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GHS Balanced Nickel strings

#143
Linnin said:
D'Addario EXL-170BT: 45-60-80-107 = 162.9 pounds It's interesting the hex core NPS is lower in tension. These are very good sounding strings too.
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It's one thing to compare tension numbers; it's quite another when it comes to real-life playing feel. Very curious as to how these pure nickels, combined with a round core, will actually feel under the fingers.

If everything goes as planned, I will have a chance to compare the hex-core Boomers (custom, 45-60-80-105) on my P with the RC Boomers (45-65-85-105) on my J. Then after that, the RC Boomers on my J with the Balanced Nickels 40-101 on my P. Should be interesting...
 
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#148
trothwell said:
I placed an order two weeks ago, after they showed up on the GHS store web page. Order status is still "awaiting shipment". I'm guessing they aren't quite ready to ship out to customers yet?
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They're in production as we speak. I talked with production about this, as we were hoping to have them ready ON September 1, but that didn't happen. As soon as I hear your order is going out, I'll let you know.
 
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#151
Root 5 said:
with a round core, should we crimp these strings?
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WITH OURS, there isn't a need to do that.

When I string up basses at work, I intentionally try to do everything you're NOT supposed to, to see if I can replicate any of the issues I hear about. I haven't ever had an issue with the Round Core Bass Boomers, Balanced Nickels, or any of the other things I'm working on with having to crimp them.
 
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#152
Jon Moody said:
WITH OURS, there isn't a need to do that.

When I string up basses at work, I intentionally try to do everything you're NOT supposed to, to see if I can replicate any of the issues I hear about. I haven't ever had an issue with the Round Core Bass Boomers, Balanced Nickels, or any of the other things I'm working on with having to crimp them.
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For the 32 years I played bass before joining TB I never crimped my strings before installing them. Now they have me all paranoid and I crimp them. Is this just a urban legend about strings unwinding or going dead when you cut the ends?? I can't really see a string being that fragile.
 
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#153
jwilson67 said:
For the 32 years I played bass before joining TB I never crimped my strings before installing them. Now they have me all paranoid and I crimp them. Is this just a urban legend about strings unwinding or going dead when you cut the ends?? I can't really see a string being that fragile.
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For hex core strings, you don't have to do it as the cover wires wrap around the hex core and "lock in" to the core.

For round core strings, it's a little trickier. Because the round core shape doesn't allow that cover wire to really bite down on that core, so traditionally you would rough up the end of the string for the wire to "lock in" and stay together. That's why some companies recommend you crimp the strings first before cutting a round core string; to keep that cover "locked" onto the core wire. There's no guarantee that it'll happen if you don't crimp it, but it's one of those "best to be safe" kind of things.
 
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#157
Root 5 said:
Pyramid recommend you crimp. I can't speak to DR's recommendation.
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Root 5 said:
with a round core, should we crimp these strings?
Click to expand...

The only round core set I've used were Fodera's nickel roundwounds. FWIW, they included a small piece of paper in the set illustrating how to crimp the strings prior to trimming/installation.

Cool to read it's not required on GHS' round core strings. My crimping technique with the Foderas wasn't that great.....:D
 
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#159
I've never crimped a string in my life, nor had a problem with my winding technique. I do bend the tip of the string over into the center of a Fender-style tuner (doesn't everybody?) and I suspect that would bind the core pretty well once it's at tension.

Well, actually, I do use a side cutter to shorten long strings before installing. Maybe that cut amounts to a crimp of sorts?
 
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#160
While we're on the topic of round core and crimping, here's a question that's just popped into my mind...

Would the silk at the tuner end have any functionality in preventing slippage? Both the RC Boomers and the Balanced Nickels have silk, while DR and Fodera don't use silk at all on their strings.
 

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