GHS Still Making Their Own Strings?

[michael_t]

I don’t know the answer, but I have noticed on the GHS website that they still offer somewhat quirky sizing, such as the set of Super Steels I just got in .040-.058-.080-.102, which isn’t a size selection you see very often.

GHS is very precise in indicating the actual thickness of the strings; they're not being quirky as such. I personally like the 40-58-80-102 as the E-A-D are nice and even in tension. I use the Super Steels and the Bassics in those exact gauges as well as Ken Smith Compressors (also made by GHS).

Keep in mind the traditional way of advertising gauges, such as 40-100 and 45-105, doesn't always represent the actual measured gauges.

Thread 'Real Gauge of Bass Strings - real gauge vs advertised gauge'

Oct 26, 2014

month ago I red here someone complaining that the DR Legend flats, lebeled as 45-65-85-105, measured actually 43-60-82-104, exactly like the Labella 760FL set.

the complaining was about buying a set for that gauge, and finding out that it was not in thas specific gauge.

well, I've noticed this thing comparing DR Hi Beams to other sets of strings; let me explain:

in March 2014 I was using a set of Rotosound Funkmaster, and once they died, I decided to buy a DR Hi Beam set in the same gauge, 30-50-70-90.
once mounted on the bass, I noticed that the G and D strings were "smaller", in a...

• Pier_
• Replies: 90
• Forum: Strings [BG]

 

[devo1]

GHS & TI get all my string budget.

That’s my combo too! TI for flats. GHS for rounds.

 

[Fan Fret]

Ask them; General Inquiries Can you tell us what Phil McKnight video this is? If possible URL of the exact time he said it.
If it's not true then GHS can deal with him directly

Unless he based it of this on their home page. It is not exactly a firesale say like 50% or less


View attachment 7447215

Here it is. And remember like I said, and like HE said...it might not be true and neither He or Me is trying to start a rumor. I was just seeing if anybody knew anything..also pretty much like Phil said.

 

[Fan Fret]

Why do people start these threads and not even link the podcast in question? We're left with an interpretation/opinion of what he sort of, but not definitely, said.

You'll be pleased to know the direct link has been posted.

 

[logdrum]

Here it is. And remember like I said, and like HE said...it might not be true and neither He or Me is trying to start a rumor. I was just seeing if anybody knew anything..also pretty much like Phil said.

Okay I emailed them with the URL, I really do not think so, They are a big manufacturer and make strings for others. We know of KS. They are also one of the oldest string manufacturers in the US. Phil may is an influencer. He may be different from the gals who do fashion but as YT influencers are defined, he is.

 

[gln1955]

You'll be pleased to know the direct link has been posted.

Thank you.

Yeah, he kind of blurted that out then tried to hedge and haul it back. He should be more careful with a statement that can harm a good comapny's reputation.

 

[Dincrest]

I still feel like he's getting GHS mixed up with Dean Markley since that DID happen where Dean Markley shut down its US plant, the name was bought, Dean Markley strings were produced overseas, and they were not as good as "the old Markleys."

I also remember when some ex-Markley people formed Apex strings (small batch brand) but last I heard (Feb 2025) they were shutting their doors "temporarily" to try and rebuild, but so far nothing yet. I never had a chance to try Apex strings.

But there's been nothing out there saying GHS is in any sort of danger like that. Nothing on their socials, nothing on any Battle Creek local/community news outlets, it's just "I HEARD it from SOMEWHERE." Where, Phil? Cite your sources!

Phil talks about biggies like D'Addario and Ernie Ball who make their own strings. Uhh... GHS is one of those biggies too and have been making their own strings (and several other brands' strings) for generations. Dunlop has their own facility, SIT does (and they make a LOT of private label stuff), LaBella does (they also make a bunch of private label stuff like Spector strings), he was unsure about DR but DR certainly does (and they now make Fodera's private label strings since Fodera ceased their in-house string production)...

But then again, I am a bit of a string nerd (I'm a notorious "gotta try 'em all" string-GASer) and Phil is not. He even said he sticks with only a couple of brands.

TANGENT: Speaking of Fodera, I used to love their in-house strings in the 44-106 gauge but they were getting stupid-expensive and the only company that had gauges like that was...... GHS! They have 44-106 gauged strings!

 

[frankie5string]

"Influencer" - I miss the days when writers had to answer to editors.

 

[iiipopes]

I do miss the Progressives bass strings for my Rickenbacker 4002 (yes, "2," not "1" or "3"). I played them in my custom gauges of 45-60-80-105/6 from the time they were introduced until the time they were discontinued. When it became apparent after the COVID crisis that GHS would no longer make them, I searched all the retail and other on-line sources to get the remaining stocks of my preferred gauges. I have one set left. Since I don't play my 4002 out much due to it being "collectible," that is alright for now. But when they are all gone, I may have to go to Optima 4440 RB bass strings.

 

[trothwell]

I do miss the Progressives bass strings for my Rickenbacker 4002 (yes, "2," not "1" or "3"). I played them in my custom gauges of 45-60-80-105/6 from the time they were introduced until the time they were discontinued. When it became apparent after the COVID crisis that GHS would no longer make them, I searched all the retail and other on-line sources to get the remaining stocks of my preferred gauges. I have one set left. Since I don't play my 4002 out much due to it being "collectible," that is alright for now. But when they are all gone, I may have to go to Optima 4440 RB bass strings.

I switched to using Rotosound roundwounds, but I would love, love, LOVE for GHS to bring back Progressives.

I'm also, apparently above average anyway, a fan of GHS Brite Flats, but I find it borderline impossible to believe that GHS Brite Flats are more popular than Progressives. Unless, I guess, maybe lots of people maintaining period-correct vintage Music Man basses or something.

 

[wintremute]

I switched to using Rotosound roundwounds, but I would love, love, LOVE for GHS to bring back Progressives.

I'm also, apparently above average anyway, a fan of GHS Brite Flats, but I find it borderline impossible to believe that GHS Brite Flats are more popular than Progressives. Unless, I guess, maybe lots of people maintaining period-correct vintage Music Man basses or something.

Don't Jinx my Brite Flats!

 

[TonyP-]

I didn’t read the whole thread, but Phil got this one dead wrong.

I’m a GHS artist Jon Moody is basically my brother.

They have a factory of winding there and they are the ones that make them for some other companies.

 

[TonyP-]

I switched to using Rotosound roundwounds, but I would love, love, LOVE for GHS to bring back Progressives.

I'm also, apparently above average anyway, a fan of GHS Brite Flats, but I find it borderline impossible to believe that GHS Brite Flats are more popular than Progressives. Unless, I guess, maybe lots of people maintaining period-correct vintage Music Man basses or something.

The Progressives have not been been made in years.

So I can that statement is true