GHS to make a Flatwound version of their Balanced Tension strings?

[BassJuju]

If you're talking just about "balanced tension," have you looked into the CM3050 set (45-60-80-105)?

Because your original email to Elizabeth (which I'm CC'd on), asked about making a set of flats like our Balanced Nickels, which is slightly more involved than just "balanced tension."

Slightly off topic, but I’ve never been satisfied with the tension of a B string. I got a .145, if memory serves, once upon a time from another manufacturer and liked it with a regular set of similarly balanced tension strings. Unfortunately, they were still that brand of strings and we’re very dead very quick.

I play GHS heavy boomers on a few 4’s but there doesn’t seem to be a corresponding 5 string set. I’ve ordered the balanced nickels to see how they are, but I still think the B is too light. Any advice? Have I glossed over a product?

 

[Vinny_G]

GHS Bass Boomers.

The Hex Core Boomers are fine, I like them. They were among the first strings I played with when I started, you could find them everywhere and they were affordable. Good memories ...

 

[trothwell]

About a month in with a new set of the CM3050s, the idea of making these round core does sound appealing. Even though these are by no means the stiffest flatwound strings out there (or even the stiffest set that GHS makes), I'm starting to feel that my plucking hand might prefer something a little more flexible.

The light set would be an obvious alternative to try, though I am also curious to try out the round core Labella "flexible flats".

 

[Root 5]

Slightly off topic, but I’ve never been satisfied with the tension of a B string. I got a .145, if memory serves, once upon a time from another manufacturer and liked it with a regular set of similarly balanced tension strings.

I use a .145 too and it's like the voice of God.

 

[trothwell]

The light set would be an obvious alternative to try, though I am also curious to try out the round core Labella "flexible flats".

Actually, after posting that, I remembered that I had an old (circa 2012) set of TI flats still hanging around. I had tried them on three other basses, and while I thought they were quality strings, they eventually came off of all three other basses (including an alder-wood Jazz Bass). I just swapped out the GHS flats for these old TIs on the ash-wood Jazz Bass. Sounds _very_ nice. I am ... surprised.

 

[michael_t]

I use a .145 too and it's like the voice of God.

The voice of God can be a gentle whisper, too. Hex-core 125-130 works fine for me.

 

[Jon Moody]

Not to hijack the discussion, but do guitar players obsess as much as bass players about string tension, construction, silk colors, winding length, etc?

Oh man, way more. WAY. MORE.

I'll leave it at that.

Why not? They make balanced rounds, seems like an easy decision. I'd try a set.

The thing that made Balanced Nickels special is the balanced construction, meaning the main 4 strings all have 2 covers. The flatwound G string already has two covers (a small round cover, and the thinner flat wire). To do this correctly, you either figure out how to make all the strings two covers (meaning the E string is basically a gigantic core wire, gigantic first cover and thinner flat wire), or try to make them all three covers. At that point, the construction is addressed, but the balanced tone/feel may be completely out.

So, it sounds like an easy decision, but the reality of it is not.

I wonder with all the private label OE strings they sell, do they make balanced flats for someone else already?

Nope.

 

[Root 5]

Oh man, way more. WAY. MORE.

I'll leave it at that.




The thing that made Balanced Nickels special is the balanced construction, meaning the main 4 strings all have 2 covers. The flatwound G string already has two covers (a small round cover, and the thinner flat wire). To do this correctly, you either figure out how to make all the strings two covers (meaning the E string is basically a gigantic core wire, gigantic first cover and thinner flat wire), or try to make them all three covers. At that point, the construction is addressed, but the balanced tone/feel may be completely out.

So, it sounds like an easy decision, but the reality of it is not.




Nope.

I would like to see a pure nickel flatwound set. I don't care about balanced tension and I don't know that the majority do.

 

[Jon Moody]

I would like to see a pure nickel flatwound set. I don't care about balanced tension and I don't know that the majority do.

You've already mentioned that.

Frankly, it's a possibility, but a longshot. There's a lot of other things I'd rather explore over a pure nickel set of flats.

 

[Root 5]

You've already mentioned that.

Oh... did I? Maybe I'll make that 'mistake' again

Frankly, it's a possibility, but a longshot. There's a lot of other things I'd rather explore over a pure nickel set of flats.

