Last winter I got a JF344 set that I didn’t care for at the time because they were so low tension. But about a month ago one of the chromes failed on my Jazz and out of necessity I threw these back on and have been extremely happy with the results. It took a while to adapt to them but I love the tone and I’m finding I can handle 3+ hour sets with no hand fatigue.
They are very much like the Rickenbacker flats from the 60s and 70s and I LOVED those strings. So it's only natural I have TI jazz flats on my Rickenbacker, Hofner, Fender P and J. They age to perfection too!
I’ve been using them since the late seventies. They really do get better with age. I use 100/43 gauge. I have an extra brand new set in my case. So if I feel like it I might put them on for maybe 2 or so months. I play a 2014 road worn fiesta red, bought at Sam Ash on Sunset. I fell in love with the neck and that was that. I didn’t care about the made in Mexico thing anymore. I traded a Bullet deluxe long scale USA made. Out the door I went. I got a guy to make me an antique white pick guard and picked up a badass bass ll bridge. I was good to go. Thank you for your videos.
Been using TJ flats for years. One of my basses has a 10 year old set of TJ Flats. Still sound great! I had the pleasure of talking with Carol Kaye via phone for about a month or so (10 years ago)... she's the real deal. An amazing and opinionated lady! I love it that you gave a shout-out in this video to one of my bass heroes. I grew up using her books.... Great job!
Wow...these sound excellent. I have Fender 50 flats on my main bass, Ernie Ball flats on my other main bass, and Chromes on my backup bass. These have a rich clarity that is well defined. Nice.
I have used Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flatwound Strings for over 7 years on my church/worship service bass; I immediately took off the factory strings and put these on after I bought the bass. I decided to use these strings when I heard that Pino uses them. I consistently play a minimum 42+ church services a year with rehearsals. I am currently on my second set as I had to replace the first set after 3-1/2” years when the E-string quit staying in tune. So far, my second set is still going strong, however I just bought a backup set after watching this video. My first impression of these strings is that they feel great, silky smooth and it feels like you can play all day on them. For my needs, they do help produce the tone/sound I’m looking for with CCM/worship music and it allows me to blend well depending on the instrumentation and songs for that given week. Though these strings cost more and there are lots of lower priced strings to choose from, I’m clearly going to stay with them. These strings work for me and after breaking it down, it’s only costing me less than $2/month. However, do your own thing - do what works for you.
Carol Kaye Plays jazz guitar as well, and use Thomastic-Infeld flast gauge strings on her guitars, including a solid body Ibanez. Those gauges are:12-50. I use use Thomastik--Infield on all my basses, Telecasters with humbuckers, and Les Paul's.Same gauges 12-50. Never went back to anything else. Tried them all. Thanks for posting this video.
All my basses are strung with Thomastik strings. Including my Fender February 1964 Jazz Bass all original, and my Fender 62 PBass. Over the years I have used loads of different strings from wire to flat. But these are the best strings ever to play and the tone gets even better with age. Well worth the price tag. Great summary by the way.
Revisiting this video after putting a set of TI's on my Fender “Bingo” Jaguar Bass (with Duncan Quarter Pound PJ pickups). These had previously been on three other basses and they never quite “clicked” with me. Recently, I had decided to give them a shot on my “Bingo” bass because my band had a recording session coming up and I wanted a flatwound tone for the specific song we were recording. The producer loved how they recorded because he didn’t have to do ANY EQ adjustment (only slight compression) and the strings cut through very well. This has given me a change of heart on these strings so much that I want to buy a few more sets to put on some other basses (including my Höfner Club).
I have a Squire 70's vibe and also a Schecter Riot Session 4 with these strings. They take a few weeks to break in but once they do it's like enjoying your favorite cup of coffee to savor. They have an outstanding tone, very full, deep and rich to very high with no real quick erosion of the tone. I've had the Squire for about 7 yrs, changed a set after 2 (didn't really need to), and the Schecter I switched to these strings before I even played it. These have lasted me almost 6 years now and sound just as good as they did after the short break in period. I'm just an enthusiast who plays when I can, not a pro by any stretch, but if you have an ear for music and believe in you get what you pay for, these pay off in spades!! Outstanding strings!!
