Thunderbird Club

[Felix Lopez]

I would so chrome that out!

I understand ! ! !

 

[Felix Lopez]

Q: What strings do like to use on your T-Birds and why? I am using Rotosound 66 on my Epi and I really like them, but I am curious about what strings you guys use and why...
Thanks

 

[RedVee]

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

 

[Goatrope]

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

You will get there. Since picking is new, start off right by looking up the Carol Kaye technique. It may feel awkward at first, but can save you a lot of pain and effort later.

Have fun with it!

 

[Goatrope]

Pickup Questions for you Thunderbird riders-

What is the optimal gap between the bottom of your strings and the top of the Pickups?

I’m still tweaking my NTB and just curious.

Also, is pickup replacement a “thing” in T-Bird land? Or maybe there’s a good/bad-year consensus.

Thanks for your comments. Very helpful to this new T-Bird owner.

 

[Count Bassie]

It's only artisanal if you made the CRT yourself...

Someone else could have made it... you're ruining my club...

 

[mr zee]

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

Learning anything new can be awkward, stick with it and soon you'll master it.

 

[PillO]

Q: What strings do like to use on your T-Birds and why? I am using Rotosound 66 on my Epi and I really like them, but I am curious about what strings you guys use and why...
Thanks

I have been trying steel strings on mine. I hated ProSteels and now have Roto 66s on it. The Rotos are lasting longer than I expected (based on what you read on the internets). In the past I have used Black Beauties - they last a long time and have a mellow sound from the start but have a certain grippiness than some may not like. I have also used NYXLs and liked those.

After much experimenting, I think I have a mild preference for nickel. Next strings may be NYXL or I may try Pure Blues or Fat Beams on it. Might also try nickel Low Riders.

 

[PillO]

Someone else could have made it... you're ruining my club...

Some of us are looking for NOS picture tubes.

 

[godofthunder59]

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

Ive been playing since '71, I started out using a pick and still do about 60% of the time. There are lots of picking techniques. Down stroke, up stroke, up/down (alternating), circular, raking flat picking, angled etc. I like a good thick pick with a shape I can grab, Fender 346 extra heavy are all I use. You may find yourself gripping the pick real tight, loosen up a bit and and let the pick work between your tumb and for finger. Use small movements, don't flail, remembering economy of motion something my old teacher said to me. Keep a small part of the pick tip exposed . these are all suggestions, you will find what works for you. Use of the pick has been much maligned but it can get you tones unattainable with fingers for aggressive sound and speed there is no substitute. Don't discount fingers, it's good to use both! Welcome to the best club on TB!

 

[godofthunder59]

Ive been playing since '71, I started out using a pick and still do about 60% of the time. There are lots of picking techniques. Down stroke, up stroke, up/down (alternating), circular, raking flat picking, angled etc. I like a good thick pick with a shape I can grab, Fender 346 extra heavy are all I use. You may find yourself gripping the pick real tight, loosen up a bit and and let the pick work between your tumb and for finger. Use small movements, don't flail, remembering economy of motion something my old teacher said to me. Keep a small part of the pick tip exposed . these are all suggestions, you will find what works for you. Use of the pick has been much maligned but it can get you tones unattainable with fingers for aggressive sound and speed there is no substitute. Don't discount fingers, it's good to use both! Welcome to the best club on TB!View attachment 3415880 View attachment 3415876 View attachment 3415877 View attachment 3415879 TACH]

Close up of my right hand technique.

 

[BklynKen]

Q: What strings do like to use on your T-Birds and why? I am using Rotosound 66 on my Epi and I really like them, but I am curious about what strings you guys use and why...
Thanks

The RS66 work great on the Thunderbird. I say stick with those if you like them. I've been using SIT Power Steel more recently, which are similar to the RS66 but to me feel better.

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

Good for you! I may need to be that doofus since I'm curious about playing with a pick. It's taken me long enough to get decent with my fingers, though. I think playing by the bridge with bright strings helps come close that sound.

Also, is pickup replacement a “thing” in T-Bird land? Or maybe there’s a good/bad-year consensus.

