So I put some boomers on my five string...

[flareaga]

It had kind of a dead sound, I don't know what that's about. It sounded like those strings were 6 months old when they were new. So I thought I'd break it in. 2 months later and many, many hours of play time and they still sound dead. $40 I spend on those -_-. Did I just get a fluke set or what? Some D'darrios (sp) were put on my other bass, I love the punchy feel they give. I want that but for a fiver, punchy and sustaining, I'm never using GHS strings again....

[lowendgenerator]

Well, first off, you spent too much on them. I can get a 5 string set of Boomers for just under 25USD. And that's from the Ma & Pa store even!

I stayed away from GHS for a long time because they didn't seem as 'cool' as D'Addario or DR or (insert hip brand here). But now they're all I use. I play in D with the occasional drop to C, and Boomers are the only strings that last more than a day for me. I buy the 5 string Nickel Boomers (45-130) and they're fantastic.

Maybe something else in your rig needs adjusting? What kind of bass/amp/cab are you using?

[Phalex]

Boomers aren't exceptionally bright. That's what I like about them. They quickly lose that new string zingyness, and settle into a nice mellow tone. If the mellowness is what you are referring to as dead, I'd suggest you switch over to stainless steel strings.

[flareaga]

Yeah, it's pretty dead to my ears. The bass is setup fine. I'm using a Schecter C5, I guess it could sould mellow. I guess I prefer the brightness and twang of D's.

[Roland777]

Hm. I thought I was the only one. I tried a GHS BB .130 on the low end, tuned to A. Sounded dead as a dodo. Perhaps it was an old/bad string, but this pretty much confirms it. :/

[DavePlaysBass]

Most setups I have played would not sound very good with the B tuned to A. Sort of an extreme test case IMO.

[flareaga]

excuse me, I am using Ernie Balls for my other strings. Love that tone.

[MurvintheWalrus]

Yeah if you are into a punchy steel sound, i think that ernie ball superslinkies are the way to go. But the only GHS i play are GHS Flea Boomers and they really are versatile, like the man himself

[Trevorus]

I have never liked GHS strings. D'Addario is all I play these days.

[funkybassplayer]

i have recently fallen in love with Ken Smith Strings. I have been using the Medium Rock Masters and recently tried a set of thier Taper core's (tuned EADGC) and i love them. they are a little lighter than i prefer but the tone and sustain i couldn't be happier with.

[Roland777]

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

Most setups I have played would not sound very good with the B tuned to A. Sort of an extreme test case IMO.

D'Addario XL Nickel .145's and .135's, along with Elixir taperwound .130's hold up a low A excellently. I'm guessing a .130 D'Addario would hold up great as well. The only very noticable exception is the GHS BB. And yes, the tone is indeed excellent with the other strings.

[mothmonsterman]

Have you given DRs a try?
I've found them to be really bright and they last alot longer than many strings i've used.
Boomers are a backup string IMO, and definatley not worth more than 25$.