Review: GHS Balanced Nickels 4M-NB

[Root 5]

Output volume seems about the same too. You'd have to use a dB meter to really measure, but according to my Extraordinary Audio Receiving Sensors (E.A.R.S.) they are pretty much the same.

Accurate comment. There's what I think, practically speaking, a myth that pure nickel strings are quieter. They may indeed have lower output using very expensive measuring equipment, but to the ears there's really no difference; negligible at best.

I'm thrilled GHS has brought out a set of pure nickel strings. Big thumbs up. Thanks to @Jon Moody Pure nickel strings are great and I hope more peeps get the chance to learn this.

I'm ordering some next week. Rawk on.

 

[Root 5]

I had ordered a set right away and was saving them for a new bass I have coming, but this thread got the better of me so I took them out last night and put them on my G&L SB-1.

Can confirm these strings get along quite nicely with MFD pickups. I'll leave it to others more articulate on the matter to describe the tonal qualities, but suffice it to say they have a lot of what I like in a string and very little of what I don't like. They feel great, too. Definitely a winner for me.

And yeah, I'm kind of into strings.

View attachment 2795096

I like your collection. Right on!

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

TI Super Alloys are a nickel alloy. Probably alloy 52?
TI Jazz Rounds ( and Flats )have pure nickel outer wraps. I know the packaging says "alloy" but I got this directly from TI.

I think you're right about Alloy 52 for the Superalloy's outer wrap. I'm pretty sure I read that on Infeld's website or on BSO's website.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Pure nickel over round core vs. Nickel-plated-steel over hex core - it's more like apples-to-pears comparison. I have used the D'A EXL170BT set and these two are not even close.

I thought the same thing. Good old hex core Bass Boomers would be the closest GHS made NPS roundwound to compare the D'Addario XL's to, IMO.

I've used both for decades. From a tension, surface feel, and flexibility standpoint they're very, very close. From a tone standpoint they're quite different.

XL's: Very bright tone fresh out of the package. On the D and G strings, they're the brightest NPS roundwounds I've found. They have a very slight mid scoop to my ears. And they keep their bright tone quite long for a NPS roundwound, -if you're good about wiping them down, IMO

Hex Core Bass Boomers: BIG sound, fresh out of the package, with a slight bit of new string zing. Upper high end seems slightly rolled off. Zing fades rather quickly, then keep their broken in tone for quite some time, -provided you're good about wiping your strings down. They have a slight "Frown Eq" in the mids, to my ears.

That's how I hear them, anyway.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I took the liberty to paraphrase your eloquent post, Michael, to make it more applicable to myself....

.....I've been enjoying the unique sound of Bass Boomers for ages. And thanks to TB, especially Linnin, I'm hooked on GHS Pressurewounds. I'm now completely sold on GHS as the string brand of my choice for their unique and innovative designs. I look forward to trying out these latest examples.

My big thanks to @Jon Moody, who works tirelessly to keep us happy and intrigued. He's done quite a bit to elevate GHS' already impressive catalog of sets, and his helpful and knowledgeable presence on TB is very much appreciated!

 

[Linnin]

They have a slight "Frown Eq" in the mids, to my ears.

^^^I Have To Agree^^^ And ghs Bass Boomers have been doing this from the very start. At first I thought it was the mid forward Fender Precision 'Honk', but it's not. Bass Boomers have a ton of midrange across the board. Lots of low mid growl and very nearly as much high mid snarl. The highs are like a squadron of P-51 Mustangs on a strafing run. I can't get enough of 'em.

 

[Linnin]

I neglected to mention the top notch construction of the Balanced Nickels. I always clean and relax the strings before installation. That way I can inspect them for any defects. This has to be the cleanest stringset I've ever encountered with no detectable manufacturing residue at all. The nickel wrap is very fine and evenly wound. It is gun metal in hue and is neither highly polished nor dull. It just screams quality.

 

[michael_t]

I neglected to mention the top notch construction of the Balanced Nickels. I always clean and relax the strings before installation. That way I can inspect them for any defects. This has to be the cleanest stringset I've ever encountered with no detectable manufacturing residue at all. The nickel wrap is very fine and evenly wound. It is gun metal in hue and is neither highly polished nor dull. It just screams quality.

You did mention it, but only in the other BN thread:

OK! A set of 4M-NB is open and relaxing on my bed awaiting installing on my 2017 Fender American Professional Precision Electric Bass Guitar. I wiped them down with a single Goby string wipe and detected no manufacturing residue whatsoever. Cleanest set of strings I have ever encountered from any manufacturer.

