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Brite Flats "A" string

RocketMensch

RocketMensch

Dec 27, 2004
123
38
39
Bellingham, Wa
#1
So I bought a set of GHS Brite Flats medium light 52-103. This is my first time buying GHS. I usually use D'addario but wanted to give these a try. The strange thing about them is that the "A" string looks out of place in comparison to the other strings. It has a different shine to it. The outer winding looks and feels "rounder" than the rest. I can run my finger nail down it and feel the grooves in it. The other strings not so much. I have Chromes on another bass and Half-Rounds on another. The "A" string looks and feels more like the Half-Rounds and the rest look and feel more like the Chromes.

I noticed this before I strung them up, so I took them back to the store and expressed my concern. They looked at another pack and showed me how the "A" string in that pack is the same as mine. Is this normal for Brite Flats? I just figured it was all in my head, went home and strung 'em on.

Visually it sticks out like a slapper's thumb. The "A" string, however, sounds great. Looks and sounds like I would expect from a ground-wound string. Finger-style, it has a little edge and it gets some zing when you play with a pick and boost some treble. After playing a while I'm starting to think the rest of the strings might be Precision Flats. I've never played those particular strings but these sound like full blown flatwounds. Or maybe the "A" string is a pressure-wound? Never tried those but definitely would if that is the case. Another thing- I never got to see anything other than the "A" string from the store's other pack.

Any insight on this would be REALLY, GREATLY appreciated.

Thanky U.
 
#2
The first pic is of the "A" and "D" string. The second is of the "E" and "A".
 

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#7
So. It turns out the pack of strings I bought were a misplaced Pressurewound "A" string in a pack of Brite Flats.

GHS said they will send me a pack of either the Brite Flats or the Pressurewounds as well as a replacement "A" string. They were really helpful and informative. Gonna have to give into my curiosity though and check out a full set of Pressurewounds as the one string I have sounds really good! I'm thankful and excited all in one pack!

I figure since I have almost a full set of flats already up to tension, once I replace the "A" string, I can really experience what these strings are about throughout their life.

I'm glad this case is closed and its all worked out. Thank you GHS.
 
#13
How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?
 
#14
DaveAceofBass said:
How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?
Click to expand...

Fresh out of the package, yes they are kinda sticky. I rub them down with WD-40 straight out of the package (they seem to have some grinding residue on them) and after three gigs or so, they smooth out.
 
#15
Oh man. Sorry for the late responses!

StuFordBass said:
how did you contact them? i have the same issue.
Click to expand...

On their main webpage up at the top you can click "contact". From there you can choose specifically who to contact... if things haven't already worked out for you by now.

DaveAceofBass said:
How do GHS Brite Flats compare to D'Addario Half Rounds? I've tried the Half rounds, but they felt like they were "grabbing" my fingers. I REALLY didn't like that, but want to try a hybrid that feels more flat than round. Pressurewounds are great, but I'm looking for more of a flat feel/sound. Do the GHS "grab" or not?
Click to expand...

From my own experience the Half Rounds are WAY more "grabby". The Brite flats were no challenge at all to get used to. Overall the Brite Flats feel and sound more flat than the Half Rounds. Just a more interesting sound IMO and the tension is perfect.
 
#16
bunkmunk said:
From my own experience the Half Rounds are WAY more "grabby". The Brite flats were no challenge at all to get used to. Overall the Brite Flats feel and sound more flat than the Half Rounds. Just a more interesting sound IMO and the tension is perfect.
Click to expand...

+1

I only don't like the Brite Flats when the tension is too high; one time I tried the larger gauges (50something to 108 IIRC) and the lost all of their subtle characteristics tonally, and weren't as fun to play, due to the 40+ lbs tension. It's walking a tightrope, I guess I like them best when they are really close to 40 lbs/string, no more or less.
 
#19
Yeah I've bought 2 sets of GHS pressurewounds a set for me and my friend and no funny strings in the sets.
43-106 long scale set LOVE EM!
BEST STRINGS ON THE PLANET for middle of the road thumpy lows moderate mids and crank the tone knob not too, too harsh crunchy highs. All on my indiana p bass style bass! with custom leather 3" wide strap from England, with Shaller strap locks!
 

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