There are two reasons to replace the pickups. 1) You want a different sound. 2) You don't like the black hardware and want chrome or nickel. Both valid reasons. Fortunately for me I'm happy with the sound and like black hardware.

 

[PillO]

The RS66 work great on the Thunderbird. I say stick with those if you like them. I've been using SIT Power Steel more recently, which are similar to the RS66 but to me feel better.

Interesting. I find nothing objectionable about the feel of Rotos.

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

Ive been playing since '71, I started out using a pick and still do about 60% of the time. There are lots of picking techniques. Down stroke, up stroke, up/down (alternating), circular, raking flat picking, angled etc. I like a good thick pick with a shape I can grab, Fender 346 extra heavy are all I use. You may find yourself gripping the pick real tight, loosen up a bit and and let the pick work between your tumb and for finger. Use small movements, don't flail, remembering economy of motion something my old teacher said to me. Keep a small part of the pick tip exposed . these are all suggestions, you will find what works for you. Use of the pick has been much maligned but it can get you tones unattainable with fingers for aggressive sound and speed there is no substitute. Don't discount fingers, it's good to use both! Welcome to the best club on TB!

Good for you! I may need to be that doofus since I'm curious about playing with a pick. It's taken me long enough to get decent with my fingers, though. I think playing by the bridge with bright strings helps come close that sound.

I have been trying to work with a pick (on and off) for a few months. My biggest problem with using a pick is muting. I have trouble muting 3 strings and playing 1, particularly playing the A and D strings. Any pick aficionados want to share some hints?

 

[lowend1]

Q: What strings do like to use on your T-Birds and why? I am using Rotosound 66 on my Epi and I really like them, but I am curious about what strings you guys use and why...
Thanks

DR Sunbeams 45-105. Great tone, comfortable feel, long life, perfect tension.

 

[dukeorock]

Interesting. I find nothing objectionable about the feel of Rotos.





I have been trying to work with a pick (on and off) for a few months. My biggest problem with using a pick is muting. I have trouble muting 3 strings and playing 1, particularly playing the A and D strings. Any pick aficionados want to share some hints?

For me it’s mostly light palm muting. I started on pick...took me about a decade to get sorta decent with fingers. I’m still way better with a pick than fingers. Fine with me as picks suit my ‘style’ anyway

 

[BklynKen]

Interesting. I find nothing objectionable about the feel of Rotos.

Me neither. I love the Rotos. I just love the SITs more.

DR Sunbeams 45-105. Great tone, comfortable feel, long life, perfect tension.

Anyone who really likes Rotosounds probably won't be happy with DR. DRs all sound too polite and laid-back for my taste.

 

[JIO]

Q: What strings do like to use on your T-Birds and why? I am using Rotosound 66 on my Epi and I really like them, but I am curious about what strings you guys use and why...
Thanks

D'Addario NYXL's 50-105 - they deliver deep, powerful lows, accentuated harmonics, focused punch, unrivaled tuning stability, and endless sustain. (their copy, but true!) Steel core, nickel casing, no silk wind, nice black packaging.

 

[Mike.C.]

Interesting. I find nothing objectionable about the feel of Rotos.





I have been trying to work with a pick (on and off) for a few months. My biggest problem with using a pick is muting. I have trouble muting 3 strings and playing 1, particularly playing the A and D strings. Any pick aficionados want to share some hints?

As others have said, use the palm - specifically the side of your palm - on the E and so forth. I also wear a wrist band that I keep bunched up and close to my palm. Does it mute the E, D and A when I'm playing higher? Who knows, but I think it does. Feels good on my wrist per the edge of the bass.

Most important - alternate between both so that you don't regress on the fingers.

 

[GonePlaid]

No 8 tracks?

Somewhere around here I have an 8 track recorder. IDK if it still works.

 

[GonePlaid]

G’day all, I may have mentioned that I’m taking lessons at the moment. This involves learning to read, and using a pick.

I feel very clumsy with the pick still (a few weeks), especially when moving down (up?) 2 or 3 strings. (Not allowed to use open strings - except open E - yet).

Am I just a doofus? Or will I get there in the end?

Yes.