Review: GHS Balanced Nickels 4M-NB

[Linnin]

The last time I checked for an inside scoop on the "balanced RCB", I was told "no idea", meaning nothing definitive.

So, let's keep our fingers crossed, but without holding our breath.

Breathe Deeply And Think Good Thoughts
subliminal message ... Balanced Boomers ... Balanced Boomers ... Balanced Boomers

 

[trothwell]

This thread was started on Oct 26, 2017, which happens to be the same day I put the 4L-NB set on my P.

No drastic change in tone or feel so far; they basically sound and play like they did when they were two weeks old. I love the way these BNs let my P bass sit in the mix in a live band situation with just enough clarity and definition to be heard without being too up-front and aggressive.

I fully intend to keep them on till they're ready to be retired.

The "in the mix" sound is what I find so amazing. Do they sound good on their own? Sure. But the tone of the bass in the mix with these strings is just amazing. You get good helping (not quite 100%) of the rich depth of flatwound strings, with just enough openness on top that makes roundwound strings desirable. It's, like, the perfect string.

 

[michael_t]

You get good helping (not quite 100%) of the rich depth of flatwound strings, with just enough openness on top that makes roundwound strings desirable.

Sort of like rich dark chocolate with crunchy almonds inside.

 

[trothwell]

Sort of like rich dark chocolate with crunchy almonds inside.

View attachment 2994222

I think more like

 

[TheIndieKid]

Do you reckon they will last as long as a set of flatwounds?

 

[trothwell]

Do you reckon they will last as long as a set of flatwounds?

I am not expecting that, no. I've had my set on since September of last year (2017); still sounding good, but I would not be surprised if they need to be replaced yet this year sometime. We'll see!

Either way, flatwounds can easily last several years, if not several decades. I do not think BNs will do that.

 

[mjmeche]

Just put a set on my PJ Mustang. Can't wait for this weekend

 

[Linnin]

Just put a set on my PJ Mustang. Can't wait for this weekend

There will be much joy in
Breaux Bridge
Louisiana 70517

 

[Linnin]

Do you reckon they will last as long as a set of flatwounds?

No, not at all. Not even close.

 

[mjmeche]

There will be much joy in
Breaux Bridge
Louisiana 70517

All ready for the weekend, polished, oiled and a new set of Balanced Nickels

 

[Linnin]

All ready for the weekend, polished, oiled and a new set of Balanced Nickels

Beautimus!

 

[rzero]

Got mine in. Going to put them on in a bit. On the back of the package, it says they have a "pure nickel final cover". What is the cover underneath that? Has Jon chimed in on this?

 

[michael_t]

Got mine in. Going to put them on in a bit. On the back of the package, it says they have a "pure nickel final cover". What is the cover underneath that? Has Jon chimed in on this?

"Final cover" simply refers to the outer wrap wire.

 

[Linnin]

Got mine in. Going to put them on in a bit. On the back of the package, it says they have a "pure nickel final cover". What is the cover underneath that? Has Jon chimed in on this?

"Final cover" simply refers to the outer wrap wire.

Pretty sure it's hemp

 

[rzero]

"Final cover" simply refers to the outer wrap wire.

What is the inner wrap wire? It seems kind of specifically worded. And people are saying they have a surprisingly high output...

 

[Linnin]

What is the inner wrap wire? It seems kind of specifically worded. And people are saying they have a surprisingly high output...

We'll see if Jon will tell us. The round core is steel. There are a lot of different steels. The first and only inner wrap could be a number of things: high carbon steel; stainless steel, nickel plated steel, Alloy 52, or hemp. I'm betting hemp.

 

[rzero]

We'll see if Jon will tell us. The round core is steel. There are a lot of different steels. The first and only inner wrap could be a number of things: high carbon steel; stainless steel, nickel plated steel, Alloy 52, or hemp. I'm betting hemp.

Probably catgut.

 

[Linnin]

Probably catgut.

Not a chance. There's laws against that.

 

[michael_t]

What is the inner wrap wire?

What lies beneath is supposed to be part of the manufacturer's "secret recipe", I think...

 

[dagrev]

Second time playing these in a live setting today on an 05 Precision. Great fullness in the bottom, plesant mids and enough top end for a bass to sound like a bass. (I virtually live in the no slapping zone.) They sound so good on it I don't want to take them off a try them on something else. I do think I might try another set, but in mediums next time. I don't know how they will fair long term but for rounds on a Pbass they sound great.