I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

I got a set of boomers on my drop c guitar because that's the only set of strings they had close to the guages i wanted. Sound good but i can't get them to stay in tune. every other song i have to tune and i know it's not the guitar because i had ernie ball beefy slinky's on it and never had a problem. Next time i will go back to those.

I used DR's for 2 years. On my strat they worked great but soon as i started using them on my wolfgang and RG i would break them on each within a week.

been using D'addario's for 4-5 years and they get the job done.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

Chi3f said:
I got a set of boomers on my drop c guitar because that's the only set of strings they had close to the guages i wanted. Sound good but i can't get them to stay in tune. every other song i have to tune and i know it's not the guitar because i had ernie ball beefy slinky's on it and never had a problem. Next time i will go back to those.

That's odd. I started using GHS for the same reason (the 13-56 set for drop C). Mine stay in tune for days though.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

screamingdaisy said:
I used to always play EB Power Slinky's. I've always avoided GHS because "Boomers" always sounded silly to me. I ended up trying them because at the time non of the local stores carried any other string brands that had .013 guage sets.

Now they're my main string (I have them on two of my three guitars). I like how bright they sound, and they last reasonably long too.

Yes, and Power Slinky's sound so much less silly! :) :dance:

Sorry, I had to poke a little fun, no offense intended bro! :)
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

I would think the GHS Nickel Rockers would not be good for high gain since they would be darker??

I have been using Boomers for about 2-3 religiously without problems so maybe I should take the approach; why fix what ain't broke! They stay in tune just as well as any other string, feel fine, and sound fine. I hear rumors of them being too dark and muddy. Think about it, would Zakk Wylde be using such heavy gauges of Boomers if they were muddy?

I have a fresh set of Boomers on my McCarty with several 10 gauge brands including Dean Markley Nickel Steels, DR tite fit, D'Addario, and Ernie Ball Slinkys waiting to go on next so I'll have some first hand comparisons and I'll post the findings on the board. I'll try to keep everything else consistent so as not to screw up the little test. The one thing is that our hands will all react differently to various brands, not sure why. I say this because how much difference can there really be between brands? I am going to be looking at tuning, tone, resonance, feel, and longevity.

I can't wait to try the DR tite fits. I want to stick with strings that are readily available to me and I like that I can get any gauge sets of GHS Boomers I desire.

Can using odd or custom sets screw with the neck assuming I have a professional set up? I assume not since look at how many guys use light tops and heavy bottoms with little issue. Plus, I have been using a custom set of 11-54 in drop C# with minimal issues. I just assumed that string manufacturers try to make set that are consistent in tension and feel and hence assist in maintaining a strong and straight neck.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

papersoul said:
Yes, and Power Slinky's sound so much less silly! :) :dance:

Sorry, I had to poke a little fun, no offense intended bro! :)


No offence taken.

Honestly, I always felt like a d*ck asking for "Power Slinky's" at the store... :laugh2:


I would think the GHS Nickel Rockers would not be good for high gain since they would be darker??

There's only one way to find out for sure, and that's to test them yourself.


I have been using Boomers for about 2-3 religiously without problems so maybe I should take the approach; why fix what ain't broke! They stay in tune just as well as any other string, feel fine, and sound fine. I hear rumors of them being too dark and muddy. Think about it, would Zakk Wylde be using such heavy gauges of Boomers if they were muddy?

Muddy? I found GHS was brighter than EB, and held that brightness longer. The thing I like about EB is that they sound old after three days (I like that), but the GHS strings don't seem to do that.

...snip....

Can using odd or custom sets screw with the neck assuming I have a professional set up? I assume not since look at how many guys use light tops and heavy bottoms with little issue. Plus, I have been using a custom set of 11-54 in drop C# with minimal issues. I just assumed that string manufacturers try to make set that are consistent in tension and feel and hence assist in maintaining a strong and straight neck.

Someone else with more experience can probably answer better than I can, but I'd say that light top heavy bottom sets are fine. The biggest concern that I'm aware of is cracking your nut if you put heavy ass low strings on without having your nut cut for them.

I use an 11-56 set (GHS ZWLO) in standard on my Les Paul, and a 13-70 set (GHS DYM) in drop C on my Strat (I buy a box of each and swap the 6th string between the two sets).
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

A lot of people say this or that string is brighter but I can't hear a difference between D'Addario and GHS Boomers. I'll see what happens with the DR tite fits, Dean Markleys and EBs.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

I find that the GHS Boomers brake a little easier than EB's. Or maybe that's just something I've gotten into my head. I do like that they do 0.095 gauge sets...
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

I used to play boomers but got pissed when a string breaked after just a few days, so i switched to EB´s instead.
Sounds and feels better imo.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

The Boomer is my favorite "cheap string..." used 'em for years, until I tried the DR's. I get better tone and longer sring life from them ...for just a wee bit more money.

If you like GHS strings ... cool ! I'd grab 'em if DR went out. Truly, though ...isn't trying out new stuff half the fun for gearheads ?
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

I used to use GHS Boomer 10-42 on my Telecaster. The strings died really quickly and also turned black (the GBE strings). I gtried Fender Bullets out on my strat before I took it apart and initially thought there were alright, so I put them on my Tele. They are also black now.

I'm beginning to wonder if it is the fretboard or my hands that are making the stings die quickly. Two brands in a row... I take REAL good care of my instruments too. Might has to grab some fretboard cleaner and try out a new brand.

I ONLY use DR's on my Ibanez. They sound great AND LAST FOREVER! Just gotta find a better gauge for drop C and I'll be all set.
 
Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

rocksoldier said:
I used to play boomers but got pissed when a string breaked after just a few days, so i switched to EB´s instead.
Sounds and feels better imo.


That's odd because I play hard but haven't broken a GHS sting since I started using them 3 years ago.

Why is it that they say DR strings are easier to bend?? That would be great for two reasons:

1 - I can use heavier strings.
2 - DR will package custom gauges just like GHS. I only wish they made a .56.

I have GHS on my McCarty at the moment and I have DRs waiting to go one next. Followed by D'Addario and Dean Markley. I may have to grab a set of EBs also.
 
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Re: I like GHS Boomers, sorry!

+1 for DR. I use them for electric and acoustic applications.

aleclee said:
Some folks like hot pickups, others like mellower pickups. Some folks like higher gain than others. Some folks dig nickel wraps while others groove on stainless steel.

I haven't played Boomers but I haven't dissed 'em either. Personally, I'm digging my fairly obscure nickel-wound strings but that's my deal. If Boomers work for you, congrats on finding something that helps you find your voice. :)
Well said. Too many variables are at work to be able to state: "(pick a brand) makes the best strings. Everybody should use them."

I'd like to say that for DR; however, some people don't like them. The strings have to match the guitar, the musical style and equipment preferences of the player, the physical characteristics of the player (e.g., volume of perspiration, acidity of perspiration, hand size/strength, etc.), as well as the financial resources available.

Finally, ALL string brands have defective strings; ergo, STRINGS BREAK when you install them. I have broken D'Addario strings; I have broken DR strings.
 
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