I only use flats. I like Labella, Dr Legends, Ernie Ball And Rotosound jazz 66 flats. The only rounds I have ever used is DR Black Beauties. I like the feel and tone of flats. Flats are easier on your finger tips in regards to blisters. The smooth surface of flats prevent you from getting blisters since there are no grooves to rip your skin
Love these things. Smooth with the low finger noise and tempered attack of the best flatwounds, but with a flexibility and a midrange chirp present rarely found in other flats. They also last way longer than other strings and mellow out well as they age to the point where changing them is optional. Flexible flat with nickel outer wrap also means that they don't do as much damage to your instrument or your hands, so you can play rehearsal after rehearsal, session after session, and gig after gig without much fatigue or maintenance. They don't have the deepest bass or chimey treble, but what they do have is this vocality that is incredibly usable and versatile.
I put a set on this afternoon and I’m really happy I did. Before this I had Chromes 50-105 I believe, and they were giving my little finger issues(small mishap with a saw and also broke it once). I also tried the GHS P flats and they were better in that regard but my finger still hurt. The added flexibility and lower gauge of the TI’s has made a world of difference, for the past few hours I have enjoyed playing more than ever! Sound wise I can’t really comment as I’ve only been playing 2 years and mostly play through headphones. If these can stay on my bass for the next 10 years I’d be happy.
This is such a great review. I can tell that you really care about the quality of your content. I’ve got these strings. They feel loose as compared to other flats but they sound miles better than other flats. They’re not just deep (I think LaBellas are a tad deeper), but the TIs have great definition and articulation and they are awesomely responsive to the player.
You sir sure have a deep rooted groove. When you play a groove and go silent, I keep nodding my head to the silent because of the groove you set in me. Awesome. And cool strings too.
Went to flats when I picked up my bass again after 2 decades, as my fingers weren't used anymore. I love them for less noise, and I can get a good "modern" sound as well.
I totally expected to like the Labella's better but I think I like the chromes a touch more. Especially if they were going on a jazz bass, I'd go with the chromes.
I have been playing electric guitar since 1975. I have only had a couple of basses, and have been without a bass for ten years. Today I will be in possession of a used, 2019, fender professional precision that I purchased online. I believe I will go with flat wound strings. Thanks.
A friend of mine gave me a couple of sets of TI's that he took off his bass guitars and sent them to me so I can try them out. They were very worn in and had been on his basis for several years and they still sound good and smooth. I think this must be what chocolate sounds like! 👍
Would love to try these, but I couldn't be happier with my LaBella deep talking 53 gauge. Wanting to support my local shops I had been talked into dr chromes and lighter gauges, but didn't do the thing for me. But you need a seriously strong bass neck to get a good action. Going from 55 rounds to those flats was the most I ever had to tighten a truss rod, did it over multiple days. So don't know if I can recommend to everyone.
Interesting review. I have only had flat wound D’Addarios on a 5 string Fender and Yamaha 5 string. I like them. Because of your review, I may try some of those on my Fender P bass when I change strings.
I’ve been using a set of these for 2 years now (I know , it’s a long life for bass strings) but the sound is still so good that I can’t help but keeping them.
Now they cost $100 shipped. Just ordered a set to use with my fretless kiloton. I love the LaBella LTF on my P bass, so I'm anxious to see if these are really worth twice the price of the LaBellas.
Haha, each of my thomastik cello strings costs same or more then a set of their bass guitar strings. I wonder how they've achieved it. Was expecting at least 4-5 times the price. That said, I so much love thomastik cello strings, I can't express it enough!
Excellent review! Very complete, straight-forward and honest, I think. Though, sadly my experience with these string was terrible. They are truly unbalanced to me. The A string is too thin and it jumps too much. I had two sets, didn't change anything. Tried them on 4 basses, not a good fit. I prefered GHS Precision Flats and D'A Chromes.
Wow. So sorry to hear that. I haven’t noticed any problems so far.
2 года назад
Played them for few months in a hardcore/punk bands and they worked perfectly. Perfect tone with P bass, I only needed to get used to lower tension. Last week i tried to switch to roundwounds - to check if they wont be better. Couldnt stand them, Im in love with flats forever.
The sound will only get better with time. I have a set installed on one of my basses that is over a year old. I will not change them until they break. I have them on every bass I own except 2. One has the factory strings on it because I just got it haha and the other has Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Flats that were gifted to me. You should review those as well if you haven’t already.
I have Thomastik on a Fender american P bass they are Thomastik Jazz which may be a different series (IDK) I love them . I am thinking of another set for a Fretless jazz bass . They also make roundwound dont know if they are good or not.
