Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Could be. The only round core string I've used on this bass are the Thomastik flats. Those obviously sing beautifully on it. I've used plenty of round core strings on like Sunbeams etc. But never a combo of Pure Nickel and round core. This was my first pure nickel string. Going to test out a set of pure nickel flats on it and will test the TI Jazz rounds at some point as well. As far as GHS as I do have a set of the Precision Flats on the way to test thanks to a little string swap!
Last edited by a moderator:
I tell you what jazz bass fam, considering I don't have a p bass with flats yet, considered the ultimate combo for the perfect band mix, punchy and bassy sound, my jazz bass with CS60s and GHS roundcore boomers has been a very good temporary cure until I get a p.
Wow, in a band setting, these GHS really, really rock.
If you have not tried these strings on your jazz... if you feel you are lacking with being heard, TRY THESE STRINGS ON YOUR JAZZ!
Wow, they are incredibly punchy in the lows. They turn my jazz into what sounds like an active bass because it's so punchy and full, but it's passive! It's got just enough twang in it, but it is cleverly masked over by the THUNDEROUS lows! Wow, for the first time in band practice, my jazz bass was prominent in the mix for its bass, not its high mid and treble growl (which it's still got, but it's more subtle and still audible but doesn't take over, it's in its place.)
I said to my guitarist, this is the best you've heard my bass isn't it? And his response was a resounding "yes!"
And all I was using was my small 12" rumble combo amp, and it was filling out the room like u had no idea. I had the vintage switch pushed in at first but then realised I didn't need it, so I took it off and just boosted the lows and cut the trebles just a bit.
And the balanced construction... oh man, when I pop that g string, it really POPS! Wow, these strings are really great, and I mean great! And pairs with the CS60s pickups, the wonderfully balanced tone and output that the se pickups are praised for really shines with these strings. The lows are rich, the mid range is nice and warm and fat, and the treble still has plenty twang and clarity, but it's so well complimenting the lows.
So, my final words on these strings, WOW!
I thought the custom shop pickups made a difference, but wow, these strings have really TRANSFORMED my jazz into something special!
Wow, in a band setting, these GHS really, really rock.
If you have not tried these strings on your jazz... if you feel you are lacking with being heard, TRY THESE STRINGS ON YOUR JAZZ!
Wow, they are incredibly punchy in the lows. They turn my jazz into what sounds like an active bass because it's so punchy and full, but it's passive! It's got just enough twang in it, but it is cleverly masked over by the THUNDEROUS lows! Wow, for the first time in band practice, my jazz bass was prominent in the mix for its bass, not its high mid and treble growl (which it's still got, but it's more subtle and still audible but doesn't take over, it's in its place.)
I said to my guitarist, this is the best you've heard my bass isn't it? And his response was a resounding "yes!"
And all I was using was my small 12" rumble combo amp, and it was filling out the room like u had no idea. I had the vintage switch pushed in at first but then realised I didn't need it, so I took it off and just boosted the lows and cut the trebles just a bit.
And the balanced construction... oh man, when I pop that g string, it really POPS! Wow, these strings are really great, and I mean great! And pairs with the CS60s pickups, the wonderfully balanced tone and output that the se pickups are praised for really shines with these strings. The lows are rich, the mid range is nice and warm and fat, and the treble still has plenty twang and clarity, but it's so well complimenting the lows.
So, my final words on these strings, WOW!
I thought the custom shop pickups made a difference, but wow, these strings have really TRANSFORMED my jazz into something special!
I just installed a brand new set of Round Core Boomers 40-55-75-95 on my P-bass tonight. These replace the Pressurewounds 40-54-76-96.
I've tried the RC-M3045 (45-65-85-105) on my J-bass and the RC-5ML-DYB (45-65-80-100-126) on my Yamaha in the past, but this is the first time trying the RC-L3045 (40-55-75-95) on my P-bass. I'll be doing a complete setup first thing in the morning.
I'll report back from time to time how they do for the next 6 mths. Stay tuned...
I've tried the RC-M3045 (45-65-85-105) on my J-bass and the RC-5ML-DYB (45-65-80-100-126) on my Yamaha in the past, but this is the first time trying the RC-L3045 (40-55-75-95) on my P-bass. I'll be doing a complete setup first thing in the morning.
I'll report back from time to time how they do for the next 6 mths. Stay tuned...
