New Strings = Finger Pain!!!!

gatorben24 · #1 05-12-2010, 09:13 PM

Ok well I wanted to test some new strings out at a higher gauge and I could only find a 4 string set that was almost at the gauge I wanted and they were GHS. I asked the guy why they were cheap and he was like 'they just don't last very long' and I was like ok w/e its just kinda a test.

So I went from Elixirs to GHS and the GHS feel like rubbing my fingers on rusty metal. No offense but to me they are just awful. The B string on my bass is still Elixir and its like a relief to play on it.

Are the Elixir strings just slick and super amazing becuase of the nano webs or are the GHS just crappy? I want a much higher gauge than what Elixir offers so Elixir isn't going to work for now.

Any suggestions?

I also ordered some Circle K strings which I really really hope don't feel like the GHS's

Thanks!

MysticMichael · #2 05-12-2010, 10:23 PM

GHS is an entire brand. There are multiple individual sub-brands under the GHS label, each one with its own characteristics. Which ones did YOU play?

FWIW, I've had mixed results playing GHS strings. Switched off between Boomers and Brite Flats back in the day (mid-to-late 70s); used Boomer 52s for a few years in the early 90s. Had good experiences with all of them.

Two GHS models with which I had terrible results were Super Steels (ugly clacky tone) and Progressives (the taperwound "E" string would not intonate consistent with the A, D & G strings).

MM

gatorben24 · #3 05-12-2010, 10:31 PM

They were GHS Boomers http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/sto...50115-_-GH3045 .

It wasn't in this package but this is what it was

JimmyM · #4 05-12-2010, 10:41 PM

always liked boomers myself. you just got used to the elixirs.

Craig_S · #5 05-12-2010, 11:03 PM

Aren't Boomers nickel strings? I thought they were smooth.

JimmyM · #6 05-12-2010, 11:05 PM

they are smooth for roundwounds.

**IvanMike** · #7 05-12-2010, 11:07 PM

boomers slick up in a few days. i always hated the tone and feel of them the first day, then they got like butter. they do have a bit of a rougher feel than some, but, like most strings, this wears down.

Craig_S · #8 05-12-2010, 11:12 PM

I killed the Boomer's zing in a matter of a few hours, if I remember correctly. That's why I never used them again. Of course, my taste in tone has changed considerably, since then. I'd try them again. I used to want that zingy piano type sound, always. I think of all the money I wasted buying strings. Amazing...

Eric! · #9 05-12-2010, 11:26 PM

Maybe you should just get flats

gatorben24 · #10 05-13-2010, 06:53 AM

I've been spoiled:/

J. Crawford · #11 05-13-2010, 07:22 AM

I just went from D'Addario Chromes to DR Hot Pinks and man.. my fingers feel like they did when I first started. I had my Chromes on for about a year.

I feel your pain man!

gatorben24 · #12 05-13-2010, 07:25 AM

lol yeah its weird. My picking fingers are sore and like roughed. But yours needed a change I believe lol a years a longgggg time! lol

Dbassmon · #13 05-13-2010, 07:30 AM

What you are used to, is what is going to feel right.
If it feels bad, go back to Elixers. Did you need me to tell you that?

metallibass95 · #14 05-13-2010, 08:27 PM

elixers will feel smooth because they are a coated string where as d'addario strings are not so if you are used to the coated feel they will be a bit rougher but no matter what you play you can get used to it.