GHS Precision flat out of the box

[Selim]

I had to borrow a friend's 5 string (Fender jazz SD) for a gig on Friday. Since I didn't have a 5 string set around, I replaced the existing strings with a lightly broken in set of GHS p flats and left the existing B string.

Meanwhile, I rush ordered a single GHS B string, which probably won't go on until 2 days before the gig. I forget — how are these strings fresh out of the package? Is 2 days long enough to at least settle in?

The B currently on is a Rotosound 130. Which of course sounds and feels different from the 4 GHS next to it.

Thanks

 

[michael_t]

how are these strings fresh out of the package? Is 2 days long enough to at least settle in?

I have the light set (45-60-75-95). When I put them on my P bass last June, I was surprised at how little break-in time they needed. They do have certain amount of newness out of the pack but not to the extent of needing weeks or months to settle like some other flats.

No personal experience with the B string.

 

[Yahboy]

If you licking with growl Jazz bass tone from Flatwound bass string, you should get the EB cobalt flat 45-130 instead GHS precision flat.

Myserious2cent.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

In my experience the GHS Precision Flats have some of the longest break in period I've ever experienced. It also happens very unevenly across the strings. They take weeks, perhaps even months to get to the point where they have a nicely balanced FAT sound across all strings IMO. But I guess I would be ok with using them for a gig after 2 days if I HAD to. They won't sound horrible, just not at their best yet.

At least you're only replacing the B. It shouldn't be too much of a problem. The D+G sound a lot worse out of the box and take a lot longer to mellow out.

Recording would be a complete different matter though... far too unbalanced sound across the strings for at least a couple of weeks IMO. They are one of my favourite "old school" flats once they've settled in but they sound VERY different out of the box.

 

[Selim]

In my experience the GHS Precision Flats have some of the longest break in period I've ever experienced. It also happens very unevenly across the strings. They take weeks, perhaps even months to get to the point where they have a nicely balanced FAT sound across all strings IMO. But I guess I would be ok with using them for a gig after 2 days if I HAD to. They won't sound horrible, just not at their best yet.

At least you're only replacing the B. It shouldn't be too much of a problem. The D+G sound a lot worse out of the box and take a lot longer to mellow out.

Recording would be a complete different matter though... far too unbalanced sound across the strings for at least a couple of weeks IMO. They are one of my favourite "old school" flats once they've settled in but they sound VERY different out of the box.

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. You answered my question!

Hopefully, even if spanking new, the GHS B will sit better than the Rotosound B — a completely different design of course (which sounds and feels like it).

 

[Bobbadfinger]

I have the light set (45-60-75-95). When I put them on my P bass last June, I was surprised at how little break-in time they needed.

In my experience the GHS Precision Flats have some of the longest break in period I've ever experienced.

Should I make the arithmetic median ?
I just put this light set on a Matt Freeman Precision; like it better than Chromes (only flat I used on Ps), but have to say it's not the thump I was expecting, but very interesting mids. Brand new, sounds kinda Steve Harris bass tone...
Problem is, I need asap to evaluate this bass against my MIJ, and decide which one I like it better so the other will be sold.
What is the average (or minimum) time to wait to a string to develop its real tone ?
Is this actual playing or just elapsed time (being stringed in the instrument) ?
Is there some hack (slapping strings like crazy, tuning higher etc) to make it quicker ?

 

[michael_t]

Should I make the arithmetic median ?
I just put this light set on a Matt Freeman Precision; like it better than Chromes (only flat I used on Ps), but have to say it's not the thump I was expecting, but very interesting mids. Brand new, sounds kinda Steve Harris bass tone...
Problem is, I need asap to evaluate this bass against my MIJ, and decide which one I like it better so the other will be sold.
What is the average (or minimum) time to wait to a string to develope its real tone ?
Is this actual playing or just elapsed time (being stringed in the instrument) ?
Is there some hack (slapping strings like crazy, tuning higher etc) to make it quicker ?

How long these particular flats take to break in would depend on one's expectations as to what is considered their optimal tone. Some like the tone of flats when they're well-aged while others (including myself) prefer their relatively new tone before they go too thumpy and thuddy.

It also depends on the set as well. The light set I tried was nicely balanced tonally from the get-go, while heavier sets with the 105E may take a while to balance out in tone. During the one year I had them on my P-bass, the overall tone may have mellowed somewhat, but the nice thing was all four strings aged at the same rate, although the actual usage on them was rather limited, ie less than 50 hrs of actual play time.

As a general rule, strings do need to be played to be broken in instead of just sitting around idle.

If you want to speed up the process of aging flats, check out this thread:

Eucerin Skin Cream Kills Strings DEAD!!!

 

[Bobbadfinger]

Sure, not the subjective "optimal", but minimum time to get rid of "this is not what this string should sound like" tone.
I'm still discovering most of the stuff on bass; my Longhorn (with Roto flats) is still thumpier than a mighty P, go figure. I blamed the roundwounds on the Precision, now maybe its just flats that needs some time, and I'm trying to rush what I can't.
I will further investigate this eucerin stuff. Thanks !

