Warwick Thumb

[jnevi9nr]

I'm looking for opinions on what strings would sound the best with the Warwick Thumb. Currently using DR Lo Riders, Nickel plated.

[stflbn]

Depends what music you play, what technique you use, what amp you use, and most importantly... what YOU prefer tonally.

That's kind of like looking for opinions on what foods best. Everyone has a different opinion, and even people's favorites change.

[jnevi9nr]

well, I play dave matthews, incubus, that sort of stuff.
i do mostly finger style.
i have a small amp.
I like the tone. i just dont like the sound from the strings, not sure what I can do to make it less harsh, metallic sounding when it hits the frets.

[jnevi9nr]

no advice on what strings are good with them?

[TheBasicBassist]

Lighten up on your attack. Work on getting a fatter sound from just your fingertips like Jaco, Rocco and countless other bassists. That should get rid of fret buzz, if not a good setup.

As for strings, I liked D'addarrio's on mine when I had a Thumb.

[Fliptrique]

Clicky noises are 95% technique and setup

[Toastfuzz]

To make them less harsh n
metal sounding, you just gotta break em in. Any strings are gonna sound real metallic n clangy the for the beginning, how long to break in depends on how often you play. Just jam with em for a month, and they'll soften up and get some dead skin cells built up and sound more like what you want

[jnevi9nr]

ok, i did just put these dr lo riders on, but it may need a good setup, but i just got a setup in january, so hoping not to pay for another.

my jazz bass doesnt do that noise at all, love the tone on my jazz when I play.

i think i did have some D'addarrios on there before, and i think the tone went out the door, but it may be because of the new dr strings.

thanks for the advice all.

[The1bassist06]

On my warwick I prefer using warwick black label strings.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

That explains a lot. If you are using the same gauge DRs as you were D'addarios you have a lot less tension with the DRs. Less tension means the strings don't pull as much on the neck, creating a little bit of what is called backbow. Extreme backbow is the strings laying on the frets but in your case they are just more prone to vibrating against the frets, causing buzz. Plus, the stainless steel DRs will have more extreme high end than the nickel D'addarios, making the buzz worse. Taking some of the tension off the truss rod should fix your problem. It sounds scary but learning to adjust your instrument is an important skill for a musician.