Are there any flats that sound like TI...

jj4001

jj4001

Dec 27, 2010
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Providence, RI
#1
...but have a little bit more tension???

I've tried TI flats on my 4001. I've given myself several months with them in hopes I'd eventually get used to them. I *LOVE LOVE LOVE* the way they sound on this bass, but I feel like I'm fighting these strings every time I play it. I want to go for the 4001 more often because it has such killer tone (especially with TIs), but my AVRI '63 P strung up with Fender 9050L flats gets the gigs. The 4001 is like a muscle car, the P is like driving a school bus. The school bus gets me from point A to point B safely. ;-)

I do like a lower tension flat, but the TIs are too extreme for me. The 9050L set feels much lower tension than the LaBella 760FL strings I used for a long time, and I consider that a good thing. I remember liking the .045-.100 Chromes I had on a 4003 several years ago.

I'd love to find a flatwound that's closer to that amazing TI sound. I suspect this isn't a thing that exists, but maybe you all can enlighten me. Any suggestions?
 
#4
maturanesa said:
The thing is: TIs sound that way because they have that tension...
Click to expand...

Not quite. TIs are created like double bass strings, so there's a silk filament that runs the length of the string, which greatly affects the sound. The tension doesn't have an affect on the sound; it's a byproduct of their construction technique.


Thuddy Waters said:
You bring up a very interesting point which leads to a question. How much of TI's sound is due to their tension? Is it possible for a larger diameter, higher tension string to sound like that?
Click to expand...

Double Bass strings come in a variety of gauges in light, medium and heavy (sometimes called orchestral gauge), and still sound the same. TI could make a "heavy" gauge set of their flats and achieve the same tone with more tension.
 
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#5
Thuddy Waters said:
You bring up a very interesting point which leads to a question. How much of TI's sound is due to their tension? Is it possible for a larger diameter, higher tension string to sound like that?
Click to expand...

I think larger gauge and higher tension produces more harmonics and less fundamental, so you end up percieving a bit more roundness with less tension
 
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#6
Thuddy Waters said:
You bring up a very interesting point which leads to a question. How much of TI's sound is due to their tension? Is it possible for a larger diameter, higher tension string to sound like that?
Click to expand...

It’s the only gauge they make, so likely no?

Let me clarify. I know nothing else will sound sound exactly like TIs, but I’m curious to find what comes closest and use that as a replacement.
 
#8
maturanesa said:
Not agree.. Since more tension means less movement the string vibrates differently.
And you can notice that when you change a set for a lighter/heavier one.
Click to expand...

You can disagree all you like; I've reverse-engineered the strings. They're made very differently, which has a bigger effect on the sound than just the tension (which is a byproduct).
 
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#9
Jon Moody said:
You can disagree all you like; I've reverse-engineered the strings. They're made very differently, which has a bigger effect on the sound than just the tension (which is a byproduct).
Click to expand...

I didnt say the are made the same. I said the tension affects the tone so you cant expect a heavier gauge string to sound like a lighter one.

A heavier gauge string sounding like a light TI? It wont happen...
 
#10
maturanesa said:
I didnt say the are made the same. I said the tension affects the tone so you cant expect a heavier gauge string to sound like a lighter one.
Click to expand...

Your original comment was stating that the tension is the sole reason TIs sound like they do, which I said is not the case; it's the construction more than anything. The tension plays a part, but it's not the primary reason TIs sound like they do.

TI could make a heavier gauge set and it would sound close enough that none of us would be able to tell in a mix. Yes, the tension difference would make a slight difference, but not enough that they would be two different sets of strings.
 
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#11
Jon Moody said:
Your original comment was stating that the tension is the sole reason TIs sound like they do, which I said is not the case; it's the construction more than anything. The tension plays a part, but it's not the primary reason TIs sound like they do.

TI could make a heavier gauge set and it would sound close enough that none of us would be able to tell in a mix. Yes, the tension difference would make a slight difference, but not enough that they would be two different sets of strings.
Click to expand...

The OP is focusing on tension and trying to get the same sound. So my original comment was stating that a light TI Flat sound that way because is light. If the strings were heavier they wont sound the same. I just pointed a fact 100%.
If you think different gauges sound the same... it would be against any empiric evidence..
 
#12
Jon Moody said:
Double Bass strings come in a variety of gauges in light, medium and heavy (sometimes called orchestral gauge), and still sound the same. TI could make a "heavy" gauge set of their flats and achieve the same tone with more tension.
Click to expand...
That's good news for all the people who love the sound of TI flats but don't like the low tension. Maybe some nice string company could make a set with the same construction techniques but in a heavier gauge... maybe GHS??? :);)
 
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#13
maturanesa said:
The OP is focusing on tension and trying to get the same sound. So my original comment was stating that a light TI Flat sound that way because is light. If the strings were heavier they wont sound the same. I just pointed a fact 100%.
Click to expand...
You could make that point with any string, though. Someone could say that light gauge GHS Boomers, for instance, don't sound 100% exactly the same as medium gauge GHS Boomers. But they still have the same overall sound because they are constructed the same way.
 
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#20
short answer - No

i agree that is it the Silk under wrap that helps make that specific tone ... and softer feel

maybe lebella low tensions ..? more tension than Ti - i think they're the next step up in tension . No they do not sound the same ..

have you ever tried any tape wounds ..? they can get an interesting thud if you eq the clack out ..
 
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