Thomastik-Infeld Strings

**StartedAt67** · Jan-20-2006, 9:29pm

Has anyone tried the Thomastik-Infeld Vienna Prazision-Precision Solid Steel Core flat wound Mandoline Strings. If you have which type light or medium? What do you think of these strings?

**Tim** · Jan-21-2006, 5:28am

TI on F-hole
TI - Worth trying?
More TI talk

Those are just three that I found with a search for TI or Thomastik. #A search for LaBella or JM-11 will get you discussions on a lower cost, similar string.

**bjc** · Jan-21-2006, 6:28am

Tim has pointed you to some good threads. You can also go to Jazzmando.com and Ted has a lot of information about them. I just started using them and I do enjoy them (Medium is what I'd recommend). I was surprised to hear some Blue Grass pickers use them because they are not real bright or loud (not that they are totally dull and quiet either...tee hee)...But check out those threads...good luck

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-21-2006, 8:14am

Been using TI Stark (hard) strings for several years on two mandolins (used them on a Weber Gallatin and now on a Collings MT). The Starks seemed to be the closest in size and string tension to the J74's so that is why I go with those and I love them and could probably never change to anything else.

Originally Posted by

A search for LaBella or JM-11 will get you discussions on a lower cost, similar string.

Are the Labella strings made like the TI's? In other words are the G & D strings not wound like most mando strings? Beyond the sound I really like the feel of the TI's, and I would try the Labella's if they were similar in that regard.

**Tim** · Jan-21-2006, 9:50am

Originally Posted by (sealcove @ Jan. 21 2006, 09:14)

Are the Labella strings made like the TI's? #In other words are the G & D strings not wound like most mando strings? #Beyond the sound I really like the feel of the TI's, and I would try the Labella's if they were similar in that regard.

Can't address actual construction but I have TI mediums on my Gallatin and JM-11 on my Eastman and they have a smilar feel (flat wound) and similar sound (as much as you can compare a oval, maple mandolin to a f-hole mahogany).

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-21-2006, 10:17am

Guess I should try a set. Thanks.

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-21-2006, 10:20am

Bummer the JM-11's look pretty light for my taste. I think I will stick with the TI Stark.

**bjc** · Jan-21-2006, 3:26pm

Sealcove,

You might want to look at ordering them from jazzmando.com. He has the lowest prices I've seen on 'em...no financial interest here, it is just what I found with tons of research...

**StartedAt67** · Jan-21-2006, 4:38pm

Thanks Tim I searched for the strings but used the full name and no just TI. I did not find any listings that is why I posted my query.

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-21-2006, 7:46pm

The best consistently low price for TI’s I have found is Janet Davis Music, which are $2.51 cents less than Jazz Mando (Davis sells them for $23.99).

**glauber** · Jan-21-2006, 9:29pm

Originally Posted by (sealcove @ Jan. 21 2006, 20:46)

The best consistently low price for TI’s I have found is Janet Davis Music, which are $2.51 cents less than Jazz Mando (Davis sells them for $23.99).

shipping included?

**Ted Eschliman** · Jan-22-2006, 8:18am

I include shipping, even on single sets of TIs or JM-11s. The $5.95 shipping charge some others charge offsets the perception of "savings," if one were to look closer.

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-22-2006, 9:13am

That is good to know. Will keep that in mind for the next time I order strings.

**StartedAt67** · Jan-22-2006, 7:09pm

Something to consider before switching strings.
I was using the Elixir string listed below. When I switched to the Thomastik-Infeld 154W, I had to Adjust my neck setup, the 4th strings were to close to the 1st fret and buzzed when played open. I think this is due to less tension with the TI. I tried to find the tension for the Elixir but could not.

TI 154 (mittle or medium)
.010 = 17.42lbs. .015 = 15.43 .021 = 15.43 .033 = 15.43
Total tension = 63.71lbs. (127.42 w/sympathy strings)

Elixir Mandolin Strings with NANOWEB® coating
PN Gauge G D A E
11500 Light 034 024 014 010

**Douglas McMullin** · Jan-23-2006, 8:34am

That is why I have always used the TI starks as opposed the lighter TI's. Even though they are the heaviest of the TI strings they are still lighter and have less tension than other standard sets I have uses like the J74 & JS74. I think the J74's are up in the 180lb range for total tension and the TI Starks are in the 150's. My MT I assume came with J74's, and it happily took to the TI starks with no adjustments.