Well, the initial setup for these new RCBs took all but 3 mins. Going from the PW 40-96 to the RCB 40-95, no change in the amount of neck relief, no change needed to the action (medium-low), and surprisingly, no adjustment needed to the intonation.
I can never do any reviews on strings without talking about tension numbers. I'll just present them as references for comparison without elaborating on them.
I can never do any reviews on strings without talking about tension numbers. I'll just present them as references for comparison without elaborating on them.
GHS Pressurewound L7200:
G 040 - 37.2 lbs.
D 054 - 36.5
A 076 - 39.3
E 096 - 34.2 (Total 147.2)
GHS Round Core Boomers RC-L3045:
G 040 - 36.2 lbs.
D 055 - 33.2
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 141.0)
GHS Regular Boomers (hex core) L3045:
G 040 - 33.6 lbs.
D 055 - 35.2
A 075 - 35.9
E 095 - 36.1 (Total 140.8)
GHS Balanced Nickels 4L-NB:
G 040 - 43.2 lbs.
D 056 - 42.9
A 076 - 43.5
E 101 - 42.7 (Total 172.3)
TI Jazz Flats JF344:
G 043 - 37.03 lbs.
D 056 - 37.47
A 070 - 31.30
E 100 - 34.39 (Total 140.19)
I have one whole week to break them in real good before I have a chance to put them to the test in a live band setting on April 24.G 040 - 37.2 lbs.
D 054 - 36.5
A 076 - 39.3
E 096 - 34.2 (Total 147.2)
GHS Round Core Boomers RC-L3045:
G 040 - 36.2 lbs.
D 055 - 33.2
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 141.0)
GHS Regular Boomers (hex core) L3045:
G 040 - 33.6 lbs.
D 055 - 35.2
A 075 - 35.9
E 095 - 36.1 (Total 140.8)
GHS Balanced Nickels 4L-NB:
G 040 - 43.2 lbs.
D 056 - 42.9
A 076 - 43.5
E 101 - 42.7 (Total 172.3)
TI Jazz Flats JF344:
G 043 - 37.03 lbs.
D 056 - 37.47
A 070 - 31.30
E 100 - 34.39 (Total 140.19)
One other thing I should mention regarding the tension figures on these RCBs...
It was early in 2019 that GHS started employing the "balanced construction" concept on the Round Core Boomers. "Balanced construction" means all four strings for E-G have two wraps (one inner layer and outer cover). This concept was first introduced with the Balanced Nickels (pure nickel on round core), its primary objective being balanced TONE across all four strings as well as up and down the neck.
It was early in 2019 that GHS started employing the "balanced construction" concept on the Round Core Boomers. "Balanced construction" means all four strings for E-G have two wraps (one inner layer and outer cover). This concept was first introduced with the Balanced Nickels (pure nickel on round core), its primary objective being balanced TONE across all four strings as well as up and down the neck.
RCB 40-95, based on GHS Tension Guide March 2019 (original construction):
G 040 - 29.3 lbs.
D 055 - 31.1
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 132.0)
RCB 40-95, based on GHS Tension Guide May 2019 (balanced construction):
G 040 - 36.2 lbs.
D 055 - 33.2
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 141.0)
G 040 - 29.3 lbs.
D 055 - 31.1
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 132.0)
RCB 40-95, based on GHS Tension Guide May 2019 (balanced construction):
G 040 - 36.2 lbs.
D 055 - 33.2
A 075 - 36.4
E 095 - 35.2 (Total 141.0)
Boomer vs. Boomer...
I just had a 3-mth test run from Dec to Feb with the regular hex-core Boomers 40-95 on my Yamaha, and now the RCB 40-95 on my P-bass. While it won't be an A/B comparison due to two completely different basses, it should be interesting to compare the two nonetheless. The same gauges (40-95), nearly identical tension (140.8 lbs. vs. 141.0) and the same red silk; the only real difference is hex-core vs. round-core.
One of the main questions in my mind as I've been contemplating trying the RCB on my P for the last year is "how light is too light?". At age 64, I like my strings to be nice and easy on my fretting hand, but at the same time, I want a certain degree of firmness for plucking. One thing I can't stand is strings that are so flexible they get all bouncy and flippity-flop under my right hand when I dig in.