I love the TI strings on my Fender 63 reissue. I love how they make my p bass sound similar to a semi hollow body bass. I have some LaBella Gold Flats on my Yamaha BB 734, and so far the tone is killing. Just waiting for them to break in. PPL have said bad things online about the Golds, but I’ve only experienced good things out of them so far. There are not many videos for the LaBella Gold flatwounds, so if you do a flatwound video please include them.
Nice vid dude. TIs are great, but i ended up swapping out the g and d with labella LTFs. The strings noise ends up a little plasticy i found on the TIs whereas the LTFs age better imo. Unfortunately the E and A from the LTFs dont maintain that rubbery flatwound high end clank that you'd expect from like 760fl or fs
Hi Rumblin Man, This vid was posted in Jan (great vid btw) so you have had some time with the TI flats. Wondering how you feel about them now? I am long time guitar player who has just taken up the bass. I have a p-bass with default Fender rounds and considering changing the strings to flats. My music interests are blues-jazz-Motown -ish., definitely more tradition stuff. Cheers
A p bass with these flats would be amazing for that kind of music. Especially if the pickup has a nice bright punch to it. Tell ya what. I’ll plan on doing a follow-up video soon to comment on how I’m feeling about these strings since the initial review!
Cool video. I'm relatively new to flatwound strings. I put my first flatwound set (Labella) on my Hofner Violin bass and I love them as much as I fell in love with hollow body basses in general. :)
hello Rumbling Man. I enjoyed your video and I've just installed the TI flats on my deluxe active precision fender bass and Immediately noticed the difference from other flats. these strings yields a very nice, clean warm growl from the E, A, D strings which produces a much longer clean sustain and much easier on your fingers. the only issue is that the G string's tone and sustain is Inferior to the other strings but could be adjusted with a good pedal such as the SensAmp DI and EQ settings on the Amp. I wonder what they sound like after a while. overall, I give Thomastik flats 5 stars. thanks Avi
I have these on my '79 4001. Great match for a Ric. I don't think that I will ever try anything else despite the price. $60 is a lot but how often do you change your strings if you're playing flat wounds.
They are my favorite flat wound string. They are very flexible. If you hold one up in the middle they hang down like a round wound string and this makes them very comfortable to play.
Awesome review. I've heard that the TI jazz flats are amazing for fretless, do you think there's any truth to that? I'm looking to replace the Fender flats that came on my fretless j.
I think you'll like these a LOT better than the Fender flats. And yeah, if I had a fretless bass, I would definitely think about throwing some of these on. Good luck!
Great vid.. i have TIs on a pbass... and to me, no, they are not worth the money. I have try them on 5 different bass with different pick ups and the ONLY match i could find usable was on a rosewood fretboard p bass with a roadworn pickup. On all other basses, they were bright, no thump with higher mids... not vintage at all ( not to me anyways ). Labellas and GHS on the other hand seem to work well with everything. Of course, YMMV
How is the tension? I've been using Chromes but I find them really stiff and hard on the right hand. I'm looking for something a little more forgiving.
Great review! What is the best DI right now for bass in a church setting would you recommend? I only found the Fender Downtown Express DI suitable for me because it has a compressor. Can you give me some suggestions? Thank you. I'm using a Marcus Miller P10 PJ bass.
First, congrats on the P10.... that is a VERY cool bass. There are so many bass DI’s out there that are being used in worship. I personally really like the Downtown Express because it gives you compression, drive... the essentials. And you can get some great tones out of it. It’s the best thing for the money IMO.
Are they as "floppy" as some say? or at least stiffer than the common ernie rounds? (i like some stiffness) i'm getting a Jack Casady Epiphone on the way but don't know if i should get the TI's or La Bella's. Appreciate any help here 🙌
Hey Diego. Yeah, if you like stiffness, this isn’t the string for you. They are quite low in tension. That’s what I like about them. There are plenty of other flats out there that have the stiffness you’re looking for though! Ever tried Rotosound?
@@RumblinMan Hi man thanks for your time! I just tried the TI's and I'm in love! Amazing strings, the tension is fine, they're smooth and nice to play, love them!
