String suggestion for Epi Thunderbird?

[ack1961]

I don't know that much about these strings and what characteristics they'll bring to an Epi T-bird, but I've got two sets available:

Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky - Roundwound (45-105)
Ernie Ball Group II - Flatwound (50-105)

Anyone have any experience with either or perhaps any suggestions as to which set will be better for Rock/Rockabilly?

The new strings on this T-bird are a mess. Literally.  I'd like to change them out tonight, but I'll wait to see if anyone here has any experience.

Thanks,
Steve

[godofthunder]

Out of the two I would go with the 45-105. Me I like Roto sounds, RS66LD 45-105.

[Dave W]

Go with the Slinkys.

I don't own a Bird, but I use the 45-100 Super Slinkys. Great strings.

[Denis]

I put flats on one of mine and it's terrific sounding! Low, deep and rich. I like it a lot and might put flats on my other one.

[patman]

Slinkies are great strings...kind to the bass, sound good too.

I love flats, too, but a 50 flatwound string would be too much tension for me personally, especially on a longscale bass.

[Dave W]

Surely there must be a law on the books somewhere outlawing flats on a T-bird.

[ack1961]

Surely there must be a law on the books somewhere outlawing flats on a T-bird.

well, I didn't want to upset the balance of nature (just yet, anyway), so I slapped on the Hybrid Slinkys.
Better than stock, but not by a whole heck of a lot.  I can just tell that there's a real beast under there just waiting for the right string.

When these wear out (or probably before that), I'm going to try D'Addario XL Chromes (I think)...or DR Lowriders.
Someone suggested Rotosound 66's...I may have to give them a another try.  I slapped them on a Fretless Jazz once, and I hated them instantly. 

This is one of my favorite things about learning to play bass: there are lots of factors that go into making your sound, and a lot of it is trial and error, which can be fun (and expensive).

[Aussie Mark]

I had Chromes on an Epi bird when I owned one, but that was the older one with P and J style pickups.

[OldManC]

I used Slinkys for years and always liked them. Over the last 8-9 years I've ended up using D'Addario XLs (mediums or 45-105) on most basses and T/I flats on a couple Fenders I wanted to try them on. I'm thinking I want to try chromes due to Mark's love of them and I still need to try LaBella. I never tried flats on my own basses until I started on the forums. I like what I've heard but I don't think I'd switch all my basses over.

Another thought. Years ago when I was playing a lot (so my callouses were well built up) I tried Rotosounds and they tore the sh*t out of my fingertips. I don't know why but those and those blue steel strings (that were new at the time) just ripped my fingers to shreds. Haven't tried either one since. Just shows that the right string for one guy isn't necessarily the right string for the next one.

[Highlander]

Rotosound flats used to do that to me - never tried any flat again...

[Pilgrim]

Peoples' touch is very individual.

I find that rounds are slightly harder on my fingers, but flats are easier on them.  The raised windings of the rounds seem to cause more friction.

But neither is a big deal - so I use both.

[gweimer]

I used GHS Brite Flats on the old Embassy for years.  I also stay away from the really thick strings.  Right now, the BaCHBird has Roto RS66's on it.

[PhilT]

Surely there must be a law on the books somewhere outlawing flats on a T-bird.

I'm sure I read there's a exception for Epi TBirds, on the basis everything else is different, apart from the shape.

[rockinrayduke]

I agree with Dave, go for the 100-45 Slinkys.

[ack1961]

I agree with Dave, go for the 100-45 Slinkys.

...which I did.  I wasn't that impressed at first, but they grew on me after a week or so.
I definitely feel and hear the difference now, especially when playing between the neck pup and the neck. 
Full and meaty compared to the stock strings.
It's a good match.  Thanks everyone.