GHS 4M-NB Balanced Nickels Medium Electric Bass Strings 44-106

Here are my impressions of GHS bass strings that I have direct experience with, in an effort to help a potential shopper. Overall, GHS’ description of these strings seems quite accurate. Another thing I notice is that GHS strings seem to play and sound consistently across the fingerboard and they provide a clear fundamental note. The differences appear in where the midrange sits and in the extension of the treble response. GHS has a tension chart online and it’s very informative. I prefer higher tension sets but I’ll go to a lower tension set if it works better for a particular bass.
Precision Flats: I’ve used these for many years on long (M3050 set) and short (3020 set) scale basses. They feel slick. GHS’ description is accurate. In addition, they have a more of a lower midrange focus than Labella Deep Talkin’ Flats, so they may cut through a busy mix more. They also will give you a nice ‘click’ when using a pick and muting. The M3050 set has a tension of 184.6 pounds.
Brite Flats: I just tried these recently on a long scale (M3075 set) bass. They feel a bit grabby. Online information states that this goes away over time. We’ll see. They are a unique tool. They are like very aggressive flats with an emphasis on the upper midrange. GHS says ‘Motown with an attitude.’ I hear these as sound of early 1970’s TV shows and early disco and Philadelphia R&B / soul. The M3075 set has a tension of 181.1 pounds, but they definitely feel tighter than the other sets I’m writing about. Perhaps that is because of the relatively grabby feel. Regardless of whether I keep these on, I appreciate that GHS makes these. It’s good to have a variety of tools available for the job at hand.
Balanced Nickels: I’ve used these on long (4M-NB set) and short scale (4700 set) basses. These are exactly as described, with incredibly even tone and feel. These are warmest roundwounds I’ve played, with a kind of smoky high midrange and low treble overtones. Tension for the 4M-NB set is 184.2.
PressureWound: I’ve used these on long (M7200 set) and short scale basses (7700 set). These are silky feeling for a roundwound. They provide a solid fundamental with a crisp top end and reduced finger noise. This is a great all-around string. Tension for the M7200 set is 187.1 pounds; higher than the other sets I’ve described, but does not feel as tense as the Brite Flats.

Good strings

I like these a lot. They do have a more balanced feel and tonality. Also, there is a lot of body / fundamental to the sound. I like that. I put a set on a Music Man Stingray to add more organic body, and now I’m ordering a set for a Rickenbacker 4004 to add more cut.