Thunderbird Club

[Gaolee]

I think @Gaolee might use them the most around here. He can explain them better than I can. I’ve had a set on a Goth for a few weeks. It took a few hours to break them in/get used to how they feel. They sound pretty good to me.

Most? Maybe or maybe not but I keep going back to them. They sound like broken in rounds right away and sound like that for months. They do not have the dead thump of old flats, but I do not like that sound from a Thunderbird. Black Beauties let me vary the sound with touch as much or more than any other strings. What they do not have is top end brightness like stainless strings. The only other strings I keep coming back to are EB Cobalt flats, and for similar reasons. They sound a bit different. Cobalt flats have a bit more bright blue in their sound and Black Beauties are easier to get a redder sound out of.

 

[Engle]

GT-40 because the car sat 40 inches high at it's is highest point..

The red GT-40 was my favourite hot wheel

 

[PillO]

Most? Maybe or maybe not but I keep going back to them. They sound like broken in rounds right away and sound like that for months. They do not have the dead thump of old flats, but I do not like that sound from a Thunderbird. Black Beauties let me vary the sound with touch as much or more than any other strings. What they do not have is top end brightness like stainless strings. The only other strings I keep coming back to are EB Cobalt flats, and for similar reasons. They sound a bit different. Cobalt flats have a bit more bright blue in their sound and Black Beauties are easier to get a redder sound out of.

Would Red Devils be better for you so that the string colour matches the sound colour?

 

[BklynKen]

Boss tuner, Boss ????

I bet it's better than those clip-ons.

SIT Power Steels

If you prefer nickels, I'd check out the Powerwounds, not Power Steels. Unless you want to try steels, of course.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Most? Maybe or maybe not but I keep going back to them. They sound like broken in rounds right away and sound like that for months. They do not have the dead thump of old flats, but I do not like that sound from a Thunderbird. Black Beauties let me vary the sound with touch as much or more than any other strings. What they do not have is top end brightness like stainless strings. The only other strings I keep coming back to are EB Cobalt flats, and for similar reasons. They sound a bit different. Cobalt flats have a bit more bright blue in their sound and Black Beauties are easier to get a redder sound out of.

Based on the conventional wisdom, I was not real keen on trying flats (despite my fingers begging like kids wanting ice cream. "Pleeeeeeeassssse, Daddy?!? (wistful eyes)). But enough people here suggested the cobalts that I tried them. Plenty of tonal range and very touch sensitive.

 

[Gaolee]

Would Red Devils be better for you so that the string colour matches the sound colour?

Got those on the P-Bird.

 

[BklynKen]

Some Thunderbird content. Anyone know which that is? I don't recognize the bridge.

 

[GBassNorth]

Hi all!
Have you ever tried DR Strings Black Beauties on a T-Bird?
View attachment 3436251

Yes, and on many other basses as well. BB strings are probably one of my 3 most used strings.
Pros - Warm, deep, tame highs, well balanced across the set, long lasting, great looking.
Cons - may feel a bit grippy at first, the black coating can wear off if you're a pic player.

?..
View attachment 3436253

Beautiful selection of basses!
My favorite string on my Stingrays is absolutely Black Beauties. They tame the bright top end that Stingrays inherently have and accentuate the lows and lower mids.

I have used Black Beauties at @GBassNorth suggestion.

I liked them. They are warm with a tame top end out of the package and don't really change over time until they are wearing out. They last about twice as long as other strings. The coating gives them a texture that isn't sticky, but I would describe as grippy. If you can't get over the feeling, you'll hate them. If you like/don't mind the feeling, they are a great choice.

This is pretty accurate. They do last a good long time. They can be a bit grippy on slides initially but I've found that they become less so after a few weeks of playing.

I use Black Beauties on several basses and really like them. To me they are like slightly broken in DR High Beams. Not as bright and zingy as brand new "normal" strings, but still lots of life to them. Not sure any of this makes sense because my caffeine hasn't kicked in yet.

Exactly. I don't like zingy and raspy or harsh highs. I like harpsichord smooth highs vs upright honky tonk piano type clackey highs.

