It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:18 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 17 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 8:11 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
GHS Big Core Bass Roundwound Medium .45-.105

As you might suspect, these strings have a larger hex core. How much larger I don't know. GHS claims "the larger core wire supplies note definition and focus while still maintaining excellent feel". They are wraped in a proprietary nickel iron alloy. The .105 E string is taper wound and GHS has this to say "it is this taper design that increases fundamental bass note accuracy, adds sustain and tone life and insures outstanding E string performance past the fifth fret".

String Tension: G=44.7 D=50.2 A=49.3 E=40.8 Total stringset tension=185 pounds. This is quite good and a roughly 10 pound spread is balanced enough as the proof is in the playing.

String-To-String Consistancy: For both tone and volume is excellent & exceedingly well balanced! Most certianly among the very best, if not the best that I've ever played. Folks, this is high praise indeed, as I am damned persnickety.

Tone: Clear & Well Defined Top-To-Bottom.

The taper wound E string is pure unadulterated magic! I don't think I've ever heard a better sounding roundwound E. The extreme clarity & definition of the open E is astounding. Here we have a nice thick full well defined bottom with a deep clear growl unmatched by any other stringset. As much as I loved the taper wound E's of Fender's 8250M, and D'Addario's EXL-170BT sets, I am easily convinced the GHS is the best.

The midrange is very solid beefy/meaty with good low-mid growl, and plenty snarl in the high-mids. Excellent even well defined/focused tone throughout. No mud or honk to be found here.

Highs for days! Smooth & Soaring, but never harsh or overbearing. Has good bark & bite when picked. Plenty of spank when popped.

Feel & Playability: I like the feel of the nickel-iron alloy wrap. I can't tell any difference from nickel plated stainless, which I also like. String-to-string feel is very even, and you don't really feel any differences in tension. Takes more effort to bend than the D'Addario Balanced Tension, but overall the playability is still quite excellent, and among the very best.

Overview: I think you can tell I really like this stringset and am damn glad to have them on my Fender Jazz bass. They sound absolutely fabulous, and this may well become my roundwound set of choice just as GHS Precision Flats have become my flat of choice. I will come back with updates each month until I post the obituary.

http://www.ghsstrings.com/strings/bass/big-core-bass

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Last edited by linnin on Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 2:17 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:33 am
Posts: 4583
Location: North of Pittsburgh
Good review!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 10:30 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
oxfan wrote:
Good review!

Thanks oxfan! I do try. 8)

My 2012 American Standard Jazz arrived strung with Fender 8250M with a taper wound .110 E. I'd never played a taper wound string before. I was both pleasently surprized and pleased with the wonderful sound/tone of these hex core NPS strings.

Balanced Tension is the buzz word of the day and is all the rage. I went to D'Addario's EXL-170BT stringset. Nice hex core with nickel plated stainless wrap with a taper wound .107 E in a nicely balanced set. I liked this set very much and wrote a review here. I liked them well enough that I even bought a second set which remains unopened as a backup set. http://forums.fender.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=90791

I like the heavier moving mass of a hex core, and I find that they vibrate more accurately in tune. So I'm a hex core w-hore. I'm also sold on the sonic advantages of a taper wound E or B & E for you 5-stringers. All three of these sets sound good, I just happen to like the GHS Big Core better.

If you do a lot of savage string bending along with viscious slap & pop, a round core would most certainly suit those styles better by virtue of its increased flexability.

As for me, I'll stick with hex core.

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Last edited by linnin on Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 6:26 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
I always used and liked GHS Boomers, but my FCS Jazz came with the Fender 8250's. I put on the Boomers and quickly changed back. My Am Stnd p-bass also came with the 8250's and I've stayed with them......they're working for me.
I read your review and I might look into the D'Addario's EXL-170BT, but brotherdave makes a good arguement for the Thomastik EB345. They may be the better choice since I currently changs strings about once a month.

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:42 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
grho50 wrote:
I always used and liked GHS Boomers, but my FCS Jazz came with the Fender 8250's. I put on the Boomers and quickly changed back. My Am Stnd p-bass also came with the 8250's and I've stayed with them......they're working for me.
I read your review and I might look into the D'Addario's EXL-170BT, but brotherdave makes a good arguement for the Thomastik EB345. They may be the better choice since I currently changs strings about once a month.