I don't understand why people say that Jazzbass and flats are not a good match.... i know a great player who played Jbass with flats ... his name is Jaco Pastorius and he had a killing/distinctive tone! Stick to roundwounds if your playind Punk/hardRock and if your playind Metal don't buy a jazz bass and focus on active electronic and a B low string
@@RumblinMan I look for a nice low-action setup as well! :D I am really interested in the actual measurements how you got it even tempered - if you just sometimes had the time to check out, and you havent changed them yet. Let me explain: I have the JF 344 set (100-70-56-43) on my Yamaha P-Bass and set them up a couple of months ago with evenly growing height G to E. But somehow the E and A strings buzz much more than the D and G do...
@@RumblinMan I don’t have one yet. I’m looking at getting one nice bass that is my main bass. I’m not a collector. I just want one really nice one. I’m torn between the New Sting Ray and an American Fender Jazz Bass.
@@bjamminsincebirth3494 I personally recommend the Jazz more, because I have found that Jazz Basses have a more versatile tone than Stingrays (and I found out the hard way).
it sounds perfect. It cut through the mix like butter due to the high level of mid range. You just have to boost a bit the bass with EQ. Tried on an old smoothie stingray, the string through bridge also increases the tension which is is good for that particular set.
1) you have a higher price because you live in USA, in Europe they cost like the others 2) the higher price in USA is worth because they practically last forever :-)
I’ve been a flat wound string player forever. I’ve literally tried them all throughout the years and I’ll tell anybody that Thomastik-Infeld absolutely, without a doubt, are NOT worth it. They have got to be the most overrated strings of all time. Now, with maybe an endorsement deal…I’d probably change my mind as would a lot of people if they were free. 😉
Last winter I got a JF344 set that I didn’t care for at the time because they were so low tension. But about a month ago one of the chromes failed on my Jazz and out of necessity I threw these back on and have been extremely happy with the results. It took a while to adapt to them but I love the tone and I’m finding I can handle 3+ hour sets with no hand fatigue.
Carol Kaye told me in 2000 to use them. Never looked back. Pino Palladino uses them also on his Fender basses.
They are very much like the Rickenbacker flats from the 60s and 70s and I LOVED those strings. So it's only natural I have TI jazz flats on my Rickenbacker, Hofner, Fender P and J. They age to perfection too!
I’ve been using them since the late seventies. They really do get better with age. I use 100/43 gauge. I have an extra brand new set in my case. So if I feel like it I might put them on for maybe 2 or so months. I play a 2014 road worn fiesta red, bought at Sam Ash on Sunset. I fell in love with the neck and that was that. I didn’t care about the made in Mexico thing anymore. I traded a Bullet deluxe long scale USA made. Out the door I went. I got a guy to make me an antique white pick guard and picked up a badass bass ll bridge. I was good to go. Thank you for your videos.
RM, your restraint is commendable.
You don't see many bassists talking sraight bass line anymore.
Good show.
Thank you very much! I try to learn from the greats. Simple complexity wins! Thanks for the encouragement.
Been using TJ flats for years. One of my basses has a 10 year old set of TJ Flats. Still sound great! I had the pleasure of talking with Carol Kaye via phone for about a month or so (10 years ago)... she's the real deal. An amazing and opinionated lady! I love it that you gave a shout-out in this video to one of my bass heroes. I grew up using her books.... Great job!
Thanks so much Paige! Carol rocks, I hope to have the honor of talking to her sometime.
Would love to chat with Carol Kaye!
String review I've been looking for. Thank you!
Really digging the upgraded video and audio quality! It makes listening these demos an even better experience.
Wow...these sound excellent. I have Fender 50 flats on my main bass, Ernie Ball flats on my other main bass, and Chromes on my backup bass. These have a rich clarity that is well defined. Nice.
Which one is your favorite?
I have used Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flatwound Strings for over 7 years on my church/worship service bass; I immediately took off the factory strings and put these on after I bought the bass. I decided to use these strings when I heard that Pino uses them. I consistently play a minimum 42+ church services a year with rehearsals. I am currently on my second set as I had to replace the first set after 3-1/2” years when the E-string quit staying in tune. So far, my second set is still going strong, however I just bought a backup set after watching this video.
My first impression of these strings is that they feel great, silky smooth and it feels like you can play all day on them. For my needs, they do help produce the tone/sound I’m looking for with CCM/worship music and it allows me to blend well depending on the instrumentation and songs for that given week.
