What is the specific gauge of the GHS Flea Signature set?

The set is gauged at .045, .065, .085, and .105. This provides a balanced medium tension across the fretboard.

What makes the low E string different in this set?

The low E string uses a special combination of stainless steel and nickel plating. This differs from the other strings in the set to provide extra punch and drive.

What type of core do these strings use?

They feature a unique Boomer hex core. This hexagonal shape provides added strength and helps the wrap wire stay firmly in place.

Are these strings suitable for slap bass?

Yes, they are specifically designed for the aggressive slap style of Flea. The nickel-plated steel offers the necessary brightness and percussive response.

How does the sound compare to pure nickel strings?

Nickel-plated steel strings like these are generally brighter and have higher output than pure nickel strings. They offer a more modern, aggressive 'rock' sound.

Who is the primary artist associated with these strings?

These are the signature strings for Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has used the GHS Boomer formula for several decades.

What is the typical price range for this string set?

The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Can these strings be used for 5-string basses?

This specific signature set is a 4-string set. Owners of 5-string basses would need to purchase a separate low B string or look for a 5-string specific GHS Boomer set.

How does the stainless steel in the E string affect the tone?

The stainless steel component adds extra clarity and a 'harder' edge to the lowest notes. This prevents the E string from sounding muddy compared to the higher strings.

Are these strings long scale or short scale?

These are standard long-scale strings. They are designed to fit most full-size electric bass guitars with a 34-inch scale length.

How do these compare to Ernie Ball Slinky bass strings?

While both are nickel-plated steel, the GHS Flea set features a unique hex core and a hybrid-material E string. The GHS strings are often noted for a slightly stiffer feel and focused low-mid punch.

What is the wrap material for the G, D, and A strings?

The G, D, and A strings are wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This is the industry standard for versatile, high-output electric bass tone.

Gear article

GHS Bass Boomers Flea Signature Bass Strings 045-105

The GHS Bass Boomers Flea Signature set is a custom-gauged string series designed to the specifications of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. Utilizing a nickel-plated steel wrap over a hexagonal core, these strings are engineered to deliver the high-energy, driving low-end response required for slap and heavy fingerstyle play.

See live prices

Overview

The GHS Bass Boomers Flea Signature strings are a specialised variant of the standard Bass Boomer line, tailored to meet the demands of one of the world's most prominent funk-rock bassists. These strings are constructed using a nickel-plated steel wrap wire, providing a balance between the brightness of steel and the warmth of nickel. A defining characteristic of this set is the unique construction of the low E string, which incorporates a combination of stainless steel and nickel plating to ensure maximum clarity and punch for lower registers.

Construction and Technology

The foundation of the Flea Signature set is the GHS 'Boomer' hex core. This hexagonal core design is intended to provide increased strength and a more secure bond between the core and the wrap wire, preventing slippage and improving tuning stability. While the G, D, and A strings follow the traditional nickel-plated steel formula, the low E string features a hybrid wrap that utilizes stainless steel to enhance the 'driving' quality of the low end, a critical requirement for Flea's percussive playing style.

Tone and Character

These strings are characterised by their 'hard driving' bottom end and high-output response. The nickel plating provides a smooth feel and a punchy midrange, while the underlying steel elements offer the brightness necessary for slap bass techniques to cut through a mix. The specific gauge of 045-105 is considered a standard 'Medium' tension, providing enough resistance for aggressive attack without sacrificing the flexibility needed for fast rhythmic patterns.

Target Audience

While designed for Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, these strings are suitable for any bassist seeking a high-output, reliable string for rock, funk, or fusion styles. The added durability of the hex core makes them a preferred choice for performers who play with high intensity and require strings that can withstand heavy perspiration and physical stress without immediate tonal degradation.

Market Context

Positioned at a typical retail price of approximately GBP 35, the Flea Signature set competes in the premium bass string market. Compared to standard nickel strings like the D'Addario XL series or Ernie Ball Slinkys, these offer a more specialised E-string construction. While players looking for the specific modern jazz or orchestral textures of brands like Larsen or Thomastik-Infeld may find these too aggressive, they remain a staple for high-energy electric bass applications.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the specific gauge of the GHS Flea Signature set?: The set is gauged at .045, .065, .085, and .105. This provides a balanced medium tension across the fretboard.
What makes the low E string different in this set?: The low E string uses a special combination of stainless steel and nickel plating. This differs from the other strings in the set to provide extra punch and drive.
What type of core do these strings use?: They feature a unique Boomer hex core. This hexagonal shape provides added strength and helps the wrap wire stay firmly in place.
Are these strings suitable for slap bass?: Yes, they are specifically designed for the aggressive slap style of Flea. The nickel-plated steel offers the necessary brightness and percussive response.
How does the sound compare to pure nickel strings?: Nickel-plated steel strings like these are generally brighter and have higher output than pure nickel strings. They offer a more modern, aggressive 'rock' sound.
Who is the primary artist associated with these strings?: These are the signature strings for Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has used the GHS Boomer formula for several decades.
What is the typical price range for this string set?: The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Can these strings be used for 5-string basses?: This specific signature set is a 4-string set. Owners of 5-string basses would need to purchase a separate low B string or look for a 5-string specific GHS Boomer set.
How does the stainless steel in the E string affect the tone?: The stainless steel component adds extra clarity and a 'harder' edge to the lowest notes. This prevents the E string from sounding muddy compared to the higher strings.
Are these strings long scale or short scale?: These are standard long-scale strings. They are designed to fit most full-size electric bass guitars with a 34-inch scale length.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball Slinky bass strings?: While both are nickel-plated steel, the GHS Flea set features a unique hex core and a hybrid-material E string. The GHS strings are often noted for a slightly stiffer feel and focused low-mid punch.
What is the wrap material for the G, D, and A strings?: The G, D, and A strings are wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This is the industry standard for versatile, high-output electric bass tone.