My Alembic has a graphite neck, so it shrugs off changes in string tension pretty easily. I just got her less than a week ago, so I'm still in the process of auditioning strings, but at this point have tried the very dead Alembic strings that came with the bass, a fresh set of Alembic strings, and six-month-old TI JFs that I transferred from another bass.
I actually don't like the 'zing' and 'hollow' lows of the Alembic strings--mind you, it's been TWO YEARS since I've put new rounds on any bass, so my ears aren't acclimated to highs--but the TIs felt weird to me, too skinny for the bass.
I'm going to have to try the DR Hi-Beams I've liked on previous Alembics.
The half-dead TIs, which is actually the point where they start to come into their prime, are a good thing to have in your bass' case if a different sound is needed.
TIs are a good transition, sound-wise, from rounds to flats...they have an articulate midrange, and harmonics ring well, compared to the GHS flats on my son's Fender bass, which, as it sits, is a serious thump machine. While their feel forces a learning curve and some bridge adjustments at the very least, their sound is very musical, and from what I'm told, the gauges weren't chosen randomly or by tradition, but were rather engineered from the ground up in an effort to achieve a predetermined sound.
Anyone looking to pick up a set should, and I hope I'm not stepping on any toes here, look up Steve Barr at thedudepit.com. His price is more than competitive, as far as US dealers go, and he ships at the speed of light. Well, maybe a little bit slower, but not much. Plus, through his forum, you may directly contact the manufacturer's US representative, which doesn't hurt either.
