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WELL I JUST ORDERED TI FLATS FOR THE FIRST TIME!
- Thread starter TC.65
- Start date
I've only played flats for the last 6 years except for the GHS Balanced Nickels I put on my other bass about 6 months ago. They're not going anywhere!
I would throw Optima RB 4440 flats into the ring of possible alternatives to TI flats. They're also round-core with a nickel wrap. They share much of the TI tonal qualities and while they are also low tension, they are noticeably stiffer.
Now their Jazz Rounds... wet noodles.
yep, just the way i like 'em!Once you go Flats you never go back
might be true for some.a lot of folks here want "dead-as-doornails," no sustain, etc. from their flats. that experience is the opposite end of the continuum for me...on fretless: sustain is part of the fun! "mwaaaahhhh" vs. "mub."
YMMV.per the OP: the TI jazz flats are the only flat wound string i'd be interested trying these days, but i've hesitated due to the gauges --- although most users are saying that they are very well 'tension-balanced' from string to string.
be sure to keep us informed of your opinion/experience! good luck with your flats!
Make sure you give them a few weeks before really evaluating them. They break in a little slowly, and when you first put them on, they are bright and hollow sounding. Not the TI sound. Broken in, they sound organic with this great mid range that really sits nice in a track.
Yes, I have a set on a P bass that is 3 years old and just really feeling and sounding how I really like them.
Yes this for sure. Give them some time to break in. I see so many players on here drop a set of new TIs on their bass and 2 weeks later decide they aren't for them. Play them. A lot. Once they settle in they sound amazing. Especially on a P. The lower tension forced me to improve my technique. You can still dig into them when needed but better technique can eliminate the "clack". Unless you are going for that of course. And improve speed and touch. Good luck and don't give up on them!
Floppy? No way. I've bee using them for years. Lower tension, yes, but floppy? No.
Right now, the are on my Epi Jack Casady.
Right now, the are on my Epi Jack Casady.
I was concerned about the tension thing as well going from rounds to TIs. Non issue on my MM Sting 4. I did have to raise the action just a bit... a few thousandths. Literally too small to measure properly. I love everything about them.
Yup. All the negatives from the nay-sayers are way overblown IMO.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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You're gonna hate'em. The best flatish strings I've found so far are the pressurewounds. Only problem is they get kinda clicky though. But, they get close to the flat sound once they die.
One note: TI flats have a slightly different procedure for install.
You shouldn't cut them to length prior to winding them to pitch.
Don't ask me why. I think it's something to do with the silk layer. But the manufacturer's instructions are very specific about this.
You shouldn't cut them to length prior to winding them to pitch.
Don't ask me why. I think it's something to do with the silk layer. But the manufacturer's instructions are very specific about this.
Pbassmanca
In the pocket n' thumpy. So woody, so greasy...
That bass is going to sound awesome and very old school! Once the TI's break in an lose the initial top end brightness, that bass will supply all the warm , thumpy , old school love you need man. Just remember that they respond better to a bit of a lighter touch than other flat wounds.
I had some TI's once. At home playing in the couch I loved them.
At the gig, playing live, they were floppy as hell! Too light for my bear hands.
At the gig, playing live, they were floppy as hell! Too light for my bear hands.
Where did you see that? I got no special install directions in my package. I just bend a 90 with a pliers a few inches past the tuning post, then cut about an inch past the bend like I do with all my strings.
The TI's I have have been on and off more basses than I can recall. Going on 8 years now and they sound and perform just fine.
They are more sensitive to proper setup than other strings though. Things like not enough break angle, string buried in too deep of a nut slot, etc., can cause buzzing and intonation issues. I just remember to set my witness points and I'm good to go! And all my nuts are sanded down to leave at least 1/3" of the string's diameter exposed above the top edge of the nut.
drumvsbass
Commercial User
- Aug 20, 2011
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I think the floppiness can be adjusted for by raising the action on the bass a bit. TI flats aren't that great if you want super low action, and want to pluck with some authority. But adjust with just a bit more action and they will give you a perfectly rounded note. I personally think TI Flats are the nicest feeling strings of all. So smooth
Once you go Flats you never go back
My Brother you said it!
Flats have certainly made one hell of a comeback.
We're certainly in the age of flats now!
We're certainly in the age of flats now!
