Thunderbird Club

[Miles_ONeal]

I'm so far happy with tapes on the '15. They are fairly low tension, which surprised me. I had to adjust the neck. I never have to adjust a neck! The Flamingo has 50-110s on it. They are Bass Burners. I didn't like them at first, but the longer they are on there, the more I like them. Dead rounds for the win! The '01 currently has DR nickel rounds. I don't remember whether they are hex or round core. When those get changed, it will be back to Black Beauties on that bass. Probably 50-110 instead of 95-105 like before. Turns out I like somewhat heavier strings.

95/105 sounds pretty heavy!

 

[RedVee]

It’s your springtime right? Outdoors for a practice space?

maybe. Just need somewhere with light I guess. Daylight Saving starts soon.

 

[PillO]

If you lived here, your ortho would be rich.

Actually, this one is by a plastic surgeon. It was the compromise we reached when I said "make me beautiful".

That is a lot. Any injuries Cobalt related? Hope you do well.

No.

Wait, my thumb on my fretting hand isn't reparable. You think I might be able to blame that on cobalt flats? EB is a pretty big company, maybe I can negotiate a settlement... a yellow Bongo...

Dude! Take it easy. If it hurts, play a different way. Keys, guitar, short scale...

Really, I'm just playing catch up a bit. I ignored/put off a few of these things because I just didn't have time in the last decade. Now I need to get them done before I don't have time for another decade. But equally to blame is some of the stupid things I have done along the way. I'm not looking forward to the eventual knee replacements.

 

[Larry V]

I was using the Gibson Slingshot on the ‘15 for a long time. But being shallow, I found that the Slingshot on the Silverburst looks amazing.

Once I discovered the Slingshot, that's all I use. I believe I have 4 of them... just 2 of them are on my basses with the other two being "donated" to my sons. They get the job done, look GREAT and you never have to worry about neck dive.

 

[dagrev]

...Wait, my thumb on my fretting hand isn't reparable. You think I might be able to blame that on cobalt flats? EB is a pretty big company, maybe I can negotiate a settlement... a yellow Bongo...

You can't tell me that the mercury filled cores wrapped in weapon grade plutonium 239 isn't a contributing factor.... But who needs a yellow toilet seat anyway.

You've got to take care of yourself. With only two of us in the PF club, recruitment is proving rather difficult, though many secretively want to flash our gang sign.

 

[PillO]

You can't tell me that the mercury filled cores wrapped in weapon grade plutonium 239 isn't a contributing factor.... But who needs a yellow toilet seat anyway.

So, you are thinking the cobalt flats have caused brain damage too...

 

[PillO]

Once I discovered the Slingshot, that's all I use. I believe I have 4 of them... just 2 of them are on my basses with the other two being "donated" to my sons. They get the job done, look GREAT and you never have to worry about neck dive.

Yeah, if the slingshot is your thing, maybe greater problems than neck dive?

 

[MCF]

Once I discovered the Slingshot, that's all I use. I believe I have 4 of them... just 2 of them are on my basses with the other two being "donated" to my sons. They get the job done, look GREAT and you never have to worry about neck dive.

They’re great straps as well. I like the look it adds to the Silverburst. I wish it was available in a 3” version.

 

[MCF]

Yeah, if the slingshot is your thing, maybe greater problems than neck dive?
View attachment 4005125

STOP! Just please stop. That is hideous. I know you’re recovering from another surgery, but meds are no excuse for posting that and subjecting us to trauma.

 

[MCF]

Once I discovered the Slingshot, that's all I use. I believe I have 4 of them... just 2 of them are on my basses with the other two being "donated" to my sons. They get the job done, look GREAT and you never have to worry about neck dive.

It was very likely you who pointed me to get one.

 

[Larry V]

It was very likely you who pointed me to get one.

Certainly possible. I’ve been promoting them for awhile.

 

[PillO]

They’re great straps as well. I like the look it adds to the Silverburst. I wish it was available in a 3” version.
View attachment 4005134

I find that the Gibson straps are expensive for what you get.

Very similar to the 'slingshot' strap is
LM Products Odin Viking Series Leather Strap - Black
I bought one of these and was so happy that I bought a second one.

The difference between it and the Gibson may be in padding. However, I find that a good piece of leather will end up forming to the anatomy and be just as comfortable as a padded strap (rather like a favourite dress shoe). But I may not be as sensitive as others here.

 

[GonePlaid]

I find that the Gibson straps are expensive for what you get.

Very similar to the 'slingshot' strap is
LM Products Odin Viking Series Leather Strap - Black
I bought one of these and was so happy that I bought a second one.

The difference between it and the Gibson may be in padding. However, I find that a good piece of leather will end up forming to the anatomy and be just as comfortable as a padded strap (rather like a favourite dress shoe). But I may not be as sensitive as others here.

Get a good piece of leather for your "princess fingers".

 

[T-BirdBassist89]

Hello everyone it's been awhile I wanna try some flat strings any recommendations on a good brand was leaning between daddario and ernie ball.

 

[Larry V]

Hello everyone it's been awhile I wanna try some flat strings any recommendations on a good brand was leaning between daddario and ernie ball.

I really like the sound, feel and tension of the D'Addario Chromes.

 

[KaraQ]

Hello everyone it's been awhile I wanna try some flat strings any recommendations on a good brand was leaning between daddario and ernie ball.

Personally, I prefer the Roto 77s

 

[LetItGrowTone]

I wanna try some flat strings any recommendations on a good brand

You'll eventually get every brand/type mentioned, you know.
I suggest that you point to a favorite THUNDERBIRD recording that sounds the way you want. Then you might get more specific answers.

For example, my favorite THUNDERBIRD tone is Wishbone Ash - Pilgrimage - The Pilgrim (all of it, but check the very strong repeating part starting at about 3:00). I think I asked about it and was told that it's neck pickup.
It sounds like rounds with the tone way down, but if you ask here somebody here might KNOW. Right?

EDIT: Ok, can't resist naming my favorite, TIJF. But it doesn't necessarily help you! (I'm not a Tbird expert and not even a real bassist, see?)

 

[GBassNorth]

Hello everyone it's been awhile I wanna try some flat strings any recommendations on a good brand was leaning between daddario and ernie ball.

Great question - so many of us here have experimented with different flats. My experience so far...
EB Cobalt Flats - probably the most round wound sound of flats, bold, long lasting, perfect for a TBird.
Chrome flats - bright, high mid focused, not my cup of tea - YMMV, interesting dark grey look.
Roto flats - deep, dark, plenty of thump, very traditional flats sound, very nice on a TBird.
TI Jazz flats - wonderful traditional sound, medium tension, Motown vibe, very nice on a TBird.
La Bella Black Tapes - deep, dark, woody thump, sweet mids, flat string feel, neat look on some birds.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

They’re great straps as well. I like the look it adds to the Silverburst. I wish it was available in a 3” version.
View attachment 4005134

this has probably been asked before but what kind of TBird is that Marshall? never seen one with that finish and those pickups..

 

[GBassNorth]

Yeah, if the slingshot is your thing, maybe greater problems than neck dive?
View attachment 4005125

!!!EYE BLEACH!!! I need EYE BLEACH!
Somebody flash me with the sparkley fingers girl!