GHS vs D'addario for 6 string bass

**MAJOR METAL** · #1 11-21-2012, 09:27 AM

Has anyone here had experience comparing GHS Bass Boomers with D'Addario EXL for 6 string bass? I'm thinking about trying D'Addario this time as the last few sets of Bass Boomers I had were a little dead in the low end. Thanks

Lemon Of Troy · #2 11-21-2012, 11:03 AM

I find Boomers very dead compared to XL's.

MNAirHead · #3 11-21-2012, 11:06 AM

Super Steels (GHS)

DiabolusInMusic · #4 11-21-2012, 11:23 AM

I cannot speak for 6 string GHS sets, since I would have to bring them to the city to get them, since I found the 4 string sets go dead super fast, I wasn't about to spend $40 to try them out.

As far as D'addarrio, I was never blown away by them but since they were the only 6 string set stocked in town, I have used them a lot. Fairly consistent from pack to pack, but I found a lot of their A and D strings tend to have these weird chorus-y overtones, probably 3/5 sets, D more so than A. The EXP reds are the best D'addarrio string I have seen by far but I don't think they have a 6 string set yet, I haven't sold enough albums to get them made apparently... haha.

I am a DR guy, but D'addarrio is probably my next most bought brand, for quality to price they are pretty hard to beat.

I used a .130 B when I could, I would have to use .135 sometimes, it all depended what the guy at the music store brought in.

Never a shortage of low end with them.

Lemon Of Troy · #5 11-21-2012, 11:51 AM

You know you can get six string sets from most companies at Bass Strings Online, right? You can pretty much build whatever you want.

http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Bui...set_c_163.html

**MAJOR METAL** · #6 11-21-2012, 08:15 PM

As far as I know, www.juststrings.com has the best prices I have seen.

gwangi · #7 11-21-2012, 08:17 PM

D'Addario all the way, the XL's & Super Steels most definitely.

seang15 · #8 11-21-2012, 08:24 PM

What scale? Gets a bit trickier with the longer scale necks.

**MAJOR METAL** · #9 11-21-2012, 08:28 PM

Just a standard 34 scale.

Dave the Bass · #10 11-21-2012, 08:32 PM

Definitely the XLs......Boomers sound dead right out of the package, the XLs last a long time and keep a fairly bright tone.

mmbongo · #11 11-22-2012, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

As far as I know, www.juststrings.com has the best prices I have seen.

www.bassstringsonline.com beats the pants off of them on everything I've inquired about. If you see a lower price, don't be bashful to tell Jason. He'll match it, and not rape you on shipping like that other place.

One Bad Monkey · #12 11-22-2012, 07:19 AM

Can't speak for Boomers, but SS Contact Cores, Pressurewounds and Progressives are all excellent GHS string for a 6 string. Depending in the bass, all of these are on right now.

**MAJOR METAL** · #13 11-22-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

www.bassstringsonline.com beats the pants off of them on everything I've inquired about. If you see a lower price, don't be bashful to tell Jason. He'll match it, and not rape you on shipping like that other place.

Is he a Talk Basser?

Lemon Of Troy · #14 11-22-2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

Is he a Talk Basser?

Just wanted to add a +1 for Bass Strings Online.

He is a Talkbass member, and he even gives a Talkbass user discount!

There are about 5 threads dedicated to the greatness of his business...never seen a thread about any other string seller.

DeliriumTremens · #15 11-22-2012, 10:32 AM

I've bought from BSO... Great service. I ordered a 4 string set but it was out of stock so they sent me a 5 string set with the same gauges on the EADG strings as I had ordered even though it cost them more to do so. Two thumbs up

El-Bob · #16 11-22-2012, 10:34 AM

On a 4 string I would recommend GHS, absolutely. But, anything with a low B gets a different vote. When I played a 6 I used D'addarios only, but on my current 5er I use Circle K. If I had known about circle K when I had a 6, I would have used them for that bass as well.

If you're set on either GHS or D'addario, I say go for D'addario.

EZ9R · #17 11-22-2012, 10:45 AM

Both are great strings. I've come to find out that each bass I own, different strings sound better on different basses. Ex. On my Jazz basses, I use Rotosound Swing Bass. I have 2 Amer. Stand and 1 Geddy Lee. On my Amer. Stand., I have the Nordstand NJ4SE and Fralins hum cancel. The Geddy Lee, I use EMGJVs. On my Bongo HH4, either Ernie Ball or D'Addario. The pickups on the Bongo sound better (to me) using nickel strings. My Ken Smith, sound good both nickel and stainless steel. But, for some reason, Rotosounds don't sound too great on my Smith.
I'd try the D'Addario first. They're cheap. Last a good while and sound good.

DiabolusInMusic · #18 11-22-2012, 10:54 AM

Oh I buy only online now (Bassstringsonline +1), but it takes me 3 weeks to get strings if I buy them online, so I either buy in advance or I am extremely limited on buying options.

I know you can beat some of Jason's prices in the states but with his new low shipping rates you cannot really beat him in Canada. Top shelf customer service though, which wins my money every time.

SLaPiNFuNK · #19 11-22-2012, 11:43 AM

I've played both the D'Addario and GHS strings for years. I actually have the same M3045 Boomers set on my jaco relic for a few years and they still sound just as punchy and bright as I want.

Both are great strings and companies. Both make singles in a wide variety of gauges. Although, D'Addario has tapered B string options and currently the other singles only in Long Scale (they are making them all available soon) and GHS has singles available in all gauges.

D'Addario no silk
GHS are silked

It comes down to tone and personal preference. One instrument may speak out more with one over the other so best to try both. Maybe buy the string you play the most as a single (like an E string) and A / B both brands single strings to keep costs down.

Thanks for the shutouts and praise about my site I appreciate that! I know there are lots of places to get strings but the most important thing is you get what you need either from me or someone else. I appreciate the opportunity for me to get you what you want the best way I know how, quickly and easily. Never hesitate to ask me anything I'm always here!

**MAJOR METAL** · #20 11-22-2012, 09:05 PM

Thanks everyone, I think I'll try the D'Addario this time around on my 6 string. So far for my 6string, I've tried the TI Power Bass strings, probably one of my all time favorite set of strings. Unfortunately, I am quite toxic to most strings and for their price they just don't last all that long to justify their price. After TI, I tried the Bass Boomers. The first set was good but oddly the last few sets seemed to come out of the bag rather dead.