GHS Precision Flats extra long first impressions

[Flatwound]

I have a 35” scale Schecter Stiletto Elite 5 that I wanted to try some flatwounds on. I thought maybe I’d try GHS Precision Flats. Strangely, GHS doesn’t sell a set of extra-long 5 string Precision Flats. You can, however, buy a set of extra-long 4 stringers and buy an extra long B string separately. Kind of odd, but I ordered the set and the B string from Strings By Mail, who had them in stock. First thing I noticed was some weirdness with the silks.

Ok, the B string was separate, but the A was part of the package. Doesn’t hurt anything, just looks a little funny.

So, about the strings. Very nice. I tried them a couple of times in the dim and distant past, and didn’t like them at all. Either the strings have changed, or I have, because I really like these so far. I recently tried Brite Flats on this same bass, and I find the Precision Flats much, uh, Briter, and more present. The Brite Flats seem to have a stronger fundamental and low mids. After the P Flats break in a bit, I’ll post an update, but I’m favorably impressed so far.

 

[michael_t]

Strangely, GHS doesn’t sell a set of extra-long 5 string Precision Flats.

The Precision Flats 5-string set still has E-G at 38" in winding length (same as any 4-string sets) with only the B at 37.25". Looking at your pic, 37.25" (ball end to silk) for the B might still be long enough.

 

[Flatwound]

The Precision Flats 5-string set still has E-G at 38" in winding length (same as any 4-string sets) with only the B at 37.25". Looking at your pic, 37.25" (ball end to silk) for the B might still be long enough.

Sure, but why take a chance? I tried D’Addario regular long scale strings, which are listed on Fret Nation at 37.1”, on this bass once, and they were definitely not long enough. So maybe the extra .15 would do it, but why not use a B string with the same winding length as the others?

 

[michael_t]

Sure, but why take a chance? I tried D’Addario regular long scale strings, which are listed on Fret Nation at 37.1”, on this bass once, and they were definitely not long enough. So maybe the extra .15 would do it, but why not use a B string with the same winding length as the others?

Now that you've mentioned about having tried the D'A long scale (37.1" winding), it's better to be safe than sorry. I'd call that "too close for comfort". I get that now.

By the way, there was a recent thread about mismatched silks on the Precision Flats.

Mismatched silks

 

[MikeSayre]

I have a 35” scale Schecter Stiletto Elite 5 that I wanted to try some flatwounds on. I thought maybe I’d try GHS Precision Flats. Strangely, GHS doesn’t sell a set of extra-long 5 string Precision Flats. You can, however, buy a set of extra-long 4 stringers and buy an extra long B string separately. Kind of odd, but I ordered the set and the B string from Strings By Mail, who had them in stock. First thing I noticed was some weirdness with the silks.

View attachment 4226848

Ok, the B string was separate, but the A was part of the package. Doesn’t hurt anything, just looks a little funny.

So, about the strings. Very nice. I tried them a couple of times in the dim and distant past, and didn’t like them at all. Either the strings have changed, or I have, because I really like these so far. I recently tried Brite Flats on this same bass, and I find the Precision Flats much, uh, Briter, and more present. The Brite Flats seem to have a stronger fundamental and low mids. After the P Flats break in a bit, I’ll post an update, but I’m favorably impressed so far.

I have a 35” scale Schecter Stiletto Elite 5 that I wanted to try some flatwounds on. I thought maybe I’d try GHS Precision Flats. Strangely, GHS doesn’t sell a set of extra-long 5 string Precision Flats. You can, however, buy a set of extra-long 4 stringers and buy an extra long B string separately. Kind of odd, but I ordered the set and the B string from Strings By Mail, who had them in stock. First thing I noticed was some weirdness with the silks.

View attachment 4226848

Ok, the B string was separate, but the A was part of the package. Doesn’t hurt anything, just looks a little funny.

So, about the strings. Very nice. I tried them a couple of times in the dim and distant past, and didn’t like them at all. Either the strings have changed, or I have, because I really like these so far. I recently tried Brite Flats on this same bass, and I find the Precision Flats much, uh, Briter, and more present. The Brite Flats seem to have a stronger fundamental and low mids. After the P Flats break in a bit, I’ll post an update, but I’m favorably impressed so far.

Update?

 

[Flatwound]

Update:

The B string is very good. Clearer than the E, I think. The E is a little blurry. Otherwise, they’re breaking in nicely, and I see no reason to change any time soon. They are not bright in the fashion of Chromes, but they are slightly brighter than the Ernie Ball flats on my other 5- string.

 

[michael_t]

The B string is very good. Clearer than the E, I think. The E is a little blurry. Otherwise, they’re breaking in nicely, and I see no reason to change any time soon. They are not bright in the fashion of Chromes, but they are slightly brighter than the Ernie Ball flats on my other 5- string.

This is rather surprising in two ways... The B is clearer than the E, and the GHS P Flats are brighter than the Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats. Interesting...

EDIT: Wait... Is this a result of the GHS being on a 35" scale while the EB are on a 34"? Maybe...?

 

[Flatwound]

Yeah, the B is really good. Surprisingly so. Not only is this bass 35”, but it’s neck thru, so it’s pretty rigid as well.

The other 5 string is an ESP Ltd. RB1005, 34” scale, bolt on. It’s very light, less than 8 lbs., with a thin front-to-back neck. At my age, with my back injuries, a sub-8 lb. bass is pretty cool. So I usually play the Schecter at church, and the ESP with the other band.