New GHS Pressurewounds = New Bass!

FromTheBassMent · #1 02-23-2010, 10:04 PM

Tonight I installed a set of GHS pressurewound strings on my EBMM Stingray 5 fretless. I bought this bass a couple of months ago and have tried Ken Smith Slickrounds (okay, a little lifeless) and SIT Silencers (absolutely horrid... metallic and clanky and brittle). These GHS strings have made this bass EXPLODE to life! I admit I had to set all of my EQ controls flat on the bass and my amp just to get my head around what was going on with the tone and harmonics. I need much less push in the mid and treble frequencies to make the bass sing now... I'm much closer to flat across the board. These strings are very lively without being harsh or having excessive "ping." They're just very singing and lyrical, with less finger noise than roundwounds but WAY more harmonic content than halfrounds.

The proof will be in the gigging this weekend... but so far I am VERY impressed!

T. Alan Smith · #2 02-24-2010, 06:23 AM

Cool.

I just replaced Slicks on my fretless 'Ray4HP with Pressurewounds and share the same thoughts as you. I'm most impressed at how much more harmonic content there are with the Pressurewounds. I'll have a much better idea after I've got more time with 'em though.

fretlessguy · #3 02-24-2010, 09:28 PM

I really like them and they currently sit on three of my basses. They seem to have the best features of both flats, rounds, and half rounds. I am glad you are enjoying them.

gjbassist · #4 02-24-2010, 09:31 PM

Glad to see these comments! I just purchased a set last night on Ebay and am anxiously awaiting their arrival.

kesslari · #5 02-24-2010, 09:39 PM

I like pressurewounds (actually I use Ken Smith Compressors, but I've used both and they're pretty much the same).

Great strings, great sound.

jaibot · #6 02-25-2010, 10:44 AM

its interesting that you hate the sits and love the ghs strings as they seem to have the exact same construction

Arvin · #7 02-25-2010, 12:19 PM

I've been playing a set of GHS Pressure Wounds for about 4 days now, and so far, I really like them. The "clank" and "ring" of roundwounds really gets to me, but I want some of the aliveness they offer. The Pressure Wounds seem to walk the line between flats and rounds quite well.

Like the OP, I'm very impressed, as well.

BillMason · #8 02-25-2010, 01:05 PM

Nothing like finding your strings.

I used to have those on my fretless, back when I still had my fretless.

roger winkler · #9 02-27-2010, 05:26 PM

I installed a set on my G&L-SB2 last week but I have not had a chance to see how they sound with the rest of the band!! I'm using the 55 to 105 gauge set and they sounded pretty deep and fat through my Ampeg B-300 practice rig. I assume they will need some break in time so I guess time will tell how they will sound. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get that really "FAT" tone I like when running my G&L-SB-2 through a Markbass LittleMark II and a DR.BASS 2x12....600 watt cab?.....

gjbassist · #10 02-27-2010, 09:00 PM

My GHS pressurewounds arrived in the mail today. I put them on and immediately noticed an improvement in tone! Smooth and mellow without sounding dull. I think I'm going to like these!

FromTheBassMent · #11 02-27-2010, 09:25 PM

I've played two gigs and done some recording since my original post, and I am sold on these GHS Pressurewounds. Now that they're broken in a bit they sound fantastic. I was worried that on the fretless I'd get too much finger noise with glissandos and vibrato, but no problem... they're very lively yet very quiet at the same time. The B string sounds HUGE, and I'm getting a strong fundamental all over the neck while still enjoying a lot of upper harmonic activity (mwah, anyone?).

The final test will be how long they last. But as of now, I'm planning on keeping these on my EBMM SR5 fretless. They sound great!

T. Alan Smith · #12 03-01-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger winkler

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get that really "FAT" tone I like when running my G&L-SB-2 through a Markbass LittleMark II and a DR.BASS 2x12....600 watt cab?.....

Nice rig. I'm familiar with all your components. Should be really easy to get what you want. Start with everything flat. Both pups full on. Play either over the P pickup or with your thumb anchored on the heel of the neck. Adjust the lowpass filter on the LMII to taste. Done.

roger winkler · #13 03-02-2010, 05:17 PM

Hey T. Allen Smith, thanks so much for the advice....I have rehearsal tomorrow night...I'll try it on the whole band mix...hope it does the trick!!!..

old-fashioned · #14 03-07-2010, 04:55 PM

How about tension? For example compared to let's say:
TI Jazz Flats
TI Jazz Rounds
D'Addario Chromes
EarnieBall Extra Slinkies
Elixir Nanowebs

(These are the strings which I have an idea about their tensions.)
Thank you