GHS Pressurewound VS Balanced Nickels

[A-Ro]

From the videos I’ve seen, they seem to occupy similar sonic territory.

Are there any major differences other than less string noise between these two? Do the Pressurewounds last longer?

@Jon Moody , could I get a professional opinion?

 

[lz4005]

I have pressurewounds on my fretless J and balanced nickels on my Dano. They feel completely different.

 

[FirewalZ]

I'm watching as well.....

 

[A-Ro]

I have pressurewounds on my fretless J and balanced nickels on my Dano. They feel completely different.

So, is it just a feel thing? Do you find they last the around the same before string changes are needed?

 

[Jon Moody]

From the videos I’ve seen, they seem to occupy similar sonic territory.

Are there any major differences other than less string noise between these two? Do the Pressurewounds last longer?

@Jon Moody , could I get a professional opinion?

You’re comparing rollerwound Nickel-Iron Strings on a hex core constructed in typical fashion (Pressurewounds) to roundwound Pure Nickel Strings on a Round core that have a balanced construction across the four strings (Balanced Nickels).

There is a LOT more than just string noise, and video demos only can do so much. As for string noise, I haven’t noticed much with the Balanced Nickels either.

The PWs will have more bite and punch, as the material is more magnetically active. As for whether they “last longer,” that’s nearly impossible to say as there are so many different variables besides just the string.

I have found the PWs last longer than typical nickel-plated steel strings when used in similar situations. Hard to say with Pure Nickel.

 

[michael_t]

PW = Alloy 52 + hex core = tight, punchy lows with crunchy mids.
BN = Pure Nickel + round core = Fuller, warmer lows with smooth mids.

The last two sets of PWs were both 12 mths old when I took them off.
The BNs on my P are only three and a half months old, so the jury is still out on their longevity.

 

[lz4005]

So, is it just a feel thing? Do you find they last the around the same before string changes are needed?

The basses they're on are so different, and I use them so differently it wouldn't be a fair comparison.

 

[lookiel]

I find the PW's to have more output and a lot of lows/low mids, the BN's sound sweeter and more balanced but died quicker on me. Still, I ordered a few more sets to try out because they do sound very nice for a while!

 

[sheltjo6]

I’ve tried each set of strings on my G&L LB-100 with an EMG Geezer pickup and on my Warmoth Precision Bass with a Fender Pure Vintage ‘63 Precision pickup.

Pressure wounds sounded great on the LB-100, whereas the balanced nickels sounded great on the Warmoth bass.
Neither string is better or worse than the other, they’re just different.
Which set you choose depends on your tonal preferences.

 

[sheltjo6]

I find the PW's to have more output and a lot of lows/low mids, the BN's sound sweeter and more balanced but died quicker on me. Still, I ordered a few more sets to try out because they do sound very nice for a while!

I agree with you in regards to the balanced nickels sound great when they’re fresh, but they do die quickly and as they age. I wish the new string zing lasted longer.

On the flip side, if you turn the tone down to roll off the high frequencies, a broke in set of balanced nickels produces a sweet, warm tone, which I prefer over flatwound strings.
For some players, that statement is blasphemy. Please be gracious and forgive me.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

I have found the Pressurewounds to be a bit higher tension than the BN.

 

[michael_t]

The BNs on my P are now eight months old. I find them quite different from the PWs both in tone and feel. If I had to choose between the two, I'd take the PWs over the BNs for the extra punch and responsiveness of Alloy 52 over the warmth of pure nickel.

 

[Linnin]

If I had to choose between the two, I'd take the PWs over the BNs for the extra punch and responsiveness of Alloy 52 over the warmth of pure nickel.

And I choose just the opposite. I like the evenness of tone and string-to-string volume and responsiveness & feel. I love the intense depth & warmth of tone. This is why I want some balanced round core Bass Boomers for my Jazz. My Fender American Professional Precision will stay strung in Balanced Nickels the rest of my life. They are a match made in heaven.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Given the choice of the two sets right now I would have to go with the BN's they are not as brite yet more detailed throughout the range and have that great bottom end and smooth mid and top. Also slightly lower tension and a smoother overall feel would make them my choice. Fortunately I do not have to make that choice and can still use Either one or anything else I want to.

 

[michael_t]

I like the evenness of tone and string-to-string volume and responsiveness & feel. I love the intense depth & warmth of tone.

I've been playing my P for the last couple of weeks and I couldn't agree with you more. My sentiment is I would gladly keep the BNs on it if it weren't for the fact I owe it to myself to try the Precision Flats.

Meanwhile, the PWs on my new Yamaha are working out so well it actually gives me the option to try the BNs on my Jazz when the PWs on it are ready to be replaced instead of putting the old Fender flats back on it.

 

[Linnin]

I've been playing my P for the last couple of weeks and I couldn't agree with you more. My sentiment is I would gladly keep the BNs on it if it weren't for the fact I owe it to myself to try the Precision Flats.

Meanwhile, the PWs on my new Yamaha are working out so well it actually gives me the option to try the BNs on my Jazz when the PWs on it are ready to be replaced instead of putting the old Fender flats back on it.

"All Things Work Out For Good …"

 

[sheltjo6]

What like like about the Balanced nickels is they are the first set of strings that have resolved the dead, thuddy E string tone I’ve experienced on several of my basses.

I just replaced a set of DR long Necks on my dual p bass and the transformation in tone is night and day.

I may try a set of Pressure Wounds in the future just to satisfy my curiosity and to answer the question, which string sounds better on that bass.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I LOVE Pressurewounds. I haven't tried the Balanced Nickels.

Honestly, between the Pressurewounds and good ol' hex core Bass Boomers, I'm good to go.

My one disclaimer about Pressurewounds is: If you strive for the "zing" of a new set of strings, or piano string brightness, the Pressurewounds might not be what your hoping for.

On GHS' site, there's some videos done by Nashville Studio Ace, Dave Pomeroy. I really think he nailed it with his description of PWs.

 

[BassPilot]

I’ve been a diehard pressurewound fan for a few years but I got a new G&L LB-100 a few weeks ago and the combination of Balanced Nickels and the alnico pickup they put in that bass is pure magic!
The evenness of volume and tone from string to string and the girthy and clear fundamentals of the balanced nickels make that bass sound FANTASTIC! When I told a friend of mine I was buying a P bass he asked why and stated that the only have one sound (which I wholeheartedly DISagree with). But even if it was true, THAT sound is the reason sound engineers frequently prefer a P bass for recording.
I may try PW’s on it at some point in the future but right now I’m enjoying the balanced nickels too much to change them out.

 

[FirewalZ]

I to have been using PW's on my P bass (and J) and had been really considering giving the Balanced Nickels a try. Ive tried Fender pure Nickels before and thought they sounded fine at first, but quickly grew a bit to dull or lifeless. My P bass has the Fender Original 62 p-ups's with have a high/upper-mid boost, so it pairs well with flats, but can be over the top ganky with bright rounds. Maybe the BN's will be a good match.