Brite Flats "A" string

bunkmunk · #1 12-08-2010, 03:21 AM

So I bought a set of GHS Brite Flats medium light 52-103. This is my first time buying GHS. I usually use D'addario but wanted to give these a try. The strange thing about them is that the "A" string looks out of place in comparison to the other strings. It has a different shine to it. The outer winding looks and feels "rounder" than the rest. I can run my finger nail down it and feel the grooves in it. The other strings not so much. I have Chromes on another bass and Half-Rounds on another. The "A" string looks and feels more like the Half-Rounds and the rest look and feel more like the Chromes.

I noticed this before I strung them up, so I took them back to the store and expressed my concern. They looked at another pack and showed me how the "A" string in that pack is the same as mine. Is this normal for Brite Flats? I just figured it was all in my head, went home and strung 'em on.

Visually it sticks out like a slapper's thumb. The "A" string, however, sounds great. Looks and sounds like I would expect from a ground-wound string. Finger-style, it has a little edge and it gets some zing when you play with a pick and boost some treble. After playing a while I'm starting to think the rest of the strings might be Precision Flats. I've never played those particular strings but these sound like full blown flatwounds. Or maybe the "A" string is a pressure-wound? Never tried those but definitely would if that is the case. Another thing- I never got to see anything other than the "A" string from the store's other pack.

Any insight on this would be REALLY, GREATLY appreciated.

Thanky U.

bunkmunk · #2 12-08-2010, 03:26 AM

The first pic is of the "A" and "D" string. The second is of the "E" and "A".

markanini · #3 12-08-2010, 03:29 AM

Packaging error?

FunkMetalBass · #4 12-08-2010, 08:25 AM

I'm guessing it's a round by mistake. Email them with these same pictures and let them know. I'm sure they'll be able to remedy the situation for you.

bunkmunk · #5 12-08-2010, 02:10 PM

Then email them it is.

mowburger · #6 12-09-2010, 09:04 AM

WOW

yeah that dont look right,

let us know what they say.

bunkmunk · #7 12-10-2010, 12:46 PM

So. It turns out the pack of strings I bought were a misplaced Pressurewound "A" string in a pack of Brite Flats.

GHS said they will send me a pack of either the Brite Flats or the Pressurewounds as well as a replacement "A" string. They were really helpful and informative. Gonna have to give into my curiosity though and check out a full set of Pressurewounds as the one string I have sounds really good! I'm thankful and excited all in one pack!

I figure since I have almost a full set of flats already up to tension, once I replace the "A" string, I can really experience what these strings are about throughout their life.

I'm glad this case is closed and its all worked out. Thank you GHS.

markanini · #8 12-11-2010, 02:09 AM

Awesome to hear that about your experience with GHS!

ProfGumby · #9 12-11-2010, 09:07 PM

GHS is a great company! I have a set of Brites on one of my basses and they are pretty nice! I usually play chromes myself but these may stay a while!

Glad to hear their CS dept is on their A game too!

what the pluck · #10 12-15-2010, 04:50 AM

I love bright flats, I just wish they made a B E A D set or at least just the B, I'm happy to sacrifice a g for a b!

jasper383 · #11 12-15-2010, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by what the pluck

I love bright flats, I just wish they made a B E A D set or at least just the B, I'm happy to sacrifice a g for a b!

http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-bf130.html

StuFordBass · #12 12-15-2010, 06:16 AM

how did you contact them? i have the same issue.

DaveAceofBass · #13 12-18-2010, 10:56 AM

How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?

Phalex · #14 12-18-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveAceofBass

How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?

Fresh out of the package, yes they are kinda sticky. I rub them down with WD-40 straight out of the package (they seem to have some grinding residue on them) and after three gigs or so, they smooth out.

bunkmunk · #15 12-30-2010, 07:50 AM

Oh man. Sorry for the late responses!

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuFordBass

how did you contact them? i have the same issue.

On their main webpage up at the top you can click "contact". From there you can choose specifically who to contact... if things haven't already worked out for you by now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveAceofBass

How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?

From my own experience the Half Rounds are WAY more "grabby". The Brite flats were no challenge at all to get used to. Overall the Brite Flats feel and sound more flat than the Half Rounds. Just a more interesting sound IMO and the tension is perfect.

cassius987 · #16 12-30-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunkmunk

From my own experience the Half Rounds are WAY more "grabby". The Brite flats were no challenge at all to get used to. Overall the Brite Flats feel and sound more flat than the Half Rounds. Just a more interesting sound IMO and the tension is perfect.

+1

I only don't like the Brite Flats when the tension is too high; one time I tried the larger gauges (50something to 108 IIRC) and the lost all of their subtle characteristics tonally, and weren't as fun to play, due to the 40+ lbs tension. It's walking a tightrope, I guess I like them best when they are really close to 40 lbs/string, no more or less.

davidsmashdrums · #17 01-13-2011, 12:30 AM

Funny I had the same problem it was a round wound "A" string in a briteFlats set

Shoewreck · #18 01-13-2011, 04:03 AM

It's good that GHS have solved your issue. Have you alerted the store? I know, it's not your responsibility, but they still stock some wrong packages waiting to be acquired by fellow bassits.

davidsmashdrums · #19 01-13-2011, 09:02 AM

Yeah I've bought 2 sets of GHS pressurewounds a set for me and my friend and no funny strings in the sets.
43-106 long scale set LOVE EM!
BEST STRINGS ON THE PLANET for middle of the road thumpy lows moderate mids and crank the tone knob not too, too harsh crunchy highs. All on my indiana p bass style bass! with custom leather 3" wide strap from England, with Shaller strap locks!