Though these strings cost more and there are lots of lower priced strings to choose from, I’m clearly going to stay with them. These strings work for me and after breaking it down, it’s only costing me less than $2/month. However, do your own thing - do what works for you.
Carol Kaye Plays jazz guitar as well, and use Thomastic-Infeld flast gauge strings on her guitars, including a solid body Ibanez. Those gauges are:12-50. I use use Thomastik--Infield on all my basses, Telecasters with humbuckers, and Les Paul's.Same gauges 12-50. Never went back to anything else. Tried them all. Thanks for posting this video.
All my basses are strung with Thomastik strings. Including my Fender February 1964 Jazz Bass all original, and my Fender 62 PBass. Over the years I have used loads of different strings from wire to flat. But these are the best strings ever to play and the tone gets even better with age. Well worth the price tag. Great summary by the way.
Thank you! Great points sir.
When you went from a more "standard string to these did you have to re-setup you bass? Neck intonation etc. ?
Revisiting this video after putting a set of TI's on my Fender “Bingo” Jaguar Bass (with Duncan Quarter Pound PJ pickups). These had previously been on three other basses and they never quite “clicked” with me.
Recently, I had decided to give them a shot on my “Bingo” bass because my band had a recording session coming up and I wanted a flatwound tone for the specific song we were recording.
The producer loved how they recorded because he didn’t have to do ANY EQ adjustment (only slight compression) and the strings cut through very well. This has given me a change of heart on these strings so much that I want to buy a few more sets to put on some other basses (including my Höfner Club).
I have a Squire 70's vibe and also a Schecter Riot Session 4 with these strings. They take a few weeks to break in but once they do it's like enjoying your favorite cup of coffee to savor. They have an outstanding tone, very full, deep and rich to very high with no real quick erosion of the tone. I've had the Squire for about 7 yrs, changed a set after 2 (didn't really need to), and the Schecter I switched to these strings before I even played it. These have lasted me almost 6 years now and sound just as good as they did after the short break in period. I'm just an enthusiast who plays when I can, not a pro by any stretch, but if you have an ear for music and believe in you get what you pay for, these pay off in spades!! Outstanding strings!!
I only use flats. I like Labella, Dr Legends, Ernie Ball And Rotosound jazz 66 flats. The only rounds I have ever used is DR Black Beauties. I like the feel and tone of flats. Flats are easier on your finger tips in regards to blisters. The smooth surface of flats prevent you from getting blisters since there are no grooves to rip your skin
Love these things. Smooth with the low finger noise and tempered attack of the best flatwounds, but with a flexibility and a midrange chirp present rarely found in other flats. They also last way longer than other strings and mellow out well as they age to the point where changing them is optional. Flexible flat with nickel outer wrap also means that they don't do as much damage to your instrument or your hands, so you can play rehearsal after rehearsal, session after session, and gig after gig without much fatigue or maintenance. They don't have the deepest bass or chimey treble, but what they do have is this vocality that is incredibly usable and versatile.
I put a set on this afternoon and I’m really happy I did. Before this I had Chromes 50-105 I believe, and they were giving my little finger issues(small mishap with a saw and also broke it once). I also tried the GHS P flats and they were better in that regard but my finger still hurt. The added flexibility and lower gauge of the TI’s has made a world of difference, for the past few hours I have enjoyed playing more than ever! Sound wise I can’t really comment as I’ve only been playing 2 years and mostly play through headphones. If these can stay on my bass for the next 10 years I’d be happy.
This is such a great review. I can tell that you really care about the quality of your content.
I’ve got these strings. They feel loose as compared to other flats but they sound miles better than other flats. They’re not just deep (I think LaBellas are a tad deeper), but the TIs have great definition and articulation and they are awesomely responsive to the player.
Thanks so much for the kind words!! Quality is definitely important. Glad to hear you have had a great experience with the TI flats!
You sir sure have a deep rooted groove. When you play a groove and go silent, I keep nodding my head to the silent because of the groove you set in me. Awesome. And cool strings too.
Thanks so much bro! That’s an encouragement.
I agree with the silence. As a guitar player since 1975, I have learned sometimes it is what you don't play that makes things great.
Went to flats when I picked up my bass again after 2 decades, as my fingers weren't used anymore. I love them for less noise, and I can get a good "modern" sound as well.
I have them on my jazz with a maple neck now for 2 years the same set and they are still great but have lost some mids perhaps. Still love them
Nice!!!!