 

[Dan_reeves]

Longtime GHS P Flats user - I would say that I notice the "imbalance" when they are new, but mostly only while playing by myself. In a full band situation, it is less noticeable to me. Most users think the E string sounds "deader" than the others. I can see this a little bit, but less so in the light set vs the medium set. But even then, it can be a bit dependent on bass pickups. On my Stingray, the light set sounded totally balanced right away. On my Jazz, the light set E string was a little thuddier, but once I played with the band I noticed it way less. On my hollowbody I have the medium set, and they sound balanced also - the pickup is a mini humbucker design, and it treats A strings a bit weirdly (hard to describe) but it sounds fine. I am not liking the medium scale set I have on my Beatle Bass - I may switch those back to rounds. And the jury is still out on my short scale. On all the basses I mentioned, any string set seems to have a slightly boomier E string...so it could also just be how I set up my basses and be all my fault.

So, sorry for the really long answer - but I would try them and find out to see if they are for you. If they are super expensive, then I acknowledge that might be a risk and would make it harder to decide.

 

[Dan_reeves]

Sorry, I got confused and see you are in NY - so prices should be the same for you as for me.

Not too long ago, Juststrings.com had the medium gauge set for $15ish - not sure if that is still on. They are usually around $25-$30. And they are in NH, so shipping time should theoretically be brief. I live in the Midwest and its usually around 2 days with the cheapest shipping option.

 

[Bobbadfinger]

I didn't perceived any imbalance to be honest. After a setup (it needed some neck relief, notes were choking a bit), strings sounds just fine.
My only concern is tactile; found them kinda sticky, and on the stiff side, specially plucking hand (it really makes me wanna use a pick).
Chromes were bridge cables to me, but they were 105, those are 96 and almost as hard to play.
Maybe I'm spoiled by Rotos (90) on my short scale though...

 

[michael_t]

My only concern is tactile; found them kinda sticky, and on the stiff side, specially plucking hand (it really makes me wanna use a pick).

I always make sure to clean all new strings, especially flats, with an alcohol wipe before installation to get rid of some of the initial stickiness.

I'm a 100% finger-style player, and I found the light set (45-95) very comfortable in terms stiffness, compared to any other flats I tried, both for fretting and plucking.

 

[Bobbadfinger]

Good call on the alcohol, I managed to remove lots of grime.
Unfortunately my hand strenght comes from guitar playing; I choose those based on price (which excluded La Bella Low Tension and TIs, known as really easy to play) and a E string smaller than 100.

 

[Dan_reeves]

I always make sure to clean all new strings, especially flats, with an alcohol wipe before installation to get rid of some of the initial stickiness.

I'm a 100% finger-style player, and I found the light set (45-95) very comfortable in terms stiffness, compared to any other flats I tried, both for fretting and plucking.

Agree, and in a pinch I have even used Windex sprayed on a paper towel to wipe them down. I would do this prior to installing, not while they are on the bass. Once on the bass Fast Fret might help a bit.

 

[Heavy Blue]

...I was surprised at how little break-in time they needed. They do have certain amount of newness out of the pack but not to the extent of needing weeks or months to settle like some other flats.

In my experience the GHS Precision Flats have some of the longest break in period I've ever experienced. It also happens very unevenly across the strings. They take weeks, perhaps even months to get to the point where they have a nicely balanced FAT sound across all strings IMO. But I guess I would be ok with using them for a gig after 2 days if I HAD to. They won't sound horrible, just not at their best yet.

^^^^^^Bwahahaha Classic TB here!

I always make sure to clean all new strings, especially flats, with an alcohol wipe before installation to get rid of some of the initial stickiness.

I concur! Alcohol cleaning the strings has become a new part of my routine. I was gobsmacked last week when I did this to my 3 1/2 y/o set of GHS Precision Flats that I never did this to before. To the eye they looked ok and they even felt ok but to the white cloth it was Grunge City.

As for the OP. Tbh, I thought my set (#3025, 45-95) sounded pretty good straight out the package. Imo the E & A are a little looser than the D & G. Sometime down the road I'd like to try out the 45-105 CM3050 Custom Medium set that I think may be letter balanced. Not that it's really an issue with the lights though.

Yes, they mellowed further over time but I thought they were pretty much good to go right from the start.

Great product!

 

[C Stone]

I put a set of ghs 45-95 and they felt fine new, there was no stickiness, tonally even and just keep getting better, I did notice they needed to settle in a bit as far as tuning goes, (a day or two).

 

[bumperbass]

I've tried two sets of Precision Flats on my P; actually on both of my P's. Noticed the thuddy E string both times. I guess maybe I was thinking backwards, and I should be thinking the others should break-in to be thuddy like the E, right?
I don't like floppy strings, so never tried a 95 because of that. My thinking is, the bigger the string, the more thud I'll get. So I never really left them on long enough.
Actually I want to try them again, since I don't gig anymore, but do jam weekly with some cool old farts (pre-covid).
I'm fine with the Labella DTF's on my beatle bass, but that will hopefully be gone soon.
I'm torn between DTF's and Precision Flats I believe.