Why Do I Love GHS Bass Boomers???

[michael_t]

I realize there's NO one perfect set of strings for every player. And from what I've read, there's just as many players that dislike Boomers as there are players that like them.

People who dislike the Boomers usually complain about them "going dead too fast". What I like about them is they lose their initial zing quickly and settle into a state where meaty and punchy low-mids rule. The ones on my P are 2 mths old now and still going strong, nicely worn-in but not even close to being worn out - just the way I like them! ***ZING LOVERS NEED NOT APPLY***

I like them so much I just ordered a set of Round Core Boomers to try out on my J.

 

[Linnin]

***ZING LOVERS NEED NOT APPLY***

Fling The Zing!

I like them so much I just ordered a set of Round Core Boomers to try out on my J.

Round Core Bass Boomers on a Fender Jazz is a Pure Joy

 

[rob_thebassman]

I've ordered a medium light set for my musicman stingray first time for me

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

People who dislike the Boomers usually complain about them "going dead too fast". What I like about them is they lose their initial zing quickly and settle into a state where meaty and punchy low-mids rule. The ones on my P are 2 mths old now and still going strong, nicely worn-in but not even close to being worn out - just the way I like them! ***ZING LOVERS NEED NOT APPLY***

I like them so much I just ordered a set of Round Core Boomers to try out on my J.

I agree on all points, Michael. Even brand new Boomers don't have a ton of zing, to my ears, compared to the other brands of nickel plated roundwounds that I've used. They're perfectly voiced for my tonal goals, and their underlying fundamental are very unique for a roundwound string, IMO.

 

[Jon Moody]

I agree on all points, Michael. Even brand new Boomers don't have a ton of zing, to my ears, compared to the other brands of nickel plated roundwounds that I've used. They're perfectly voiced for my tonal goals, and their underlying fundamental are very unique for a roundwound string, IMO.

I think the biggest misconception (and, it's our fault) is saying that Bass Boomers are comparable to every other nickel-plated string out there. They're not, as you can't fake tonal differences. Those looking for a comparable sound/feel to everything on the market should check out Bassics first, as they're brighter than Bass Boomers are.

 

[rob_thebassman]

I think the biggest misconception (and, it's our fault) is saying that Bass Boomers are comparable to every other nickel-plated string out there. They're not, as you can't fake tonal differences. Those looking for a comparable sound/feel to everything on the market should check out Bassics first, as they're brighter than Bass Boomers are.

It sounds like the clues in the name, boomers

 

[trothwell]

I think the biggest misconception (and, it's our fault) is saying that Bass Boomers are comparable to every other nickel-plated string out there. They're not, as you can't fake tonal differences. Those looking for a comparable sound/feel to everything on the market should check out Bassics first, as they're brighter than Bass Boomers are.

Interesting. I've never used Bassics, but I was under the (apparently mistaken) impression that they were the same string as Boomers, just without the red silk.

 

[Jon Moody]

Interesting. I've never used Bassics, but I was under the (apparently mistaken) impression that they were the same string as Boomers, just without the red silk.

So was I, for the longest time. The way that the old marketing reel worded it, Bassics were run on automated machines with no silk ends so they're cheaper. Which, while all of that was true at the time, devalued the string and said absolutely NOTHING about what they are.

Bassics use a slightly smaller core diameter than Bass Boomers, and use stainless steel for every wrap EXCEPT the final nickel-plated one. Bass Boomers use nickel-plate for all the cover wraps, with exception of the first cover (which goes to stainless steel) on all three-cover strings (starting at .100).

 

[Root 5]

So was I, for the longest time. The way that the old marketing reel worded it, Bassics were run on automated machines with no silk ends so they're cheaper. Which, while all of that was true at the time, devalued the string and said absolutely NOTHING about what they are.

Bassics use a slightly smaller core diameter than Bass Boomers, and use stainless steel for every wrap EXCEPT the final nickel-plated one. Bass Boomers use nickel-plate for all the cover wraps, with exception of the first cover (which goes to stainless steel) on all three-cover strings (starting at .100).

Interesting.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I think the biggest misconception (and, it's our fault) is saying that Bass Boomers are comparable to every other nickel-plated string out there. They're not, as you can't fake tonal differences. Those looking for a comparable sound/feel to everything on the market should check out Bassics first, as they're brighter than Bass Boomers are.

@Jon Moody Do Super Steels and Progressives have the low mids that Boomers and Pressurewounds have?

