GHS Precision Flats gauges

[Coolhandjjl]

I'm going to try some GHS Precision Flats. Seems like they have two gauges, 45/65/75/95 and the more common 45/65/85/105.

Most of my strings have a .105 4th string, the Chromes they are replacing have a .100 4th. Trying to decide if I'd like the lower gauge?

[kraigo]

I was doing something like the lighter gauge in Lakland Joe Osborn's, which are very similar (OEM'd I think) to the GHS. A mix of the heavier G & D and the lighter E & A. They worked very well. An articulate E & A while still being meaty on the G & D. I had a lighter G & D of the Osborns on my fretless for a while and it was too plinky on the G.

I think the lighter set would be well worth trying. I have the heavier Precision flats on a different bass and they're nice strings.

I've used Chromes as well as the GHS Precision Flats and Lakland Joe Osborns. I prefer the GHS strings to the D'Addarios. In addition, the Chromes on my Ibanez Artcore semi-hollow were too short - the silks went slightly past the nut. The GHS strings are a better length for my needs.

In short, I think either set will work fine. I've gotten tired of experimenting and would probably just go with the 45 - 105 set, but if I were at a shop and needed a set of strings for a gig that night and my choices were any Chromes or the light GHS I wouldn't hesitate to get the lighter set and be confident that they'd work fine.

Similar scenario: At the shop, a week wait for the heavy set or the lighter set in stock, I'd get the lighter set.

If you're in an experimenting mood the lighter set probably won't be a waste of money.

Is that Appleton, WI? Howdy neighbor!

KO

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by kraigo

Is that Appleton, WI? Howdy neighbor!

KO

Yup. Thanks for the info!

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I count 3 different gauges:

3025 - Long+ Light: .045 .065 .075 .095
M3050 - Long+ Medium: .045 .065 .085 .105
3050 - Long+ Regular: .055 .070 .090 .105

And since GHS makes all of their strings easily available in singles, talk to your friendly string reseller and they can put together custom sets for you...

[Coolhandjjl]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

I count 3 different gauges:

3025 - Long+ Light: .045 .065 .075 .095
M3050 - Long+ Medium: .045 .065 .085 .105
3050 - Long+ Regular: .055 .070 .090 .105

And since GHS makes all of their strings easily available in singles, talk to your friendly string reseller and they can put together custom sets for you...

I saw that 3050 set, wondered if the heavier than usual 1,2, & 3 strings was for folks who may down tune?

[tonym]

Kraigo, what is it you like about the GHS strings vs. the D'Addarios Chromes? Just curious. I'm using my first set of light chromes and like them a lot but am still experimenting...

Thanks!

[SLaPiNFuNK]

3050 are for standard tuning. They are still a flexible string. Flats are designed differently so the difference between a 45 & 55 are not going to be like rounds.

You can down tune the heavier set like any of them to a point.

[kraigo]

Maybe a slightly stiffer feel. It's hard to quantify. The sound was similar (I'm terrible at describing these things but I'd say somewhat "harder"), but I like the feel of the GHS better. The deal breakers were:

1) The speaking length was a hair too short for my Ibanez Artcore. The silks extended slightly passed the nut.

2) For no good reason the G string snapped on me and I had to replace the strings anyway.

I have used the Laklands for over 10 years, but the one set of Precision Flats I've used show me that I can be as happy with them at ~$25/set rather than ~$40/set. 60% more for the Laklands for no real difference that I've noticed.

KO

[tonym]

Thanks, kraigo. I'll definitely give 'em a try.