Thunderbird PRO Strings!

GrantStuff · #1 09-26-2011, 10:51 PM

A little while back I purchased my first Thunderbird. My first professional-type bass in fact. It is an Epiphone Thunderbird PRO IV (natural oil finish), I got it practically brand new from a guy off craigslist. I am in love with this thing, it plays great.

I am yet to replace the strings that he had put on it, so now I am curious which strings would be the best. I know it mostly comes from trial and error and experimentation, but I would like to know what would be best to try first. Fellow thunderbird owners (especially PRO): What strings do you like to use? What do you recommend? The previous owner said he mostly used GHS on his thunderbirds.

I play mostly rock, alternative, and a little funk. I also like to slap and pop a bit. I play fingerstyle all the time, only using a pick on occasion.

What do you suggest? I am open to any suggestions.

hinklegm · #2 09-27-2011, 10:17 AM

I just have the regular epi thunderbird, but I've fallen in love with the Billy Sheehan set of rotosounds. I've used many sets of strings on mine, and accidentally bought this set instead of regular rotosounds. I immediately fell in love with them! Sound good slapped or fingerstyle, maybe even better with a nice heavy pick.

Marton · #3 09-27-2011, 10:33 AM

Dunlop nickels, cheap and good !

stiles72 · #4 09-27-2011, 02:47 PM

I use DR Black Beauties on all of my Thunderbirds, both Gibson & Epi. Nice mellow tone that works well with the mahogany IMO.

GrantStuff · #5 09-29-2011, 07:14 PM

I've heard that the black beauties can cut your fingertips, is that true? Also, I forgot to mention in my original post, What gauge is best for this bass? I'm not sure what the stock gauge is, or what the previous owner put on it.

GrantStuff · #6 10-01-2011, 10:50 AM

*bump?

genericusername · #7 10-01-2011, 11:21 AM

45-100 rotosound RS66

bassplayer8953 · #8 10-01-2011, 11:38 AM

GHS Boomers, ML3045. I'm using them on my Epi Pro and they work great. Nice combination of definition & balls, without having to crank up the active electronincs.

GrantStuff · #9 10-01-2011, 11:43 AM

^^ MF didn't have any Rotosounds with a 45-100 gauge.

Brick Top · #10 10-01-2011, 11:48 AM

Has anyone tried and enjoyed flats on the TB pro or standard?

Not trying to Hijack the thread....just trying to add to the conversation(and subscribe at the same time).

darkstorm · #11 10-01-2011, 11:38 PM

45-105 is the most commonly used gauge set. Is medium gauge. If your bass has 45-100 gauge now it may require a very slight truss rod tweak to maintain same action.

DR strings are the best imo. Sunbeams for nice accent on warmth. Hibeams for more top end, bright bass tones still retaining better then average low bass. Neons for inbetween and to me best balance lows thru highs.

Rotosound swing 66 are also excellent. Not as much low bass impact but a bit more midrange and grind. Rotosounds and DR's give the best metallic clank etc to my ears. Though Ive become a permanent DR convert. lol.

Ernie Ball if you want a little more accent on crunch.
GHS boomers for excellent middle of road choice.
Daddario if you want less crunch, smoother type sound.

tylerwylie · #12 10-02-2011, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

45-105 is the most commonly used gauge set. Is medium gauge. If your bass has 45-100 gauge now it may require a very slight truss rod tweak to maintain same action.

DR strings are the best imo. Sunbeams for nice accent on warmth. Hibeams for more top end, bright bass tones still retaining better then average low bass. Neons for inbetween and to me best balance lows thru highs.

Rotosound swing 66 are also excellent. Not as much low bass impact but a bit more midrange and grind. Rotosounds and DR's give the best metallic clank etc to my ears. Though Ive become a permanent DR convert. lol.

Ernie Ball if you want a little more accent on crunch.
GHS boomers for excellent middle of road choice.
Daddario if you want less crunch, smoother type sound.

Also, Ernie Balls will last about 30 minutes, GHS Boomers 25 minutes, and D'Addarios might get you through 2 songs. :P
I actually really love the new EB slinky sound, they just don't last long enough at all. DR is king of retaining a really great broken in sound for a long time.

GrantStuff · #13 10-04-2011, 02:04 PM

I've decided I want to try 45-105, Nickel. Mostly considering either Medium GHS Boomers or Rotosound Nickel Swing. Which one would sound best on the Thunderbird, tonally? Or any other suggestions?

Burruss · #14 10-04-2011, 02:52 PM

ive used dunlop steels, dr hi beams, and cleartones on mine. all are very good, but right now im digging the dunlops.

JasonKain · #15 10-04-2011, 09:30 PM

I used flats on my TPro, wasn't really feeling them. Mine has a bit of a midrange bump that I don't like with nickels, so I really want to give it more of a go with stainless steels. She's currently strung with DR Neons, sounds pretty good.