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Nickel Boomers. Your thoughts?

#41
I actually just tried out a 5 string set of Boomers today, and I wish I found this thread last week before I ordered them. Based on GHS's brightness chart, I thought they would have a bit more sheen to them, but I was surprised by it's absence.

Even though I'm not crazy about the tone, I will say that they are very comfortable and I don't feel like there needs to be a break-in period with these. I do prefer more stiff strings, though. Great punch like others have mentioned too.

The one thing that has me wondering if I got a bad set or not is the difference in the B and E string compared too the rest. I know they are supposed to be a different composition compared to the rest, but the B and E are very thumpy and if I didn't know better, I would have thought they belonged to a different set of strings. It really is that noticeable.
 
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#44
I'm a D'A nickel rounds fan also and have used them on my main bass for many years. Earlier this year I finally acquired a non identical twin as back up and wanted something a little different but not too different string wise. After a bit of trial and error settled on the Ken Smith Compressors (via recommendation per Jason @FretNation) for bass #2. Very similar tension to the D'A strings and just different enough tone wise to keep me interested. Worth checking out imo.
 
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#45
micguy said:
If you like clickiness (treble/zing) to be predominant in your tone, the Daddario Xl's are pretty good for nickels. If you like less zing and more bark (upper mids - more clack than click), Boomers are a better choice. Different basses call for different strings, so there is not absolute preference - I use both (and other strings) on different instruments.
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I agree different basses often call for different strings.
 
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#47
Stan_da_man said:
Can't stand Boomers - they darken too quickly but I can see why some would like that.

I much prefer the Bassics.
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I'm quite familiar with both and do agree the Bassics are a viable alternative for those who find the Boomers a little too dark in tonal character. The NPS-SS hybrid construction is what gives the Bassics a nice crisp top end with less grind in the mids.
 
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#48
two fingers said:
I've been a D'Addario XL nickels guy for decades. I try other strings but keep coming back.

Nickel Boomers are also hex core. I like stiffer, high-tension strings. Is anyone able to compare the two regarding tone and feel?
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Unfortunately, I have to say; no, I can't. D'Addario polishes their strings with something that irritates the bejeezus out of my fingers - and takes copious amounts of nasty solvents and elbow grease to get rid of. So, I never use their strings (well, except for their Bluegrass mandolin strings - they were worth the effort). I have used the nickel Boomers, though. They were on my Gibson Thunderbird for many years; on both of my short scale Kramer Dukes, as well. Still on the right handed Duke that I hardly ever play; the lefty T-Bird and Duke (that I play quite a bit) wear flats now. Still, if the nerve damage in my fingers wasn't quite so bad? Probably still be using the Boomers...:cool:
 
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#50
My fours have had little besides Boomers on them for quite a while.

And here I thought I was just being cheap and lazy.

Boomers.jpg
 
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