Praise Report: GHS Precision Flats

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I'm still loving the GHS Precision flats. I only have one bass these days, the Classic Series Lacquer P, and it's strung with a set of light gauge (45-95) Precision Flats. Last year I had quite a few basses, mostly P's (a couple of poly-finished Classic 50's, Am. Std., 'black label' Squier from the 90's) and a couple of J/J-style (Road Worn 60's, G&L JB2).

As mentioned a while back in this thread, I went through a bunch of different types of flats (Chromes, Dunlop, La Bella, It's, just to name a few) and kept coming back to the GHS Precision Flats. Tried both the medium and regular gauges for a while, then switched to the lights and really love them. Plenty of thump, not floppy at all. very even feeling from string to string, and just feel better for me compared to the regular and medium gauges. I ended up giving my buddy the medium gauge Precision Flats for his P bass and he absolutely loves them. He loves the sound and said he's never going back to rounds.

The lights are super easy to play, and think they'd be a nice string for someone who likes TI's, but wants a more "traditional" flat wound sound. They aren't going to be as loose as TI's, but I think they'd be a much easier and less dramatic transition for someone looking for a change, but still offer a much different sound.

 

[dagrev]

I have some PFs on my 1958 P, 1971 J and '07 G&L limited edition BABE L2K (which might seem odd, but sounds incredible). Bought some Pyramid Gold Flats for a '55 P that nothing seemed to sound great on. For those interested, they sound something like the PFs in that they are deep and full, but seem to have a little more mid-mids and treble at this early stage. The PFs are all smooth as glass and I can't say that about the Pyramids, at least a couple strings in the set. I haven't played them out or at practice yet, so time will tell. Might be in interesting string and hopefully work on the '55, but don't think they will be replacing my beloved GHS PFs on other basses. Those PF are just nice. Thought I'd share since these two strings are kind of in a similar ballpark it seems. Fortunately, the PFs are not a pricey!

 

[Pbassmanca]

I have some PFs on my 1958 P, 1971 J and '07 G&L limited edition BABE L2K (which might seem odd, but sounds incredible).

I used to have a G&L tribute L2000 that sounded amazing with Rotosound flats.

 

[nerkoids]

Keepin' the thread alive for 2019!!!

 

[NKBassman]

Keepin' the thread alive for 2019!!!

I finally have a set of Precision Flats back in my life! I'm converting my Fender Hwy 1 Precision back to "vintage", and just replaced the factor Badass bridge with a Gotoh 201 (so I can fit a chrome bridge cover on), and restrung with the Custom Medium set of PFs. So far I like them better than the straight Medium set.

 

[Linnin]

restrung with the Custom Medium set of PFs. So far I like them better than the straight Medium set.

What do you like best about them?

 

[Linnin]

Keepin' the thread alive for 2019!!!

Did you put 55-105 on your new Harley Benton?

 

[nerkoids]

Did you put 55-105 on your new Harley Benton?

No, went with the standard 45 to 105s. No twang on the G string, so all is good.

 

[Pbassmanca]

I finally have a set of Precision Flats back in my life! I'm converting my Fender Hwy 1 Precision back to "vintage", and just replaced the factor Badass bridge with a Gotoh 201 (so I can fit a chrome bridge cover on), and restrung with the Custom Medium set of PFs. So far I like them better than the straight Medium set.

Make sure you swap out that greasebucket tone circuit for a standard P bass wiring harness!

 

[NKBassman]

What do you like best about them?

Little less apparent stiffness on the A and D strings, as expected.

 

[NKBassman]

Make sure you swap out that greasebucket tone circuit for a standard P bass wiring harness!

That was the first thing I did after getting this bass. Currently have an Obsidian Wire solderless harness in there and it works great.

 

[Linnin]

Little less apparent stiffness on the A and D strings, as expected.

String-to-String Tone & Volume well balanced?

 

[NKBassman]

String-to-String Tone & Volume well balanced?

Seems to be. I’ll try to get some more play time on it this weekend.

 

[HankHillWaluigi]

So I'd like some input guys - I have a roadworn jazz with a weak neck that I put a 45-65-85-105 set of precision flats on two years ago. I dig them, but I've been finding that the E is a bit too muddy and the tension is causing my neck to bow (I'm already on my third washer and out of thread ). I was thinking of replacing the set of precision flats on that bass with a set of light precision flats, but I'm worried that it may twist my neck with the uneven tension of the set. What say ye?

Edit: Also, I'd love to slap a set of 55-105 GHS P Flats on this baby, but I feel the neck would snap in two

 

[michael_t]

So I'd like some input guys - I have a roadworn jazz with a weak neck that I put a 45-65-85-105 set of precision flats on two years ago. I dig them, but I've been finding that the E is a bit too muddy. I was thinking of replacing the set of precision flats on that bass with a set of light precision flats, what say ye?

Go for it!

I've had similar experiences with flatwound E's larger than 100 getting a little too muddy on my P bass. So, I decided to try out the light set of P Flats, 45-60-75-95, which I find better-balanced tonally with a cleaner and more articulate E, not to mention they're very comfortable to play on without being too loose.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

So I'd like some input guys - I have a roadworn jazz with a weak neck that I put a 45-65-85-105 set of precision flats on two years ago. I dig them, but I've been finding that the E is a bit too muddy and the tension is causing my neck to bow (I'm already on my third washer and out of thread ). I was thinking of replacing the set of precision flats on that bass with a set of light precision flats, but I'm worried that it may twist my neck with the uneven tension of the set. What say ye?

Edit: Also, I'd love to slap a set of 55-105 GHS P Flats on this baby, but I feel the neck would snap in two

I love the light gauge Precision Flats. Don't feel like I lost any low end all, but gained more thump and clarity and less mud compared to heavier sets.

 

[J-Mags]

Every product has its magic configuration, and on Precision Flats it's the light set. The thicker ones sound good, but the lights bring out the mids and sustain on the A and E and sound the most unique.

 

[Jazz77m]

Hey, special thanks to @michael_t and @Vinnie Boombatz for their detailed descriptions of the GHS 3025 precision flats, 45-95. They indeed are not too wimpy. They have the vibe I wanted and are very even sounding. No more ‘obnoxious’ strings. Thanks gents! Best for the new year!

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Any idea on where to get a 5 string set with the 37+ inch B string ?
JustStrings 'still' only has 36 inch B strings.
A light 5 string set wouldnt be a bad idea either.
Thanks

 

[michael_t]

Any idea on where to get a 5 string set with the 37+ inch B string ?
JustStrings 'still' only has 36 inch B strings.
A light 5 string set wouldnt be a bad idea either.
Thanks

According to the GHS website, the new low B string is 37.25" in winding length, while the rest (E-G) are still 38".

A lot of the info on juststrings.com is dated. For example, they still have the GHS Pressurewounds as 36.5" in winding length after I told them they should update the info almost two years ago!