GHS Pressurewound VS. SIT Silencers

[funkinbottom]

A quick note about my situation.....Already using flats (that I'm very happy with) on my old Fender, so I've got the flat thing covered. A little over a year ago I picked up a Spector bass (used) that came with what looks like DR Black Beauties. They sound pretty good and seem to be a bit smoother feeling than most round wounds. Kinda like 'em, but it's time for new strings.

I'm looking for something between a flats (for feel) and rounds (for sound). I was wondering if anyone here has experience with both those strings. I have it narrowed down to these two by reading reviews here on TB. I know, some one that actually uses the search feature, go figure. Anyway, I know I don't want another set of flats or half/ground wounds. Just looking for comparison of these two brands.

Thanks

 

[funkinbottom]

No one here has used both these brand?

 

[Jon Moody]

I haven't used the SIT Silencers, no.

Reading the marketing copy, it sounds like both are made the same way; the final cover is compressed before being wound over the string. However, the Silencers are a nickel-plated steel final cover, and the Pressurewounds are a nickel-iron cover. The nickel-iron is more magnetically active (read: plays really nice with pickups), so I would make the assumption that the Pressurewounds would be louder and a little more punchy in tone than the SIT Silencers.

 

[bolophonic]

Just some benign editorializing: I would never think to buy a set of bass strings that were called "silencers."

More on-topic: GHS Pressurewounds are the greatest bass strings of all times (IMO, YMMV, etc.)

 

[michael_t]

I have no experience with the SIT, either.

But, like @Jon Moody has already pointed out, the unique tonal quality (extra punch and crunch) and the longevity (one full year for me) of the GHS PWs come from the Alloy 52 that's used for the wrap, which I don't think anything else can imitate. They're very special in my book.

 

[michael_t]

I would never think to buy a set of bass strings that were called "silencers."

I'm with you on this.

 

[Linnin]

I can't go with SIT as a brand name, but I'd buy a set of DANCE Party Crankers.

SIT Silencers! Worst name for instrument strings ever!

 

[funkinbottom]

Just some benign editorializing: I would never think to buy a set of bass strings that were called "silencers."

Yes quite odd isn't it?

 

[fretlessguy]

I have used both. They are both excellent sets. The main difference being the GHS set is smoother and the Silencers more of a roundish feel. In the end I stuck with the GHS version due to less finger noise. The Silencers are really excellent Strings, though. I may try them once again someday.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

....More on-topic: GHS Pressurewounds are the greatest bass strings of all times (IMO, YMMV, etc.)

I strongly agree!

Funkinbottom, I absolutely love Pressurewounds, but I haven't tried Silencers, so I can't say how they compare. For me, Pressurewounds provide strong fundamentals on the lowest notes, punchy midrange, and defined, but not overly crisp highs. I have the M7200 set on my main bass, and they're higher tension strings, and they have a very nice surface feel. I'm very happy with their lifespan, too.

My personal disclaimer to folks interested in trying them is: Players who prefer strings that provide a super glassy top end, Pressurewounds might not be the best at doing that.

 

[funkinbottom]

It sounds like the Pressurewounds might be the better way to go. Being that neither set is too expensive, I guess I'll buy both and compare. I recon that's the only for sure way to know.

Thanks all for the responses.

 

[fretlessguy]

Well, how did it go?

 

[nerkoids]

Pressurewounds are the Swiss Army knife of bass strings.

 

[funkinbottom]

Well, how did it go?

I'll definitely post back here once I get them. I bought them at bass strings online. They should be here in a day or so.

 

[funkinbottom]

Well, my strings finally arrived Friday and had a chance to string up my Spector with the SIT Silencers. First off, I like them a lot. They aren't quite as smooth as flats, but still feel good to the fingers. A little fret noise but nowhere near as noisy as rounds. Good fundamentals in the low/low mid. Nice mid range punch and clear well defined highs without being over baring. They still allow that Spector growl. If I cut a little treble and a bit of a boost in bass, (active bass), very nice flat sound. Bass flat with a little boost in treble a more round wound sound can be achieved. Versatile string. I think these will be a good compromise and work quite well for me. Later tonight or tomorrow I will string up the other bass with the pressurewounds and let you know how they compare.

 

[Linnin]

Are you able to capture a super close-up macro shot of each string so we can see the the actual structural & textural differences?

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Well, my strings finally arrived Friday and had a chance to string up my Spector with the SIT Silencers. First off, I like them a lot. They aren't quite as smooth as flats, but still feel good to the fingers. A little fret noise but nowhere near as noisy as rounds. Good fundamentals in the low/low mid. Nice mid range punch and clear well defined highs without being over baring. They still allow that Spector growl. If I cut a little treble and a bit of a boost in bass, (active bass), very nice flat sound. Bass flat with a little boost in treble a more round wound sound can be achieved. Versatile string. I think these will be a good compromise and work quite well for me. Later tonight or tomorrow I will string up the other bass with the pressurewounds and let you know how they compare.

Excellent review of the Silencers! I've never tried any of S.I.T.'s strings, but your review on them is very much how I hear the Pressurewounds. I'm looking forward to read your comments anout the PWs.

 

[funkinbottom]

Just put the pressurewounds on my other bass. I like these a lot also. My first impression is they seem a little bit warmer, more like flats, in the low end without sacrificing mid range punch and clear highs. Also a bit less fret noise than the SIT's. Of course noting is as quiet as flats but flats. I'll have to live with them for a while to really compare. Also, not an even comparison being as though my Spector is active and my Fender (PJ config.) is passive. Probably after a week or two I'll swap them from bass to bass and that should give me a better idea. At this point I feel both sets are very similar with slight differences. Both are excellent quality and sound great with plenty of definition. I'm very happy with both sets. I guess only time will tell which ones I prefer.

 

[funkinbottom]

Are you able to capture a super close-up macro shot of each string so we can see the the actual structural & textural differences?

Sorry, right now I only have camera on my phone. It didn't translate well. I will try to talk my photographer friend into taking some close ups so we can see more clearly the differences. Oorrr..... you could buy a set of each of these strings yourself to experience the awesomeness first hand.

 

[michael_t]

At this point I feel both sets are very similar with slight differences. Both are excellent quality and sound great with plenty of definition. I'm very happy with both sets. I guess only time will tell which ones I prefer.

As far as I know, the SIT Silencers use the standard nickel-plated steel for the wrap wire, while the PWs use Alloy 52 (nickel-iron), the latter being more magnetically active. It will be an interesting comparison swapping them between an active bass and a passive one as to how these two sets would interact with different pickups.

I would also be interested in the longevity of these two sets in your experience. My expectation is the PWs have a longer useful life.