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Strings ,Fretboard problems

I have a Gibson USA Thunderbird that has been strung with D'addario Chrome flats(.045 - .100 gauge) since new. It has a custom cut bone nut and I have given it a very low action over a nearly flat neck. This setup helped considerably in making the neck faster and easier to play. I even lost some of the callouses I had developed on my left fingers from the previously higher setup.

A 4" wide leather strap with suede backing helps keep the headstock from diving. Overall, the bass is comfortable and easy to play for me. I hope this helps.
 
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I have a Gibson USA Thunderbird that has been strung with D'addario Chrome flats(.045 - .100 gauge) since new. It has a custom cut bone nut and I have given it a very low action over a nearly flat neck. This setup helped considerably in making the neck faster and easier to play. I even lost some of the callouses I had developed on my left fingers from the previously higher setup.

A 4" wide leather strap with suede backing helps keep the headstock from diving. Overall, the bass is comfortable and easy to play for me. I hope this helps.
Really thanks for the advice!
 
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Could you post pictures of the bridge?
It looks like either the bridge needs to be set lower and/or it needs a truss rod adjustment. Probably both.

Is it an Epiphone? If it is, is it a neck-thru or bolt-on?
Epiphone bolt-on
 

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Epiphone bolt-on
I'd say it just needs a truss rod adjustment, which is common when you change strings to a different gauge (I believe they come stock with a lighter gauge)
From the looks of the picture at the end of the neck, it looks like the strings are closer the fretboard than they are at the middle of the neck, and that leads me to think just a truss rod adjustment.

I meant for a picture of the side of the bridge, but that's my fault, I should have been more clear. But I'd still start with a truss rod adjustment, and then go from there.
 
I'd say it just needs a truss rod adjustment, which is common when you change strings to a different gauge (I believe they come stock with a lighter gauge)
From the looks of the picture at the end of the neck, it looks like the strings are closer the fretboard than they are at the middle of the neck, and that leads me to think just a truss rod adjustment.

I meant for a picture of the side of the bridge, but that's my fault, I should have been more clear. But I'd still start with a truss rod adjustment, and then go from there.
Yes,i will start with a truss rod adjustment
 

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Yes,i will start with a truss rod adjustment
Raise the front of your bridge too. So it looks similar to this...
It'll help a few things, but is really important on Epiphones because it will prevent the threaded inserts from pulling up.
 

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also .. if the fretboard wood starts to dry out , you'll have issues ... i use ' F-one ' fretboard conditioner/cleaner on my neck ...

i'd also check the truss rod adjustment ... neck might be slightly bowed .. ??

lighter gauge strings will let the bow relax a little bit . ?!

the neck shape , back profile and fretboard radius , will make things ' feel ' different , or harder to play also !

since many of us are or have been full time musicians , we tend to be part time comedians also .. !! anyone who doesn't 'get' that should go take a pill , or a nap , or not try to be judgemental and tell others how to act ... ! you are not my boss .. ! and i'll bet i'm more Lucky than most folks ... i have 1099-G ( Gambling ) to prove it ... if you must hide your Profile from most , pls ... shhhhh ...

and having been to all sides of Italy ... i still can't speak a word .. ! and myself, like this site , born in the usa .... my grammar and spelling still suck ... i was a music major , not english major ...

and also , my b@lls are , Luckily , not your concern ... not my thing .???!!? = Ignore
 
also .. if the fretboard wood starts to dry out , you'll have issues ... i use ' F-one ' fretboard conditioner/cleaner on my neck ...

i'd also check the truss rod adjustment ... neck might be slightly bowed .. ??

lighter gauge strings will let the bow relax a little bit . ?!

the neck shape , back profile and fretboard radius , will make things ' feel ' different , or harder to play also !

since many of us are or have been full time musicians , we tend to be part time comedians also .. !! anyone who doesn't 'get' that should go take a pill , or a nap , or not try to be judgemental and tell others how to act ... ! you are not my boss .. ! and i'll bet i'm more Lucky than most folks ... i have 1099-G ( Gambling ) to prove it ... if you must hide your Profile from most , pls ... shhhhh ...

and having been to all sides of Italy ... i still can't speak a word .. ! and myself, like this site , born in the usa .... my grammar and spelling still suck ... i was a music major , not english major ...

and also , my b@lls are , Luckily , not your concern ... not my thing .???!!? = Ignore
Thanks for the advice, surely the truss rod is to be adjusted, I will change gauge in 45/100.
 
Hello Everyone ,I think I have a good set up at my Tbird, I adjusted the trussrod, lowered the bridge. I already played in some pubs this month and I found myself comfortable with the new set up. I added some photos for further advice.Thank you .
 

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Hello Everyone ,I think I have a good set up at my Tbird, I adjusted the trussrod, lowered the bridge. I already played in some pubs this month and I found myself comfortable with the new set up. I added some photos for further advice.Thank you .
You might want to raise the front of the bridge, and lower the rear, especially on an Epiphone. This prevents the threaded inserts from pulling out of the body.
Other than that, I'm glad you like it!
 
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