Most? Maybe or maybe not but I keep going back to them. They sound like broken in rounds right away and sound like that for months. They do not have the dead thump of old flats, but I do not like that sound from a Thunderbird. Black Beauties let me vary the sound with touch as much or more than any other strings. What they do not have is top end brightness like stainless strings. The only other strings I keep coming back to are EB Cobalt flats, and for similar reasons. They sound a bit different. Cobalt flats have a bit more bright blue in their sound and Black Beauties are easier to get a redder sound out of.

Yes, Black Beauties are a great fit for the Thunderbird if you're after a warmer sound than just about any stainless string and even most nickel strings.

 

[green3101]

Hi Everyone,

New Thunderbird owner here, a 2008 model. I was pointed in the direction of this awesome thread when I was looking for a case (settled on the Gator Pro) and once again when I put up a thread on the best strings to use on a T-Bird. Therefore, I think it was about time I said hey! I'll get some pictures at somepoint and post them here so hopefully I can become a full member!

Anyway, I'm still looking for string advice and my most recent post from today reads:

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, just wanted to hear people’s thoughts/experiences on different strings on a Thunderbird.

I recently picked one up, a 2008 model that was strong with EB slinky’s 45-105 which were fine but they were pretty dead and needed changing. I slapped a set of Diaddario Prosteels 45-105s on but so far I’m not really digging them, they seem a bit to mid scooped maybe? They sound fine on my USA 2013 Jazz but they just don’t seem to work on the T-Bird. I’m also not a fan of the gauge and will be returning to a lighter gauge as I prefer the lower tension. Plus my hands are small and it suits me better amongst other things. I sometimes tune down a bit for the odd song or two, but mostly play in standard.

I play rock almost exclusively. I use both a pick and fingers. Looking for a good cutting edge rock tone but not ultra-scooped. Strings need to be bright to cut through.

Would you recommend steel or nickel for this bass? I’ve heard good things about Dunlop Super Brights. I’m just not sure if they will work with the T-Bird?

I have a set of Rotosound Swingbass 66 40-100 that I’m thinking of using. What are these like on a T-Bird? Bit worried about the tension, the roughness and if they will damage my frets? (I play with low action). These seem to be the go to strings for a lot of my favourite bassists though.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

Ohh also, on the gigbag - the Gator is a great case and it's really well built. I was just wondering if anyone who uses it could reassure me on one thing; the lower "wing" where the pickguard is on the bass pushes out against the inside of the case. It fits but it is very snug and when the case is zipped up you can feel/see it pushing out a bit. Just a bit worried if this will damage my bass, when just being stored and more importantly in transit on busses, trains and busy crowds etc.

Look forward to any feedback!

Mike

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

...

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

I'll let those more qualified answer about the gig bag. String likes/dislikes will come your way, but if you look back at the last few pages you'll find a good bit of discussion. I'm really happy after a few weeks with Ernie Ball cobalt flats on my Epi IV and Pro V- very different beasts but both like these strings.

Post length was no problem; it said what it needed to say, which is a good length. Welcome back!

 

[BklynKen]

Hi Everyone,

New Thunderbird owner here, a 2008 model. I was pointed in the direction of this awesome thread when I was looking for a case (settled on the Gator Pro) and once again when I put up a thread on the best strings to use on a T-Bird. Therefore, I think it was about time I said hey! I'll get some pictures at somepoint and post them here so hopefully I can become a full member!

Anyway, I'm still looking for string advice and my most recent post from today reads:

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, just wanted to hear people’s thoughts/experiences on different strings on a Thunderbird.

I recently picked one up, a 2008 model that was strong with EB slinky’s 45-105 which were fine but they were pretty dead and needed changing. I slapped a set of Diaddario Prosteels 45-105s on but so far I’m not really digging them, they seem a bit to mid scooped maybe? They sound fine on my USA 2013 Jazz but they just don’t seem to work on the T-Bird. I’m also not a fan of the gauge and will be returning to a lighter gauge as I prefer the lower tension. Plus my hands are small and it suits me better amongst other things. I sometimes tune down a bit for the odd song or two, but mostly play in standard.

I play rock almost exclusively. I use both a pick and fingers. Looking for a good cutting edge rock tone but not ultra-scooped. Strings need to be bright to cut through.

Would you recommend steel or nickel for this bass? I’ve heard good things about Dunlop Super Brights. I’m just not sure if they will work with the T-Bird?

