T-I Jazz Flats

[Dave W]

These seem to be priced at $75-$95 for a 4-string long scale set, But I found out from a poster at TDPRI that an Amazon seller has them listed as an accordion accessory (?!) and has them priced at $57.81.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00162ZSW6

I'm not interested but some of you might be.

[uwe]

Do we experience a T-I string craze resurgence? 

I remember those things becoming kind of a mono-theme at the Dudepit. Those T-I Flats especially were a rubbery lot - in weird gauges. Not for someone like me who digs the manly pull (and eternal life!) of D'Addario Chromes. 

Beware of Austrians! We should know.

[morrow]

You need a light touch , but they’re great strings.
Mostly play short scales now and I like something stiffer on a short scale.
Good price!

[Dave W]

They're still loved by some. Nothing at all wrong with that if it suits your style (and ear).

Dude was a T-I dealer and really hyped them. Some members would jump on anything he promoted.

[doombass]

TI's and Darkstars were the saviors of all bass at the Dudepit. My fretless Ripper came to me with TI Flats and after a while I changed to Chromes which I usually prefer. I've been thinking of switching back because on the fretless it feels better with looser tension.

[OldManC]

TIs and the Pit got me to try flats for the first time, but as soon as I tried some Chromes (and then LaBellas) a few years later, I was done ever wanting or buying TIs again. I'm glad I learned about them though because for some reason I'd never considered flats before then. 

[morrow]

They’re still the most common string on the 34 in basses I have. If you play with a light touch they’re a great string. I do put fresh rounds on the old Ray every once in a while.
I do prefer something stiffer with a short scale. Most have LaBella flats , but the Longhorn I tend to gig with has 24 year old rounds , and I keep fresh BriteWires on the Jr. 

[ilan]

TI's and Darkstars were the saviors of all bass at the Dudepit.

and the J-Retro.

[morrow]

Don’t forget the Cafe Walter.

[ilan]

Don’t forget the Cafe Walter.

Yes!

I like TI JF344's for flats. I just like Ernie Ball Group IV a little more.

[Dave W]

Walter is still around, but he only makes the piezo buffer, not the headphone amp.

Whatever the bass related product, if Steve could make a buck or so on commission, he was all in hyping it up. Even if he wasn't an authorized dealer. Most of those products were good, but regardless, there were always a bunch of members ready to jump on any bandwagon he started.

Last time I checked, a couple of years ago, Steve was working on a ranch in New Mexico. Now he says he's a certified Level 1 ski instructor at a resort about 25 miles south of Taos. Whatever, I hope he's found himself.

[OldManC]

Don’t forget the Cafe Walter.

I still use my headphone amp regularly. That is, when I can get it away from my 15 year old son. I love that thing.

[Highlander]

I have them on my 5 string AEB and that's it... my only 5 string too... has a nice tone... stuck with Roto 77's for too many years on my other fretless instruments...
If it ain't broke... lol

[Rob]

I always liked the low tension and textured sound of TI's.
I broke a G string  recently and put an La Bella (low tension) in it's place and they feel and sound the same.

[Pilgrim]

I always liked the low tension and textured sound of TI's.
I broke a G string  recently and put an La Bella (low tension) in it's place and they feel and sound the same.

That's interesting.

I put the Labella low tensions on one of my short scale basses and really couldn't tell any difference compared to the Labella 760FL light gauge flats that I normally use.  At least they're less expensive than the TIs.