GHS or D' Addarrio

Lowner · #1 08-10-2006, 10:21 AM

when i first started playing bass I never had any string preference so I just used whatever was on sale or the cheapest. But recently, i have found that I like GHS Boomers and D'addario strings the best. But I can't decide. I like the GHS Boomers because they have the red wraps on the strings and make them easier to install. And I like d'addario because they are color coded on the ball ends. Tonally both brands sound great to me.
what are your thoughts on each brand if you use either brand. I am trying to decide which brand to use.

tplyons · #2 08-10-2006, 10:29 AM

I started with Ernie Ball, progressed to GHS Boomers, then to LaBella Hard Rockin' Steels, and have settled on an array of D'Addario strings.

For me, D'Addario is a no-brainer. But that's from having a plethora of different instruments. From upright bass, electric four strings, twelve strings, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and a baritone guitar, they're all strung with D'Addario.

Either are winners in my book, but do you really NEED the colored balls of the D'Addarios to string properly? Do you really NEED the red silks? I've never felt a need for either and it all came down to tone and feel for me.

I've also broke far more GHS strings out of fewer sets than D'Addario. I only screw those up when I'm restringing without paying attention and cutting a string short.

pj-mike · #3 08-10-2006, 10:45 AM

I've found the D'Addario strings to be more consistent from set to set. I've been using them for a while now.

CrUiSeR · #4 08-10-2006, 05:47 PM

Well between those two,
I like GHS Boomers for bass
and
D'Addario XL for guitar

but I don't use either anymore!

W()()D_()nly · #5 08-10-2006, 05:50 PM

BLUE STEELSSSSSs

Puru · #6 08-11-2006, 06:59 AM

I've found D'addario to have a more even sound on my bass than the boomers. My current set have been on for a year, soaked them a couple of times in de-natured alchohol, and still sound great.

KarateKid25 · #7 08-11-2006, 07:19 AM

Im currently using GHS Bass Boomers. Im quite happy with them. I think next I might try some Elixir strings

dougjwray · #8 08-11-2006, 07:54 AM

Both are excellent. The differences I see are that the GHS Boomers feel a bit looser and have more lows (or maybe just less midrange). The D'Addarios seem punchier because they have that midrange and feel tighter. So, to me, the D'Addarios are more "powerful" and the Boomers are more "lush" or "musical."

I haven't found a difference in how long they last.

D'Addarios are usually a bit cheaper, but both brands are reasonably priced (they're not "boutique" items).

Don't be influenced by red silk or colored ends... please.

**bassman314** · #9 08-11-2006, 10:27 PM

I've never used GHS, unless the Lakland brand strings are GHS in disguise...

I have, however, used D'Addarios, and I love them...

As has been said, you get a consistent tone set to set, and they don't break the bank. I've been nothing but pleased with every different type of D'Addario string I've played.

The Craw · #10 08-11-2006, 10:28 PM

Another vote for D'addario here.

dewbass4 · #11 08-11-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougjwray

Both are excellent. The differences I see are that the GHS Boomers feel a bit looser and have more lows (or maybe just less midrange). The D'Addarios seem punchier because they have that midrange and feel tighter. So, to me, the D'Addarios are more "powerful" and the Boomers are more "lush" or "musical."

I haven't found a difference in how long they last.

D'Addarios are usually a bit cheaper, but both brands are reasonably priced (they're not "boutique" items).

Don't be influenced by red silk or colored ends... please.

For me, it's all about string life. GHS go dead in a couple weeks.(Phosper bronze are dead in one night). D'Addarios will last 6 months or more. It's just me, I know fans for both brands.

Zebra · #12 08-11-2006, 11:58 PM

I used to use GHS pretty exclusively when I started out. After I discovered it isn't normal for the G string to eventually break on every set of strings, I stopped using GHS.
D'Addario is always a safe bet.

aesir6 · #13 08-12-2006, 12:57 AM

Well im a GHS person. My Contact Cores give me great growl and slap tone(and to you that say GHS die fast, ive had mine for 6 months and they are just as good as they were the day I got em, and I play 8 hrs a day). And my Pressure Wounds give a good warm tone with a good slap tone. And my Med. Light Bommers are good too a little less of everything I said about the Cores.