I have a set of Rotosound Swingbass 66 40-100 that I’m thinking of using. What are these like on a T-Bird? Bit worried about the tension, the roughness and if they will damage my frets? (I play with low action). These seem to be the go to strings for a lot of my favourite bassists though.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

Ohh also, on the gigbag - the Gator is a great case and it's really well built. I was just wondering if anyone who uses it could reassure me on one thing; the lower "wing" where the pickguard is on the bass pushes out against the inside of the case. It fits but it is very snug and when the case is zipped up you can feel/see it pushing out a bit. Just a bit worried if this will damage my bass, when just being stored and more importantly in transit on busses, trains and busy crowds etc.

Look forward to any feedback!

Mike

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

Congratulations, Mike. I can address those both.

1. I also use the Gator ProGo (assuming that's what you meant). Assuming you removed the bottom cushion, I find at one point there's a little resistance when zipping it up, but nothing bad. I don't find anything poking that much, plus the ProGo is so protective that I don't worry, and I lug mine around the NYC subway all the time.

2. I'd recommend checking out SIT Power Steel strings. I'm a big fan of Rotosound RS66, but the Power Steels feel nicer to me and also have that crisp ballsy sound similar to the RS66. I didn't like the Pro Steels very much, either. The RS66 do work great on the Thunderbird, too.

 

[green3101]

Congratulations, Mike. I can address those both.

1. I also use the Gator ProGo (assuming that's what you meant). Assuming you removed the bottom cushion, I find at one point there's a little resistance when zipping it up, but nothing bad. I don't find anything poking that much, plus the ProGo is so protective that I don't worry, and I lug mine around the NYC subway all the time.

2. I'd recommend checking out SIT Power Steel strings. I'm a big fan of Rotosound RS66, but the Power Steels feel nicer to me and also have that crisp ballsy sound similar to the RS66. I didn't like the Pro Steels very much, either. The RS66 do work great on the Thunderbird, too.

Thank you very much for the reply, especially on the bag! the ProGo was what I meant yes!

 

[TBird1958]

Hi Everyone,

New Thunderbird owner here, a 2008 model. I was pointed in the direction of this awesome thread when I was looking for a case (settled on the Gator Pro) and once again when I put up a thread on the best strings to use on a T-Bird. Therefore, I think it was about time I said hey! I'll get some pictures at somepoint and post them here so hopefully I can become a full member!

Anyway, I'm still looking for string advice and my most recent post from today reads:

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, just wanted to hear people’s thoughts/experiences on different strings on a Thunderbird.

I recently picked one up, a 2008 model that was strong with EB slinky’s 45-105 which were fine but they were pretty dead and needed changing. I slapped a set of Diaddario Prosteels 45-105s on but so far I’m not really digging them, they seem a bit to mid scooped maybe? They sound fine on my USA 2013 Jazz but they just don’t seem to work on the T-Bird. I’m also not a fan of the gauge and will be returning to a lighter gauge as I prefer the lower tension. Plus my hands are small and it suits me better amongst other things. I sometimes tune down a bit for the odd song or two, but mostly play in standard.

I play rock almost exclusively. I use both a pick and fingers. Looking for a good cutting edge rock tone but not ultra-scooped. Strings need to be bright to cut through.

Would you recommend steel or nickel for this bass? I’ve heard good things about Dunlop Super Brights. I’m just not sure if they will work with the T-Bird?

I have a set of Rotosound Swingbass 66 40-100 that I’m thinking of using. What are these like on a T-Bird? Bit worried about the tension, the roughness and if they will damage my frets? (I play with low action). These seem to be the go to strings for a lot of my favourite bassists though.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

Ohh also, on the gigbag - the Gator is a great case and it's really well built. I was just wondering if anyone who uses it could reassure me on one thing; the lower "wing" where the pickguard is on the bass pushes out against the inside of the case. It fits but it is very snug and when the case is zipped up you can feel/see it pushing out a bit. Just a bit worried if this will damage my bass, when just being stored and more importantly in transit on busses, trains and busy crowds etc.

Look forward to any feedback!