I watched the Super Steels video the Scott Whitley posted on YouTube, and he comments how Super Steels have excellent midrange and a smoother feel versus other stainless steel roundwounds that he's tried. And I've chatted with Tony P about Progressives, - which he highly recommends.

My P-Bass currently has a set of ancient D'Addario Pro Steels on it, I'm seriously thinking about putting a set of Super Steels on it.

 

[Jon Moody]

@Jon Moody Do Super Steels and Progressives have the low mids that Boomers and Pressurewounds have?

I wouldn't say they have the low mids that our darker strings have, no. Super Steels are one of our brightest sets, and Progressives (which I use pretty regularly) are a good middle of the road, "sound like steel but feel like nickel" kind of string that, I feel, can do anything.

Compared to other brands steel strings, Super Steels may appear to have more low mids than those, but it's not in the range of Boomers and Pressurewounds.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I think the biggest misconception (and, it's our fault) is saying that Bass Boomers are comparable to every other nickel-plated string out there. They're not, as you can't fake tonal differences.

Perhaps you should update the description on Bass Boomers, describing how audible they are in a dense mix, due to their midrange quality.

And, at least for me, - and what's left of my hearing , Bass Boomers are the best nickel plated roundwounds for cutting through the mix.

I've long said Rotosound Swing Bass stainless roundwounds and GHS Bass Boomers each offer unique sounds that no other brand of strings do. IMHO.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I wouldn't say they have the low mids that our darker strings have, no. Super Steels are one of our brightest sets, and Progressives (which I use pretty regularly) are a good middle of the road, "sound like steel but feel like nickel" kind of string that, I feel, can do anything.

Compared to other brands steel strings, Super Steels may appear to have more low mids than those, but it's not in the range of Boomers and Pressurewounds.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Jon Moody]

Perhaps you should update the description on Bass Boomers, describing how audible they are in a dense mix, due to their midrange quality.

That's more a byproduct of EQ and the mix over the strings themselves, but I'll consider it.

 

[GIBrat51]

Boomers were on my Kramer Duke when I bought it. Helpful people here ID'd them for me. They are still on the Duke, 3 years later, and will be as long as I'm alive - assuming the F@#&*g new length shorties will fit. The Boomers on it now are definitely the cat's ass, and I will be Most unhappy if the new length ones won't fit...

 

[Jon Moody]

View attachment 2752450 Boomers were on my Kramer Duke when I bought it. Helpful people here ID'd them for me. They are still on the Duke, 3 years later, and will be as long as I'm alive - assuming the F@#&*g new length shorties will fit. The Boomers on it now are definitely the cat's ass, and I will be Most unhappy if the new length ones won't fit...

From the pics, it looks like you've easily got 3-4" of the silked string between the bridge and the tuner, correct? If that's the case, the slightly longer winding length isn't going to effect your bass. At all.

Of course, I'd measure from the outside of the ball end 32.75" toward the tuner, just to guarantee that the new measurement will work.

 

[rob_thebassman]

So my medium light set came today, put them on my stingray, and isn't overly zingy like you can get with nickels, very throaty low end for a 100 and 80. I like I'm amazed at how balanced it sounds string to string without being too muddy sounding.. just right. Just need to get used to the feel as I've always played 45 - 105

 

[GIBrat51]

From the pics, it looks like you've easily got 3-4" of the silked string between the bridge and the tuner, correct? If that's the case, the slightly longer winding length isn't going to effect your bass. At all.

Of course, I'd measure from the outside of the ball end 32.75" toward the tuner, just to guarantee that the new measurement will work.

As long as the E string is tapered under the entire silk wrap, it just might. The Duke uses Schaller guitar tuners; the string hole is pretty good sized, but the tuner peg is... well, a small guitar tuner peg. I wouldn't like to try getting a 107 string around that little thing. I guess I'll just have to try some and see...

 

[Jon Moody]

As long as the E string is tapered under the entire silk wrap, it just might. The Duke uses Schaller guitar tuners; the string hole is pretty good sized, but the tuner peg is... well, a small guitar tuner peg. I wouldn't like to try getting a 107 string around that little thing. I guess I'll just have to try some and see...

All of our strings taper under the silk.

FYI, he "old length" short scale actually had a solid wind until about 33.5" or so under the silk, at which point it tapered; no clue why. The "new length" short scale has a solid wind until 33", so even though the "unsilked" area is longer, the taper under the silk starts earlier.

 

[rob_thebassman]

Never thought I'd say this but I'm really liking the way 45 - 100 feels with a pick, no hand cramps think I'm sticking to this gauge now. The strings don't sound too tinny with a pick either