Great review. Fixing to put on a set on my 5 string squire Classic Vibe 70’s Jazz V. Can’t wait to try them.
Love the TI line Flats and Rounds.. I encourage people to try the rounds if you like rich full but not bright strings that last a while.
@@Acr0polis I don’t plan on ever pulling mine off my basses.
I have a set of flats that are 6 years old now. Worn in flat wounds are where it’s at.
Well done intro and video as a whole !
Thanks so much! The encouragement is helpful.
I totally expected to like the Labella's better but I think I like the chromes a touch more. Especially if they were going on a jazz bass, I'd go with the
chromes.
I have been playing electric guitar since 1975. I have only had a couple of basses, and have been without a bass for ten years. Today I will be in possession of a used, 2019, fender professional precision that I purchased online. I believe I will go with flat wound strings. Thanks.
You’ll love it. Nothing like a good fender P
Best flat strings imo
Just found this review. Thanks! Great. Will use the TI on a short scale. God Bless.
God bless you too!!
A friend of mine gave me a couple of sets of TI's that he took off his bass guitars and sent them to me so I can try them out. They were very worn in and had been on his basis for several years and they still sound good and smooth. I think this must be what chocolate sounds like! 👍
What up brotha! It's been years since I've had TI Flats, but I think the time has come for another set. Hope you are doing well my friend!
They are great strings! By the way bro. Very long time no talk. Wow. We should catch up!
Would love to try these, but I couldn't be happier with my LaBella deep talking 53 gauge. Wanting to support my local shops I had been talked into dr chromes and lighter gauges, but didn't do the thing for me. But you need a seriously strong bass neck to get a good action. Going from 55 rounds to those flats was the most I ever had to tighten a truss rod, did it over multiple days. So don't know if I can recommend to everyone.
Interesting review. I have only had flat wound D’Addarios on a 5 string Fender and Yamaha 5 string. I like them. Because of your review, I may try some of those on my Fender P bass when I change strings.
I definitely recommend it!
Best choice Man, my favorites strings on my fretless.
They’re grrrrrreat!!
Great review and nice playing.
Thank you!
I’ve been using a set of these for 2 years now (I know , it’s a long life for bass strings) but the sound is still so good that I can’t help but keeping them.
Love it!!!!!!!
2 years is not a long time for flats. I have 12 year old flats.
@@shrimpflea man I’m gonna follow you way
@@Bosellii I just ordered the The Thomastik-Infeld flats for my Jazz bass. Never tried them before. I have those old La Bella flats on my P-Bass.
@@shrimpflea I think any number of years is an achievement.
Yeah, I love those stings. The only stings I never want to change. Super expensive but well worth it. They sound great on a P-Bass for sure.
Nice video. I have a fretless bass with Thomastik-Infeld JF344 strings. It's good too.
Okay, subscribed because it’s a good video and let’s hope we can pay you enough to buy strings WHEN YOU WANT!
Thanks so much!!
Now they cost $100 shipped. Just ordered a set to use with my fretless kiloton. I love the LaBella LTF on my P bass, so I'm anxious to see if these are really worth twice the price of the LaBellas.
I’m very interested to hear what you think!!!
I've bought them on Amazon for under $60.
Haha, each of my thomastik cello strings costs same or more then a set of their bass guitar strings. I wonder how they've achieved it. Was expecting at least 4-5 times the price.
That said, I so much love thomastik cello strings, I can't express it enough!
Excellent review! Very complete, straight-forward and honest, I think. Though, sadly my experience with these string was terrible. They are truly unbalanced to me. The A string is too thin and it jumps too much. I had two sets, didn't change anything. Tried them on 4 basses, not a good fit. I prefered GHS Precision Flats and D'A Chromes.
Wow. So sorry to hear that. I haven’t noticed any problems so far.
Played them for few months in a hardcore/punk bands and they worked perfectly. Perfect tone with P bass, I only needed to get used to lower tension.
Last week i tried to switch to roundwounds - to check if they wont be better. Couldnt stand them, Im in love with flats forever.
That’s awesome!!
The sound will only get better with time. I have a set installed on one of my basses that is over a year old. I will not change them until they break.
I have them on every bass I own except 2. One has the factory strings on it because I just got it haha and the other has Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Flats that were gifted to me. You should review those as well if you haven’t already.
I’ve never reviewed or tried the Ernie Ball Strings but I’d like to!
