packaging (colors) of TI Jazz flats

[jobbermania]

I recently purchased a 2012 Am.Std. Jazz which is wearing flats. I never had flats on any of my basses.
I believe these are LaBellas. Wow! great tone and feel. I've missed out on this for twenty+ years.
They have red silk on the tuner end only. I have since read a lot on here about flats.
However, the sustain is beginning to go away after a few months.
Maybe this is because they were strung through the body.
Maybe not an issue for some, but if I'm noticing it while playing live, it's an issue for me.

So, based mostly on their long life and sustain retention, I am looking to buy my first set of TI jazz flats.
I think I'm gonna like them after all the positive reviews and I understand the break in time etc. etc.
Looking online, I see two variations of packaging for the strings.
On the TI website, a blue box with a sunburst jazz is shown. This box is also on the zon and other places.
On GC and MF a yellow box with a bit of green appears. I'm assuming this is an older version.
I'd like to use a GC gift certificate but I'm concerned I'll receive an old set of strings.
The JF344s are listed as not returnable at GC and MF.
Can anyone verify which is the current packaging and about when the new version was introduced?

Anyone want to buy four sets of light gauge Blue Steels?

 

[michael_t]

Can anyone verify which is the current packaging and about when the new version was introduced?

From what I understand, they're both current. It's a question of where you're based - Europe vs. N.A.

 

[J-wall]

In the past three months I have bought two sets of TI Jazz Flats - one for my 2015 MIA Precision, and one for my 2013 MIM Precision. There are red silks on both ends. Both packages, purchased online from Jason at Bass Strings Online, were the yellow with a bit of green. If you have not used these before, be aware that their sound changes over time, and people that like them say it gets better. I love them, and I hear the improvement. Mids for days, and treble reduces a bit, the lows are glorious, yet very articulate.

I have my MIA strung through the body, my MIM (with a vintage "high mass" Hipshot bridge used because I had it laying around that is seemingly no longer in production) is strung through the bridge. I have absolutely no sustain issues with either one. The MIM does have a mildly noticeable dead spot, but that is not the fault of the strings. It is there to an even lesser degree on my MIA, but never a problem in a song, and again, not the fault of the strings. There is more treble and brittleness with my MIM, but some things to consider with that - these are the newest set of strings, the basses have different neck construction, the MIA is completely stock (C.S. pickups that I love), and the MIM has a set of at least 8 year old Nordstrand NP4 pickups (again, had it laying around and the stock pickup was more modern and higher output that I prefer) but still with stock pots and cap - not sure how much of that is contributing to the remarkably higher treble content, but I figure it is at least potentially some of the source. The MIA is WAY beefier in tone. I love it! MIM is not bad at all, and if not played side by side, it would be there but no deal breaker, but lost on the average listener.

I am no "flatwound" expert, I have used Chromes before and briefly a set of Sadowskys, but both were years ago. However, from everything I have ready, flats may very well be made to sustain less than rounds, and be more thumpy. This makes me wonder if by design they are really what you want? I have no experience is the half-round world, but I find myself wondering if that might be better for your desires. TI's to me are no small investment and to be viewed as a long term relationship. I bought them never having felt or heard them in person - my risk paid off, but I can totally see how it would be a waste for some people. I liked what the TI fans here said about them, and they were all right overall - they spoke of things I wanted.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[jobbermania]

From what I understand, they're both current. It's a question of where you're based - Europe vs. N.A.

Thanks, michael_t, for that info.
You answered my question, quick and to the point.
Awesome.

 

[hotbass57]

I have them TI's on my Lakland 4401 and my 95 MIM jazz. After getting your bass set up. The balance and tone are the most even I've ever played. They do take a bit to become less bright, just keep playing them. They are really awesome strings. I have played Chromes, Fender, Dr Legends (love those strings too) and Ernie Ball flats. The TI hands down my preference. They just make playing effortless. I did have to change my attack to a little less aggressive, but well worth it. As with any Flat string patience is a virtue. They all change and mellow. Good luck!