Mike

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

Welcome Mike,

The faithful will chip in a lot on the strings, my own suggestion is DR Jonas Hellborg Signature Rounds, they're coarse to the touch, sound great with a pick and produce a really nice fundamental note, as an alternate Ken Smith RockMasters are a bit more conventional. Post us some pics and I'll give you a number.

 

[PillO]

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

I haven't tried Dunlops on my Tbird. But, I have Slinkys on there now that replaced RS66s. I liked the RS66, but I'm not sure that they are my absolute favourites. I didn't find the feel harsh nor did I find that they didn't last long. In fact, after a bit of stretching, the sound is consistent for quite some time. Until they go bad and when they go bad it is a fast decline.

The Slinkys feel great. They feel soft/flexible (like a round core) and just the right amount of slippery. But the sound, although acceptable, isn't great. They seem to lack some bottom end that I have had with other strings.

I think to date, my favourite nickels are NYXL. But experiments continue.

 

[GBassNorth]

Hi Everyone,

New Thunderbird owner here, a 2008 model. I was pointed in the direction of this awesome thread when I was looking for a case (settled on the Gator Pro) and once again when I put up a thread on the best strings to use on a T-Bird. Therefore, I think it was about time I said hey! I'll get some pictures at somepoint and post them here so hopefully I can become a full member!

Anyway, I'm still looking for string advice and my most recent post from today reads:

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, just wanted to hear people’s thoughts/experiences on different strings on a Thunderbird.

I recently picked one up, a 2008 model that was strong with EB slinky’s 45-105 which were fine but they were pretty dead and needed changing. I slapped a set of Diaddario Prosteels 45-105s on but so far I’m not really digging them, they seem a bit to mid scooped maybe? They sound fine on my USA 2013 Jazz but they just don’t seem to work on the T-Bird. I’m also not a fan of the gauge and will be returning to a lighter gauge as I prefer the lower tension. Plus my hands are small and it suits me better amongst other things. I sometimes tune down a bit for the odd song or two, but mostly play in standard.

I play rock almost exclusively. I use both a pick and fingers. Looking for a good cutting edge rock tone but not ultra-scooped. Strings need to be bright to cut through.

Would you recommend steel or nickel for this bass? I’ve heard good things about Dunlop Super Brights. I’m just not sure if they will work with the T-Bird?

I have a set of Rotosound Swingbass 66 40-100 that I’m thinking of using. What are these like on a T-Bird? Bit worried about the tension, the roughness and if they will damage my frets? (I play with low action). These seem to be the go to strings for a lot of my favourite bassists though.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

Ohh also, on the gigbag - the Gator is a great case and it's really well built. I was just wondering if anyone who uses it could reassure me on one thing; the lower "wing" where the pickguard is on the bass pushes out against the inside of the case. It fits but it is very snug and when the case is zipped up you can feel/see it pushing out a bit. Just a bit worried if this will damage my bass, when just being stored and more importantly in transit on busses, trains and busy crowds etc.

Look forward to any feedback!

Mike

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

I haven't personally tried them, but it's sounds to me like the sound you're after may be a good match for Ken Smith Rockmasters (stainless) or Bassburners (nickel). @Dadagoboi or @fasterpussycat pretty much swear by those strings IIRC. They can weigh in with more info.

 

[Gaolee]

Hi Everyone,

New Thunderbird owner here, a 2008 model. I was pointed in the direction of this awesome thread when I was looking for a case (settled on the Gator Pro) and once again when I put up a thread on the best strings to use on a T-Bird. Therefore, I think it was about time I said hey! I'll get some pictures at somepoint and post them here so hopefully I can become a full member!

Anyway, I'm still looking for string advice and my most recent post from today reads:

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, just wanted to hear people’s thoughts/experiences on different strings on a Thunderbird.

I recently picked one up, a 2008 model that was strong with EB slinky’s 45-105 which were fine but they were pretty dead and needed changing. I slapped a set of Diaddario Prosteels 45-105s on but so far I’m not really digging them, they seem a bit to mid scooped maybe? They sound fine on my USA 2013 Jazz but they just don’t seem to work on the T-Bird. I’m also not a fan of the gauge and will be returning to a lighter gauge as I prefer the lower tension. Plus my hands are small and it suits me better amongst other things. I sometimes tune down a bit for the odd song or two, but mostly play in standard.

