Are there any flats that sound like TI...

#21
Nashrakh said:
Playing closer to the bridge works for me since the strings are a bit less flexible there. If that doesn't work, Cobalts may be worth a shot.
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This definitely helps and is what I usually resort to. I can pluck the strings pretty much the same way that sounds good on my Pbass. Some songs sound better played on the other side of the pickup cover closer to the neck though. This is where I feel like the strings start fighting me.
 
#28
jj4001 said:
...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?
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I use the labella Low Tension flats. I have them on a bass I removed TI's from because I wanted more tension, but not bridge cables. They do not sound like TI's, but they have a good brightness on D&G, A is balance and clear and a little more thud on the E. I still have my TI's on a couple basses. The 45-95 XL Chromes may be a different way to go also, the tension on that set is perfect in my opinion.
 
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#29
:laugh::thumbsup::laugh::thumbsup::laugh:

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#30
higain617 said:
I used them for quite a while. They've got a lot of midrange with decent tension IMO.
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Rotos flats certainly have a gorgeous midrange but they sound absolutely nothing like the TI flats. Not even remotely close IMO.

I like the tone of both but for different things. And I actually find it easier to adapt to the loose tension of the TIs than to the VERY stiff tension of the Rotos. It's like going from one extreme to the other.
 
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#33
Really appreciate your wisdom, guys.

I am reluctant to swap out the TIs because tonally they do pair so well with a 4001. I just prefer avoiding distractions like thinking about technique on a gig. I play my best with a blank mind, as if I'm just listening to the music and barely consciously aware I'm even helping to make it.

I'll give these TIs more time but the Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats sound like they may have what I'm looking for.

Thanks again.
 
#34
jj4001 said:
...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?
Click to expand...
La Bella Low Tension Flats. Closest you will get. This question has been asked a thousand times if you do a search.
 
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