Pure nickel flats is where it all began!

 

[Jon Moody]

Pure nickel flats is where it all began!

...and?

 

[Root 5]

...and?

people will buy them. Players love nostalgia/history and PN flats are a piece of that.

 

[trothwell]

The flatwound G string already has two covers (a small round cover, and the thinner flat wire).

Can you tell us more about this? I would guess that the earliest flatwound bass strings did not have a round wrap under a flat wrap. When / how did the round wrap start? If it is only on the G string, why is that?

 

[Jon Moody]

Can you tell us more about this? I would guess that the earliest flatwound bass strings did not have a round wrap under a flat wrap. When / how did the round wrap start? If it is only on the G string, why is that?

Honestly, no. I don't have the type of historical knowledge/information that you're looking for.

However, flat wire is incredibly thin; it usually adds anywhere from .006 - .010 to the final diameter. You have to build up the gauge of a string SOMEHOW.

 

[Killing Floor]

Bear in mind that the gauge of the core wire really can't change a lot. The structural part of the wire X 4 (or 5 or 6....) needs to balance with the opposite tension in the neck (woods, rods, etc. ) to achieve your action.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Can you tell us more about this? I would guess that the earliest flatwound bass strings did not have a round wrap under a flat wrap. When / how did the round wrap start? If it is only on the G string, why is that?

Honestly, no. I don't have the type of historical knowledge/information that you're looking for.

However, flat wire is incredibly thin; it usually adds anywhere from .006 - .010 to the final diameter. You have to build up the gauge of a string SOMEHOW.

Not sure about the inner round wrap, but they possibly had a silk inlay. At least the high C string on the original 5-string bass, the Fender V, had to have a generous amount of damping, which added volume but negligible mass: it was a .045 - a modern, all-metal flatwound 045 would bust well before reaching C3 - and the purpose of the damping was, I assume, to help make the tone closer to the rest of the set (less of a concern now that most bassists choose bright strings, and high C users accept a relatively guitary tone for that string).

 

[Jon Moody]

I play GHS heavy boomers on a few 4’s but there doesn’t seem to be a corresponding 5 string set. I’ve ordered the balanced nickels to see how they are, but I still think the B is too light. Any advice? Have I glossed over a product?

Sorry I missed this.

Normally, most players don't use an all-around heavy set for their 5 string, which is why there's no commercial 5H-DYB set available. However, you can buy a DYB140 or DYB160 that would pair well with the H3045 set.

 

[iiipopes]

You've already mentioned that.
Frankly, it's a possibility, but a longshot. There's a lot of other things I'd rather explore over a pure nickel set of flats.

I'm with Jon. But if you must have pure nickel flat wrap, and can stand an A string that is floppier than most rubber bands, that's what the TI set is for. Or if you must, D'Addario Half-rounds are ground wound pure nickel also. But if you want round tone with definition, and pure nickel wrap, the GHS Balanced Pure Nickels are just about the best out there.

 

[Root 5]

I'm with Jon. But if you must have pure nickel flat wrap, and can stand an A string that is floppier than most rubber bands, that's what the TI set is for. Or if you must, D'Addario Half-rounds are ground wound pure nickel also. But if you want round tone with definition, and pure nickel wrap, the GHS Balanced Pure Nickels are just about the best out there.

We can add Optima and Pyramid to the PN flat list. However it would be nice to have a US made option.

 

[BassJuju]

Sorry I missed this.

Normally, most players don't use an all-around heavy set for their 5 string, which is why there's no commercial 5H-DYB set available. However, you can buy a DYB140 or DYB160 that would pair well with the H3045 set.

I built a custom set using a tension guide I downloaded from your site, if memory serves, with the following gauges 50,65,85,115,160. I installed them this past weekend. I was beginning to question my thinking during the bridge and nut mods required to make the 160 fit. It wasn’t that much different than what I had to do to get unwound gut strings to fit my upright. Yes, I like fat strings. I also play flats and high tension orchestra strings, so this set probably isn’t for everyone. It sure is for me, though. I am so blown away by the tone of this set. I’m a fan!

I ordered a Ric gauges set at the same time. Their gauges are an odd collection and it gets harder and harder to get their strings. I’m so excited to try them too.

Thanks for your advice, time, and superior customer service!