
Now switch hands and continue this exercise until you really feel the burn.
Next, start your car, open the hood, and reach in and grasp the fan belt til the engine stalls. Repeat, as needed, for both hands. You're on your way!

Now, get in the car and drive it to the nearest forest preserve, and using cheese sticks, lure in a porcupine.
Grab him firmly, with both hands, and tell him something that will really tick him off.

Tell him you think all porcupines are actually cute and cuddly.
Ignore the searing pain in your palms, and whisper in his ear that you did his sister....... on the first date.
Be imaginative, but hold on for at least 60 seconds.

These rituals, through repetition, will start you down a true path to recovery. Before you know it, your hands will be gnarly with calluses, and manly enough to handle GHS Boomers and Rotosound Swing Bass strings. You can thank me later.

Don't get up, I'll let myself out.

On my way.

Going now.

 

[GroovyBaby]

I have their flats on my Fender MIJ P and G&L SB-2 PJ. My G&L JB5 had TI flats but I thought it important to have something with rounds on it so I have that sound option, and remember not to drag my left hand up and down the neck! Currently strung with DR Sunbeam 40-120. Very light and supple. They seem like the round version of my TI flats but of course they are not exactly that. I've yet to try the TI rounds. One day perhaps!

 

[DaveDeVille]

Your calluses aren't even trying!
You've become worthless and weak!
The only solution is a rigorous training program to re-motivate your jelly-like meathooks, and instill in them a sense of duty to serve.
First, go out to the garage and turn on your bench grinder. You DO have a bench grinder, don't you?
Good.
Now, grasp the spinning wheel between your thumb and fingertips, slowly exerting more pressure, until you bring it to a complete stop. Repeat.
Now switch hands and continue this exercise until you really feel the burn.
Next, start your car, open the hood, and reach in and grasp the fan belt til the engine stalls. Repeat, as needed, for both hands. You're on your way!

Now, get in the car and drive it to the nearest forest preserve, and using cheese sticks, lure in a porcupine.
Grab him firmly, with both hands, and tell him something that will really tick him off.

Tell him you think all porcupines are actually cute and cuddly.
Ignore the searing pain in your palms, and whisper in his ear that you did his sister....... on the first date.
Be imaginative, but hold on for at least 60 seconds.

These rituals, through repetition, will start you down a true path to recovery. Before you know it, your hands will be gnarly with calluses, and manly enough to handle GHS Boomers and Rotosound Swing Bass strings. You can thank me later.

Don't get up, I'll let myself out.

On my way.

Going now.

... that . was . AWESOME !!

 

[Root 5]

They use a smaller size wire for the winding, making them feel nice under the mitts. Their Jazz guitar string is great too I might add.

 

[juancaminos]

I agree that TI's are possibly the greatest but they are expensive so I have been branching out to try cheaper alternatives. Just tried DR Sun Beams and I really do like them. Previously I used Richard Cocco strings for a number of years because they were $25 at the local Bass Place. I also have two sets of MJC strings in the can (pun intended) waiting their turn.

 

[Iristone]

On the round side, I play Elixir strings, as they: last forever (14 months to me until I started hearing a difference from new to "used"), and they're sweet on the two hands. My WHOLE point is: I know that some rounds are abrasive, mostly STAINLESS STEEL rounds, have you tried Elixir strings (either nickel or ss) BEFORE trying the TI JR?

Thanks

Blasphemy.
I used to try an extra-long set (so it was not as light gauge). Could use a little more "sparkle" on top, so switched back to my well-broken-in Roto 99s on that particular bass. Might complement a slightly brighter bass (active, for instance) or hollow body, though.
(Edited for quoting)

 

[monkeyland]

For all of you that say you are able to leave a set of the TI rounds on for long periods, how long do you leave a normal set of rounds on and how bright do you like your sound? I prefer mine to sound pretty close to new. I typically live with a set of strings for about two weeks worth of gigs which in my world equates to about 6-12. My current set(Dunlop Super Bright Stainless) is about a month old(12 gigs and 2 church services plus some practice time) and I was just thinking to myself a few days ago how I'm really pushing it.

 

[ELG60]

I have a near matching pair of Jazz basses, one equipped with Jazz rounds and the other with Jazz Flats . . . Problem solved!