Whatever your choice, I sincerely hope you're happy with them. I'm convinced the tapered E (and B for you) is where it's at sonically. I like the tone; tension, and feel of the GHS Big Core bass stringset, as it's a very easy transition from the GHS Precision Flats. Makes it easier to go back and forth between my Jazz and my Precision.

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 10:30 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
Well now you got me thinking......and that's not always a good thing. :shock:

Since I used and liked the GHS Boomers for many years, maybe I should give the GHS Big Core's a try.

Just checked their web site and didn't see any for 5 strings. :(

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:40 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
grho50 wrote:
Well now you got me thinking......and that's not always a good thing. :shock:

Since I used and liked the GHS Boomers for many years, maybe I should give the GHS Big Core's a try.

Just checked their web site and didn't see any for 5 strings. :(

Yeah, these are so new and apperantly in short supply that they don't list 'em until you go to order direct from GHS, and then you'll see a 5-string set listed 45-130 $22.50
http://ghs.mybigcommerce.com/ghs-big-core-bass/ I do hope that means that they actually exist.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 7:44 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
Thanks linnin.

They match up to the 8250's except for the E string....110tw (Fender) - 105tw (GHS).
I'll get a set and try 'em out. I just put on a set last week so it will probably be the end of next month.....can't waste a set. :roll:
I'll let you know how I like 'em.

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:22 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
GHS Phone # 800-388-4447 in case anyone needs help from their customer service. They're very good. 8)

Called them myself :wink: and yes 5-string sets of Big Core Bass actually do exist and are available from GHS Direct Sales: http://ghs.mybigcommerce.com/ghs-big-core-bass/


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:37 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
:mrgreen:
Order Date: 23rd Apr 2014

This order is marked as Shipped

Your Order Contains:
◦1 x GHS Big Core Bass
(GHS Big Core Bass: 45-130 Medium 5 String)

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 2:33 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
grho50 wrote:
:mrgreen:
Order Date: 23rd Apr 2014

This order is marked as Shipped

Your Order Contains:
◦1 x GHS Big Core Bass
(GHS Big Core Bass: 45-130 Medium 5 String)


Huzzah!

Hope you LOVE them. :)


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 5:23 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 3169
Location: Linningrad
First Month's Update: I love these strings!
I've been playing them a lot and have about 50 hours on them. The very highest highs have attenuated, but are still plenty bright & lively. The Big Beefy Bottom and Meaty Mids remain strong and focused. I am really liking the nickel-iron alloy wrap. That plus the heavier hex core presents a very strong magnetic field that my pickups love. The E string remains impressively well defined with mud free low end clarity.

One thing I really like is the tension. The larger hex core gives the stringset higher tension. It's a lot like the tension of GHS Precision Flats. Just a little lower. I've found the feel between the two to be remarkably simular (discounting of course the obvious difference between the rough round and smooth flat). It makes it very easy for me to switch from my Jazz w/rounds to my Precision w/flats. Simular feel & tension. Nearly identical setup. So string hight & playability are very much the same for an almost effortless transition. A most serendipitous epiphany! :D

_________________
2012 Lefty American Standard Jazz
2017 Lefty American Professional Precision
2018 Rumble Studio 40 Combo
2016 Rumble 200 Combo
One day they shall name a GREAT city after me, and they shall call it LINNINGRAD


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Sat May 17, 2014 6:36 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
That's good to hear. Thanks for the review.
I still haven't put the GHS Big Core strings on my bass yet, but I will within the next 2 weeks. I'll let you know how they work for me when I do.

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:42 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
I've had thses strings on almost 4 weeks now.....played 3 nights, about the same amount of band rehearsals and a few hours at home practicing. I have to say.....I like them. A lot smoother feel than the Fender 8250 5M's I was using. Not quite as bright, but not bad at all. I think I may just stick with 'em.

Thanks for the tip linnin. :D

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: GHS BIG CORE BASS ROUNDWOUND STRINGS
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 1:09 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2008 6:01 pm
Posts: 1479
Location: Los Angeles, USA
I am going to try a set. I have used the boomers before and loved the sound but found they went kind of dead quicker then the Daddarios .105's I normally use.

_________________
I'm almost out of stuff to sell.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 17 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: