Strings for Epiphone Thunderbird Classic IV Pro

[Pastor]

Been feeling a bit sorry for myself recently, so in a fit of selfishness yesterday I ordered a Epiphone Thunderbird Classic IV Pro after reading some favourable reviews. I used to have a 1980 Gibson but was forced to sell it some years ago and always regretted it, so for less than four hundred quid I though WTH!

I've always used Rotosound 66s 45-105 and I suppose they would be my go to for this new bass but maybe after 40 years I might consider a change, any recommendations?

[dannybuoy]

I thought the pickups were quite dark sounding so went for the brightest steels D'Addario make, FlexSteels in 45-105... and they sound absolutely perfect with this bass! I usually use nickels but thought I'd try something different and glad I did, a perfect match I reckon. Perfect tension for me, not too bright after all, solid low fundamental and plenty of angry piano growl if digging in and slamming the strings against the frets.

Edited July 30, 2016 by dannybuoy

[LayDownThaFunk]

I would say DR Fatbeams would be right up your street.

[Pastor]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1469907942' post='3101968']
I thought the pickups were quite dark sounding so went for the brightest steels D'Addario make, FlexSteels in 45-105... and they sound absolutely perfect with this bass! I usually use nickels but thought I'd try something different and glad I did, a perfect match I reckon. Perfect tension for me, not too bright after all, solid low fundamental and plenty of angry piano growl if digging in and slamming the strings against the frets.
[/quote]

How bright are they compared to the Rotosounds do you know? I haven't played in a band or with other musicians for many years, it's just stress relief to me these days so basically I'm really out of the loop when it comes to gear
[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1469956480' post='3102209']
I would say DR Fatbeams would be right up your street.
[/quote]

Why's that then? Do they sound anything like their name? I have heard of them and seen them recommended either here or basstalkMaybe I should try and find a comparison video on youtube

[LayDownThaFunk]

They sound just like Rotos but with better output, smoother feel and last much longer.

[dannybuoy]

I've not tried Rotos sorry. The humbuckers on these basses are dark and meaty though, pretty much impossible for any string to sound bright with them!

[Dandelion]

I read that flats were good on these. So I put a set on mine.......


A dull lifeless plonk ensued. A lo-fi sound indeed.

I cannot recommend flats on classic IV.

[dannybuoy]

+1, mine came with LaBellas. Love flats on my P but they did not suit the T-Bird!

[Pastor]

Thanks both of you for your help. I've compared the two strings on youtube but I don't have a clue yet what I'd like. The guitar is supposed to arrive tomorrow so I'll put the Rotosounds from my jazz that is having a headstock paint job on it and at least I'll have a bench mark to work from

[Pow_22]

Elites Groundwound on mine, lovely!

[jtotheltotheo]

I've DR BB lines in mine and it sounds MONSTER!

[Pastor]

I like the sound of "MONSTER" that could be the sound I'm after.

Ground wounds I've never heard, are they a halfway house between rounds and flats?

[Pastor]

The T-bird arrived today, after the reviews I'd read I was expecting it to be a fair thing but I'm surprised at the quality of it for less than £400, nicely finished all round and the set up is nearly spot on, just a little high in the action. The only criticism would be the finish feels a bit thick

So in the next day or two I'll shove the Rotos on her and give it a spin for size. I quite like the feel of the strings that came on it, smooth feeling compared to the Rotos. I play with a plastic thimble on my index finger due to loosing the end of it some years ago, it has a tendency to drag on the strings sometimes so it's noticeably quieter when that happens with these which is nice

[Thunderbird]

I put Ernie Ball Super Slinkys on my T bird and was really happy with how they sounded not to bright but not dull and thuddy I think they come in a pink packet now oh and they are nice and smooth too