Have you tried them on a stingray?
I have Thomastik on a Fender american P bass they are Thomastik Jazz which may be a different series (IDK) I love them . I am thinking of another set for a Fretless jazz bass . They also make roundwound dont know if they are good or not.
I love the TI strings on my Fender 63 reissue. I love how they make my p bass sound similar to a semi hollow body bass. I have some LaBella Gold Flats on my Yamaha BB 734, and so far the tone is killing. Just waiting for them to break in. PPL have said bad things online about the Golds, but I’ve only experienced good things out of them so far. There are not many videos for the LaBella Gold flatwounds, so if you do a flatwound video please include them.
Thanks!!! I will definitely keep that in mind.
Nice vid dude. TIs are great, but i ended up swapping out the g and d with labella LTFs. The strings noise ends up a little plasticy i found on the TIs whereas the LTFs age better imo. Unfortunately the E and A from the LTFs dont maintain that rubbery flatwound high end clank that you'd expect from like 760fl or fs
Hi Rumblin Man, This vid was posted in Jan (great vid btw) so you have had some time with the TI flats. Wondering how you feel about them now? I am long time guitar player who has just taken up the bass. I have a p-bass with default Fender rounds and considering changing the strings to flats. My music interests are blues-jazz-Motown -ish., definitely more tradition stuff.
Cheers
A p bass with these flats would be amazing for that kind of music. Especially if the pickup has a nice bright punch to it. Tell ya what. I’ll plan on doing a follow-up video soon to comment on how I’m feeling about these strings since the initial review!
Great review bro!!..really love the tone with those strings & the maple neck....do an interview to karol 😎
I plan to get in touch with her about it at some point.
Thanks bro!!!!
Cool video. I'm relatively new to flatwound strings. I put my first flatwound set (Labella) on my Hofner Violin bass and I love them as much as I fell in love with hollow body basses in general. :)
hello Rumbling Man. I enjoyed your video and I've just installed the TI flats on my deluxe active precision fender bass and Immediately noticed the difference from other flats. these strings yields a very nice, clean warm growl from the E, A, D strings which produces a much longer clean sustain and much easier on your fingers. the only issue is that the G string's tone and sustain is Inferior to the other strings but could be adjusted with a good pedal such as the SensAmp DI and EQ settings on the Amp. I wonder what they sound like after a while. overall, I give Thomastik flats 5 stars. thanks Avi
Great review! Just ordered a set for my '62 AVRI Jazz. Also, dude, you sound just like Tom Segura.
That's super kind. Thanks so much. Enjoy the strings!
How do these strings react to being tuned down a half step? Do they get very floppy? Great video btw
Thanks, just brought a set for my Hagstrom Viking on your recommendation put them on tomorrow thanks.. 🙃🇦🇺
Awesome!!
I have these on my '79 4001. Great match for a Ric. I don't think that I will ever try anything else despite the price. $60 is a lot but how often do you change your strings if you're playing flat wounds.
Great point!
Neva eva
Great video! What is your main bass?
This one right now. Also a Sire V3. What about you?
That mic makes your voice sound 👌
They’re on sale at sweetwater at the moment. So I had to get another set.
The Ti,s are easier to play, Chromes and Roto sound are good but very stiff
This is a good review
Thanks so much!
They are my favorite flat wound string. They are very flexible. If you hold one up in the middle they hang down like a round wound string and this makes them very comfortable to play.
Yeah.
Awesome review. I've heard that the TI jazz flats are amazing for fretless, do you think there's any truth to that? I'm looking to replace the Fender flats that came on my fretless j.
I think you'll like these a LOT better than the Fender flats. And yeah, if I had a fretless bass, I would definitely think about throwing some of these on. Good luck!
@@RumblinMan awesome, I'm sold. Thanks!!
Great vid.. i have TIs on a pbass... and to me, no, they are not worth the money. I have try them on 5 different bass with different pick ups and the ONLY match i could find usable was on a rosewood fretboard p bass with a roadworn pickup. On all other basses, they were bright, no thump with higher mids... not vintage at all ( not to me anyways ). Labellas and GHS on the other hand seem to work well with everything. Of course, YMMV
How is the tension? I've been using Chromes but I find them really stiff and hard on the right hand. I'm looking for something a little more forgiving.
If you’re looking for something with a nice, flexible low tension, look no further. The Thomastiks are a joy to play.
