GHS Boomers and Series 1 pickups

[KR]

When I first played my '77 MSB it had very old GHS 105-45 Boomers on it, and it sounded really good with that set. So I kept on using Boomers up until the first of this year, and then starting using Swing Bass steels; as they're easier to get around on and they're on many of my basses. There was something missing in my tone when hearing my Series 1 within the track after switching to Swing Bass, even though I could muscle them easier than the Boomers. The Boomers excite the magnetic field of the pickups more than most other steel strings, and definitely produce a bigger, beefier sound. They are louder than Swing Bass steel when compared directly.
I also hear a lot more beef in the mids, too, and this is why they speak so well in the mix. There's more of everything, except the highs are less prominent. They aren't as flexible as Swing Bass, but I can live with that. I guess I'm back using Boomers.     

[JimmyJ]

Been there since 1976 and still playing them...  I believe the Rotos are straight up stainless steel whereas the Boomers are nickel plated.  I don't know how the cores differ - and all that makes a difference in how they sound.  But one nice thing about the nickel coating is that it's softer than the fret wire so the strings will wear out before the frets do.

Jimmy J

[KR]

Jimmy, the core might be the secret to the Boomers, along with the high iron content that excites the Series 1 magnets so well. I tried the round core model, and it's pretty nice, but there's something special about the regular Boomers. With the 105-45 hex core I can really address the string and get a good tone going, and not worry so much about any buzzing. I put Boomers back on both of my Series 1's and they sound really nice now.

[bigredbass]

I've tried everything from Black Diamonds to Thoastiks, and eventually I always come back to Boomers.  Always consistent, and usually a bit less expensive.  They just work for me.

[pauldo]

Boomers have always been a consistent ‘go to’ string for me as well.

Running some XLChrome flat wounds right now and am rather happy with them.