This is only my second day with these RCBs, but I did get to spend a fair amount of time noodling on them throughout the day yesterday. And my initial impressions are very favorable regarding the overall playing feel of this set in terms of stiffness/flexibility. While they're very supple and comfortable, they don't feel nearly as loose as I would expect from such a light set of round-core strings; in fact, they don't feel all that drastically different from their hex-core sibling. At least not like comparing, for example, DR Sunbeams (round core) and DR Nickel Lo-Riders (hex core), which have very different playing feels when comparing the same gauges.
Where I've noticed the biggest difference between the two Boomers so far is in their tonal character. While the hex-core Boomers are all about the low-mid punch with grunt and grind and not much else, the RCBs seem to have more to offer in tonal range. The bottom end is warmer and fuller, the midrange richer but smoother with a nice clear top end without being zingy bright or harsh even fresh out of the package. And this tonal character of the RCB seems to match very well with my 2014 Am Std P-bass with the stock CS60 pickups, even better than the Pressurewounds they replaced. And coming from me as a huge Pressurewound fan, that says a lot. (To be continued...)
I just had a 3-mth test run from Dec to Feb with the regular hex-core Boomers 40-95 on my Yamaha, and now the RCB 40-95 on my P-bass. While it won't be an A/B comparison due to two completely different basses, it should be interesting to compare the two nonetheless. The same gauges (40-95), nearly identical tension (140.8 lbs. vs. 141.0) and the same red silk; the only real difference is hex-core vs. round-core.
One of the main questions in my mind as I've been contemplating trying the RCB on my P for the last year is "how light is too light?". At age 64, I like my strings to be nice and easy on my fretting hand, but at the same time, I want a certain degree of firmness for plucking. One thing I can't stand is strings that are so flexible they get all bouncy and flippity-flop under my right hand when I dig in.
This is only my second day with these RCBs, but I did get to spend a fair amount of time noodling on them throughout the day yesterday. And my initial impressions are very favorable regarding the overall playing feel of this set in terms of stiffness/flexibility. While they're very supple and comfortable, they don't feel nearly as loose as I would expect from such a light set of round-core strings; in fact, they don't feel all that drastically different from their hex-core sibling. At least not like comparing, for example, DR Sunbeams (round core) and DR Nickel Lo-Riders (hex core), which have very different playing feels when comparing the same gauges.
Where I've noticed the biggest difference between the two Boomers so far is in their tonal character. While the hex-core Boomers are all about the low-mid punch with grunt and grind and not much else, the RCBs seem to have more to offer in tonal range. The bottom end is warmer and fuller, the midrange richer but smoother with a nice clear top end without being zingy bright or harsh even fresh out of the package. And this tonal character of the RCB seems to match very well with my 2014 Am Std P-bass with the stock CS60 pickups, even better than the Pressurewounds they replaced. And coming from me as a huge Pressurewound fan, that says a lot. (To be continued...)
My P-bass went through 5 different sets of strings (all GHS) in 2020. (Pandemic lockdown boredom? 
)
Pressurewound 44-102.
Brite Flats 45-98.
Super Steels 40-102.
Bassics 40-102.
Pressurewound 40-96.
Now with these RCBs, all indications so far are I might have finally found the right match for this bass for what I want it to do. But again, the true test of any strings is how they do in a live band mix. So, I'll be back with a report sometime after next weekend.
EDIT: I should also mention that the strings I've liked the best on this bass up to this point are the GHS Balanced Nickels 40-101.
)Pressurewound 44-102.
Brite Flats 45-98.
Super Steels 40-102.
Bassics 40-102.
Pressurewound 40-96.
Now with these RCBs, all indications so far are I might have finally found the right match for this bass for what I want it to do. But again, the true test of any strings is how they do in a live band mix. So, I'll be back with a report sometime after next weekend.
EDIT: I should also mention that the strings I've liked the best on this bass up to this point are the GHS Balanced Nickels 40-101.
Last edited:
Good review/contrast. Pretty much what I've found as well, though in my setting with my rig I don't find the Regular Boomers to be mostly about the low-mid punch and not much else, especially after they've been on a while. They have it for sure, and I do find the RC Boomers bigger sounding for sure, less grindy and a little less in the mids in gerneral that are so present in the Reg Boomers. I find both great options and helpful for basses that sound best with a little more or less of what each might offer. I find the RCBs a great, but different flavor of Boomers for those who want a little less in you face tone that the Boomer can certainly bring (but don't have to). Looking forward to your take in a few months.