I replace my la bellas to Thomastik-Infled.... my search for Flatwounds is over!
AWESOME!!!! What are your favorite things about the Thomastiks?
Great review! What is the best DI right now for bass in a church setting would you recommend? I only found the Fender Downtown Express DI suitable for me because it has a compressor. Can you give me some suggestions? Thank you. I'm using a Marcus Miller P10 PJ bass.
First, congrats on the P10.... that is a VERY cool bass. There are so many bass DI’s out there that are being used in worship. I personally really like the Downtown Express because it gives you compression, drive... the essentials. And you can get some great tones out of it. It’s the best thing for the money IMO.
You think these will fit on a short scale let’s say a Höfner? Thinking about getting these that’s why.
Not sure!! Maybe a shorter length set?
They make a short scale set too, I saw it in the shop this afternoon.
TI JF324 short (medium) scale will fit on Beatle basses (Hofner or Epiphone Viola, etc)
I got a 2015 Am.standard precision,and a 2018 Am.professional jazz ..which one gets the flats ?
It’s all what sound you prefer! I love flats on a jazz.
Are they as "floppy" as some say? or at least stiffer than the common ernie rounds? (i like some stiffness) i'm getting a Jack Casady Epiphone on the way but don't know if i should get the TI's or La Bella's. Appreciate any help here 🙌
Hey Diego. Yeah, if you like stiffness, this isn’t the string for you. They are quite low in tension. That’s what I like about them. There are plenty of other flats out there that have the stiffness you’re looking for though! Ever tried Rotosound?
@@RumblinMan Hi man thanks for your time! I just tried the TI's and I'm in love! Amazing strings, the tension is fine, they're smooth and nice to play, love them!
TI strings sound way better after a year but I still like heavier flats
I don't understand why people say that Jazzbass and flats are not a good match.... i know a great player who played Jbass with flats ... his name is Jaco Pastorius and he had a killing/distinctive tone! Stick to roundwounds if your playind Punk/hardRock and if your playind Metal don't buy a jazz bass and focus on active electronic and a B low string
Jaco actually used rounds. That said, flats on a Jazz Bass are 🔥.
how stiff are the strings??
Low tension. Not stiff at all.
Did you play Look to the Son?
Yep. Lol. Or well it was based on look to the Son. I just like playing those guitar parts.
How high do you set the TIs above the 12th fret? 😃
I prefer the lowest action I can get without causing the strings to buzz
@@RumblinMan I look for a nice low-action setup as well! :D I am really interested in the actual measurements how you got it even tempered - if you just sometimes had the time to check out, and you havent changed them yet.
Let me explain: I have the JF 344 set (100-70-56-43) on my Yamaha P-Bass and set them up a couple of months ago with evenly growing height G to E. But somehow the E and A strings buzz much more than the D and G do...
Thank you Sir
Anyone ever used flats on a MusicMan Stingray? Curious
If I had a stingray I probably would. I bet Pino has.
@@RumblinMan I don’t have one yet. I’m looking at getting one nice bass that is my main bass. I’m not a collector. I just want one really nice one. I’m torn between the New Sting Ray and an American Fender Jazz Bass.
@@bjamminsincebirth3494 I personally recommend the Jazz more, because I have found that Jazz Basses have a more versatile tone than Stingrays (and I found out the hard way).
@@RumblinMan I’m thinking that is the truth!
it sounds perfect. It cut through the mix like butter due to the high level of mid range. You just have to boost a bit the bass with EQ. Tried on an old smoothie stingray, the string through bridge also increases the tension which is is good for that particular set.
I love this sounds💥💣🤟😍🤩
Awesome man
How does slap sound on it
1) you have a higher price because you live in USA, in Europe they cost like the others
2) the higher price in USA is worth because they practically last forever :-)
The rotosound flats sound awful. Way too bright IMHO. Good video.
Thanks! Yeah, I have an old set of Rotosounds and they don’t blow me away.
I’ve been a flat wound string player forever. I’ve literally tried them all throughout the years and I’ll tell anybody that Thomastik-Infeld absolutely, without a doubt, are NOT worth it. They have got to be the most overrated strings of all time. Now, with maybe an endorsement deal…I’d probably change my mind as would a lot of people if they were free. 😉
Horses for courses. I've played Fender, LaBella and LaBella Low Tension, Dunlop and Chromes, and TI Jazz Flats are by far the best for me.