Same basic tone as GHS Balanced Nickels but with higher tension ?

[p12bassnut]

I love the tone I get from the GHS Balanced set but I prefer a set that has more tension.
I don't really care if they are balanced tension but I'm looking for the same basic tone structure with a bit of higher tension.
Any suggestions ?

 

[Jon Moody]

What specific set of Balanced Nickels are you currently using?

 

[p12bassnut]

What specific set of Balanced Nickels are you currently using?

GHS Balanced Nickel - Medium

 

[michael_t]

I love the tone I get from the GHS Balanced set but I prefer a set that has more tension.
I don't really care if they are balanced tension but I'm looking for the same basic tone structure with a bit of higher tension.
Any suggestions ?

Pure Nickel vs. Pure Nickel... Fender 7150s, being hex core, are known for their stiffness - at least stiffer in feel than the 7250s (NPS rounds). I can't comment on their tonal quality, though.

 

[Jon Moody]

GHS Balanced Nickel - Medium

...well that's a first.

Only thing I can think of offhand would check out the Fender 7150 pure nickel strings to see if they have a set that would do it. Going by gauge, I think in any other set you'd need at least a 50-105, as we typically use larger core diameters than the competition.

 

[michael_t]

This might help...

Pure Nickel Alchemists Union

 

[p12bassnut]

...well that's a first.

Only thing I can think of offhand would check out the Fender 7150 pure nickel strings to see if they have a set that would do it. Going by gauge, I think in any other set you'd need at least a 50-105, as we typically use larger core diameters than the competition.

Jon, does the GHS Balanced Nickel set in Medium have as much tension as other brands in same gauges ?
For some reason I am perceiving that they have less tension than say a 45-105 set in nickel plated steel. perhaps I am confusing tension with flexibility.

 

[michael_t]

Jon, does the GHS Balanced Nickel set in Medium have as much tension as other brands in same gauges ?
For some reason I am perceiving that they have less tension than say a 45-105 set in nickel plated steel. perhaps I am confusing tension with flexibility.

Just for comparison...

GHS Boomers 45-65-85-105 = 186.5 lbs.
GHS Precision Flats 45-65-85-105 = 184.6 lbs.
GHS Balanced Nickels 44-60-80-106 = 184.2 lbs.
GHS Round Core Boomers 45-65-85-105 = 178.7 lbs.
D'Addario XL Nickels EXL165 45-65-85-105 = 174.3 lbs.

So, the BN "medium' set is right up there in term of "tension" as in pulling weight.

The difference you're experiencing is in the stiffness/flexibility. The BNs, being round-core, do feel slightly more supple/less stiff than their hex-core counterparts, although they're not quite as loose-feeling as some of the round-core strings by other manufacturers, such as DR.

 

[trothwell]

I've heard good things about these La Bella strings:

La Bella "Chicago Style" Pure Nickel Bass Strings 45-105

But I'm happy with the GHS offerings, and haven't tried these yet.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

GHS Boomers 45-65-85-105 = 186.5 lbs.
GHS Balanced Nickels 44-60-80-106 = 184.2 lbs

The difference you're experiencing is in the stiffness/flexibility. The BNs, being round-core, do feel slightly more supple/less stiff than their hex-core counterparts.

I'm in danger of "like"ing so many of Michael's posts that I'll start seeming like a stalker. Erm, sorry Michael!

But just to add to this, I really like strings that feel properly stiff, both for the feel and the sound, and I'm well satisfied by the 45-105 regular hex core Boomers. (That they also sound just right for my BB is nice too )

Am I right in thinking that the regular Boomers have only one wrap on the G string, but that both RC Boomers and the Balanced Nickels have two wraps on the G?

 

[spatters]

The difference you're experiencing is in the stiffness/flexibility. The BNs, being round-core, do feel slightly more supple/less stiff than their hex-core counterparts, although they're not quite as loose-feeling as some of the round-core strings by other manufacturers, such as DR.

Also, the Balanced Nickels are, well, balanced tension.
A typical set of bass strings has much higher tension on the A and D string, and much lower tension on the E string.
Thus, if @p12bassnut plays the A and D strings more than the E string, the BNs might feel floppier to him than a standard set of 45s.

However, I agree that the round core makes BNs feel a bit slinkier than a hex-core string. (I like the round-core feel, but opinions differ...which is why there are so many kinds of strings!)

My solution is to play slightly nearer the bridge for lighter strings. The closer to the bridge you play, the less the strings move and the stiffer they feel. It changes the tone, but so does using different strings.

Am I right in thinking that the regular Boomers have only one wrap on the G string, but that both RC Boomers and the Balanced Nickels have two wraps on the G?

I'll wait for @Jon Moody to answer definitively about the Boomers, but you're generally correct: most strings have one wrap on the G, BNs and RCBs have two. Also, most low B strings have three wraps, and some E strings also have three wraps...but the BNs and RCBs have two wraps on all strings, regardless of size.

 

[Jon Moody]

Am I right in thinking that the regular Boomers have only one wrap on the G string, but that both RC Boomers and the Balanced Nickels have two wraps on the G?

Yes.

Also, most low B strings have three wraps, and some E strings also have three wraps...but the BNs and RCBs have two wraps on all strings, regardless of size.

Nope, I've said it before that I wasn't able to make a Balanced Nickels Low B that I liked with two wraps. It still has three.

 

[michael_t]

I'm in danger of "like"ing so many of Michael's posts that I'll start seeming like a stalker. Erm, sorry Michael!

You're welcome to stalk me as much as you like.

I really like strings that feel properly stiff, both for the feel and the sound...

What I like about both BNs and RCBs is while they're supple enough to be comfortable to play on, they still provide a degree of firmness not to go all bouncy under the plucking fingers like some round-core strings tend to do.

 

[spatters]

Nope, I've said it before that I wasn't able to make a Balanced Nickels Low B that I liked with two wraps. It still has three.

Thank you...I stand corrected! (I'm "in between" sets of BNs...I sold the last bass that had them, and my new basses are still on stock strings.)

I wish it were possible to, if not edit older posts, at least append to them when they need a correction or update.

 

[FFFH242]

Question for @Jon Moody Can the Round core boomers and Pressurewounds be used on 35" scale 5 string basses? And can they be strung thru the body on 35" scale?

 

[Jon Moody]

Question for @Jon Moody Can the Round core boomers and Pressurewounds be used on 35" scale 5 string basses? And can they be strung thru the body on 35" scale?

Yes. The RC Bass Boomers are my go-to on my 35" scale Surine 7st. They fit fine.

However, the 37.25" winding length is top-load only for 35" scale.

 

[e-flat]

I don't really care if they are balanced tension but I'm looking for the same basic tone structure with a bit of higher tension.

The first set I'd check out are the Fender 7150. They are a good affordable option for pure nickel rounds, and have a taut, less flexible feel than GHS Balanced Nickels. (Even the 100 set seems stiff to me, so if you don't mind lighter strings maybe start there.)

If you don't mind spending more $, I'd really recommend the Pyramid Pure Nickel set in 105. They are terrific strings and should get you the tension / flexibility balance you're looking for with tonal complexity comparable to the Balanced Nickels.