Low Tension Roundwounds?

jon · Post by **jon** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:35 pm

I normally use Rotosound Nickel Hybrid Gauge Roundwounds (40 - 100) on all my basses. However, with an older doubleneck on the way, I'm a bit worried about what I can risk putting on the bass. I have never found flats that give me the sound I want.

I know many people have said they have used roundwounds without a problem on the older necks, but are there any roundwounds that are 100% safe?

Any advice would be appreciated...

tomg · Post by **tomg** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:50 pm

TI Jazz Rounds.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:50 pm

I had a 3001(same truss rods as the 4001 and 4080). I used stock Rickenbacker nickel round wounds on it (.045-.105) without a problem. These are definitely lower tension than your typical Rotosound steel rounds.

green_us90 · Post by **green_us90** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 7:09 pm

What Tom said- Even the powerbass TI Rounds are a lot softer tension wise than comparable gauge Fender rounds.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 2:44 am

Thomastik-Infeld. Get the JR344 nickel round wound set.

.043 .051 .068 .089

I got them on my '76, and they are great strings.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 2:52 am

I use the TI's on my '72 and they sound good, they are just a bit too soft for my taste. I might try some heavier gauge TI's next time.

They give a good solid sound for such a soft string

green_us90 · Post by **green_us90** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 4:09 am

Got the powerbass TI's on my '75 4001, they are a soft string that are easy on the neck- I've never tried the Jazz rounds but it they are like the JF344 (the famous TI Jazz flats set) then those definetly feel softer than the power bass set, still though, with no other adjustments the action is noticably lower with the powebass strings I have on their now. Really, you can't go wrong with either set- I've had a JF344 set on my P Bass for years now, they last quite a long time.

jon · Post by **jon** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:03 pm

Thanks for your help everyone. I shall give the TI Jazz Rounds a go.

billy_sacco · Post by **billy_sacco** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 5:19 am

Yeah I just got some TI Jazz flatwounds and man for a flatwound they have an awesome tone. For flats I will not use anything else. For me the soft feel is a plus you can slide up on down on em all freakin day.

jon · Post by **jon** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:48 pm

Good advice. The 4080 has arrived (will probably post pictures once she's seen some action). Even though the bass neck was previously strung with flats, the TI Jazz rounds are much lower tension and the neck looks a lot healthier with them on. The tone is not as bright as the Rotosounds, but definitely closer than any flats I've used.

Thanks again

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:53 pm

If the TIs are too soft for your tastes (coming from Rotos I expect they will be) try DR Highbeams. They are bright and loud but very easy on the neck and frets.

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:08 pm

89? Jeez, that's not even a bass string is it?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:15 pm

Precisely. I love TIs but there is such a thing as too light.

rich · Post by **rich** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:59 pm

I just put a set of Pyramid Gold's on my lefty C64 and have only played them for about 15 minutes but already I really like the feel and tone of them much better than the GHS's I had on it. They have a much more even tone and better sustain as well.

Rich

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 4:05 am

"but there is such a thing as too light."

I thought so too (I've used medium gauge for almost 30 years), but now I really enjoy TI Jazz Rounds. I just wish they'd last as long as DR's.

By the way, I've read somewhere that Mark King used even lighter strings (030 G).