I play rock almost exclusively. I use both a pick and fingers. Looking for a good cutting edge rock tone but not ultra-scooped. Strings need to be bright to cut through.

Would you recommend steel or nickel for this bass? I’ve heard good things about Dunlop Super Brights. I’m just not sure if they will work with the T-Bird?

I have a set of Rotosound Swingbass 66 40-100 that I’m thinking of using. What are these like on a T-Bird? Bit worried about the tension, the roughness and if they will damage my frets? (I play with low action). These seem to be the go to strings for a lot of my favourite bassists though.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

I think in my mind, I may have narrowed it down to the Rotos, the dunlops or a fresh pair of EB slinkys.

If anyone could provide any feedback on each with T-birds i'd be very grateful.

Ohh also, on the gigbag - the Gator is a great case and it's really well built. I was just wondering if anyone who uses it could reassure me on one thing; the lower "wing" where the pickguard is on the bass pushes out against the inside of the case. It fits but it is very snug and when the case is zipped up you can feel/see it pushing out a bit. Just a bit worried if this will damage my bass, when just being stored and more importantly in transit on busses, trains and busy crowds etc.

Look forward to any feedback!

Mike

p.s. very sorry about the long post!

Your post was nowhere near as long as this thread! We may ramble a bit, but it's all in good fun. There are lots of opinions about strings. As you have discovered, a Thunderbird is its own beast and what works on something else won't always work on a 'Bird. I have found that too much high end and not enough mids causes the bass to disappear in the mix when you work your way up the neck. I like strings with plenty of high mids but don't want the top end zing all that often. It's good when you need it, but I don't find it useful all that often. We were just talking about DR Black Beauties and EB Cobalt Flats, which both do what I like. You may not find them bright enough for your tastes, but they are another starting point.

As far as a bag, I don't worry much about the body. It's the headstock I protect as much as possible. None of mine have ever had a problem (famous last words), but the stereotype of Thunderbirds, and most Gibsons for that matter, is that the headstock breaks off fairly easily. I don't think it's near the problem for post 1989 reissue Thunderbirds. As I said, I have not had an issue and my 'Birds have been used and abused plenty.

 

[BklynKen]

One thing that bothers me about Ken Smiths is the longer winding length than lots of other strings. It's not a problem, even confirmed by Ken Smith himself, but seeing the meat of the E string starting to come up on the tuning post bothered me.

 

[Felix Lopez]

Yes, and on many other basses as well. BB strings are probably one of my 3 most used strings.
Pros - Warm, deep, tame highs, well balanced across the set, long lasting, great looking.
Cons - may feel a bit grippy at first, the black coating can wear off if you're a pic player.



Beautiful selection of basses!
My favorite string on my Stingrays is absolutely Black Beauties. They tame the bright top end that Stingrays inherently have and accentuate the lows and lower mids.


This is pretty accurate. They do last a good long time. They can be a bit grippy on slides initially but I've found that they become less so after a few weeks of playing.


Exactly. I don't like zingy and raspy or harsh highs. I like harpsichord smooth highs vs upright honky tonk piano type clackey highs.


Yes, Black Beauties are a great fit for the Thunderbird if you're after a warmer sound than just about any stainless string and even most nickel strings.

THANK YOU guys for the feedback! I really appreciate it...

 

[PillO]

Some Thunderbird content. Anyone know which that is? I don't recognize the bridge.

It looks like a Gibson, so the immediate thoughts are 3 point, Hipshot, and Babicz.

It clearly isn't a 3 point.
It doesn't have the "ears" of a Babicz.
It doesn't look rounded like a Hishot.

If I were to guess one of those 3, I would guess Hipshot. But I think it may be some other bridge that was MacGyvered onto the bass.

 

[Gaolee]

It looks like a Gibson, so the immediate thoughts are 3 point, Hipshot, and Babicz.

It clearly isn't a 3 point.
It doesn't have the "ears" of a Babicz.
It doesn't look rounded like a Hishot.

If I were to guess one of those 3, I would guess Hipshot. But I think it may be some other bridge that was MacGyvered onto the bass.

I wasted a fair amount of time staring at it trying to figure it out. And, I failed as well.