I can also tell you without playing that they are among the smoothest rounds I have ever handled. Extremely well made with perfectly even wraps. I am sure they will be a joy to play. More later.

And yes, I do agree about GHS QC being impeccable.

 

[Linnin]

You did mention it, but only in the other BN thread:
And yes, I do agree about GHS QC being impeccable.

Yeah, thanks for the quote. I thought about just doing an edit and sticking in a short paragraph, but it just seemed too disruptive of the overall flow of the review. So an addendum will just have to suffice.

 

[Root 5]

They do make a short scale set for my Mustang!!!

It depends which Mustang you have. If yours has one mini P pickup and strings passing through the body, they won't fit.
If you have the new PJ Mustang with top load bridge, the short scale GHS BN strings will fit.

 

[Root 5]

Yep, I answered that one. I'm still shocked at how much nickel strings outsell stainless.

I wonder if the 20:1 ratio is due to selection/availability? I know the lion's share of strings on display at any store are NPS. I think more people would use stainless if they were readily available because they're great. A few years ago I did a comparison of NPS & SS strings and much preferred the tone of SS. I was surprised.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Yes, I do agree about GHS QC being impeccable.

I couldn't agree more. I've been using Bass Boomers since the late 80's, and I don't think I've ever had a bum string. I'm very impressed with their consistency.

 

[michael_t]

I couldn't agree more. I've been using Bass Boomers since the late 80's, and I don't think I've ever had a bum string. I'm very impressed with their consistency.

Leland Sklar, who happens to be one of my all-time favorites, has been using GHS Super Steels for over 40 years.

He was once telling us he used to use Rotosound steels during the very early part of his career in the early 70s, when he had to go through three sets to get one good set. Since he started using GHS in mid-70s, he can't even remember having one bad string. That says a lot considering how many sets a consummate session pro like Sklar would go through.

 

[trothwell]

Leland Sklar, who happens to be one of my all-time favorites, has been using GHS Super Steels for over 40 years.

I first got into GHS strings after reading an interview with Abraham Laboriel in which he cited using them. Not sure if he still does or not, but he has. Jimmy Johnson too. And Lee! Several of my favorite players!

 

[Linnin]

I first got into GHS strings after reading an interview with Abraham Laboriel in which he cited using them. Not sure if he still does or not, but he has. Jimmy Johnson too. And Lee! Several of my favorite players!

And don't forget us. We're some of our favorite bass players too! We help to keep ghs in business & profitable.

 

[Root 5]

Leland Sklar, who happens to be one of my all-time favorites, has been using GHS Super Steels for over 40 years.

He was once telling us he used to use Rotosound steels during the very early part of his career in the early 70s, when he had to go through three sets to get one good set. Since he started using GHS in mid-70s, he can't even remember having one bad string. That says a lot considering how many sets a consummate session pro like Sklar would go through.

I've been using GHS bass & electric guitar strings since the early 80s and never had a bad string. Not. Once.

 

[Jon Moody]

I wonder if the 20:1 ratio is due to selection/availability? I know the lion's share of strings on display at any store are NPS. I think more people would use stainless if they were readily available because they're great. A few years ago I did a comparison of NPS & SS strings and much preferred the tone of SS. I was surprised.

Maybe. I'm not sure how the stock at stores affects that now, in this age of buying online. In the past, sure.

The majority of OEM strings on guitars/basses are also NPS, so that's likely a factor. There are a couple of smaller companies that I know use SS strings OEM, but NPS rules that market.

Also, SS are harder/rougher on your fingers. Getting someone to try it is usually a slightly uphill battle.

 

[Linnin]

Maybe. I'm not sure how the stock at stores affects that now, in this age of buying online. In the past, sure.

The majority of OEM strings on guitars/basses are also NPS, so that's likely a factor. There are a couple of smaller companies that I know use SS strings OEM, but NPS rules that market.

Also, SS are harder/rougher on your fingers. Getting someone to try it is usually a slightly uphill battle.

Aren't at least some of the steels used in nickel plated steel strings, stainless steel? Or is that a trade secret?

 

[Jon Moody]

Aren't at least some of the steels used in nickel plated steel strings, stainless steel? Or is that a trade secret?

Can you elaborate on this? I'm a bit confused.

 

[NKBassman]

There was a time when I was playing loud aggressive music, and SS strings were definitely the best choice for that.

For what I'm playing these days, not so much.