The very first set of regular Boomers I ever tried was a custom "balanced tension" set, 45-60-80-105, on my P-bass. I honestly don't remember much about them as I only had them on for 3 mths. Nothing really stood out as anything special or unique - just a typical NPS roundwound.
Then came the Balanced Nickels 40-101 on the P and the RCB 45-105 on my J-bass that fall, both of which I really enjoyed. As far as I can remember, I kept them both on for 8-9 mths. So, trying the RCB on my P was the next logical thing to do.
Then came the Balanced Nickels 40-101 on the P and the RCB 45-105 on my J-bass that fall, both of which I really enjoyed. As far as I can remember, I kept them both on for 8-9 mths. So, trying the RCB on my P was the next logical thing to do.
After going from Balanced Nickels to "something else" and then back to Balanced Nickels a few times, I'm thinking that Balanced Nickels might be one of the all-time best strings for a Precision Bass.
I've tried hard to like the BNs several times on several basses and they just don't do anything for me given what I'm playing through. Sounds ideal for several of my basses but never worked. Maybe I need to rethink EQ, but they just sound uninteresting. Bought sets, sold sets, bought more and tried again--they are in the drawer. I like Fender Nickles in some settings, but are not on anything currently either).
Also trying RC Boomers now. Like them for many of the reasons I've seen here. Also, they give me more flexibility of where to play on the neck. Playing the same pitched, same note on different strings is not quite as an obvious difference as with some strings. The nuances are there, just more subtle. IMHO. Sorry if a repeat comment, did not read all 8 pages. 
Now that I had a chance to play my P-bass over the weekend at two different venues with two different bands, here's my take on these RCB 40-95...
I may have spoken a little too hastily when I said, "I might have finally found the right match for this bass". As it turned out, my P-bass didn't sound quite as strong and clear with these RCBs as I had hoped, while at the same time I was reminded of just why I don't like roundwound strings in general in the first place.
Regarding the tone... (vs. Pressurewounds)
According to the GHS Brightness Scale, both the regular Boomers and the RCBs are supposed to be "brighter" than the PWs, and yet my ears kept telling me otherwise. I guess it's the PW's extra mid crunch (thanks to Alloy 52) that can poke through the band mix better without getting buried. While RCBs are quite pleasing in their tonal character with a nice full bottom and smoother mids when heard on their own, I was missing the punchy lows of the PWs in the band mix as well.
Regarding the feel... (vs. Pressurewounds)
When I switched over to my Yamaha first thing Monday morning to get ready for tonight's outing, the first thing I noticed was how smooth in texture the PWs actually are compared to any rounds - one of the features I've always enjoyed about the PWs as I tend to be very OCD-prone when it comes how a set of string FEEL under my fingers. (It's a chronic after-effect of my being a former acoustic guitar player who developed a psychological allergy to finger screeches.
)Another difference I noticed between RCB 40-95 and PW 40-96 in terms of playing feel is the difference between round-core and hex-core. While I loved the comfortable feel of the RCBs for the fretting hand, I had to catch myself a few times trying to push them a little too hard. I wouldn't call them "noodly" or "floppy", but they do require a slightly lighter touch to sound clean and clear. PWs, on the other hand, do provide the degree of firmness I need despite their light gauges for when I get a little too exuberant with my right hand, while keeping my left hand happy at the same time.
I'm willing to keep these RCBs on for another month or two, but when they're ready to be replaced, PWs will be back on my P-bass.
I haven't checked in on this thread in a long time! Is it possible I'm still running the same set of RCBs on my Jazz bass that I installed in August of 2019? I had to look up my last post in this thread to find out when I put them on, so I guess I must be. That's probably like a year longer than it seems in my head. And honestly, they still sound great. Undoubtedly a bit duller than fresh out of the package, but they still have a nice balanced tone across the spectrum. Mind you, I don't use that bass every day, and these days I often reach for my P first (which now sports TI flats), but the old RCBs are working for me and I have no desire to change them, other than just to try something different at this point. And with a drawer full of extra strings, I don't really feel like springing for anything new until I've worked through my stash first.
I tried the RCBs on my Jazz a few years ago. And I do remember liking them a lot better than this time around on my Precision.
It might be time to resurrect my old active Fender P Lyte Deluxe, just so I can experiment with roundwounds on a P again. The passive Hwy 1 P is locked in with flats now.
