What string to choose?

[Tim Pruitt]

Since I have had my Smith 5 I have used DR Sunbeams, which is what it came with (used). I would like to try Smith strings but need a place to start.

I know the difference between SS vs Nickel, light vs med vs heavy.

My style is modern gospel, cont. christian, old gospel, etc.

I prefer the hifi sound associated with SS, but do like the warmth and smoothness of nickel.

I have looked through the site and I am not sure what to start with. master series, rock masters, compressors, burners......


Some one give me a direction to go on. I will most likely buy the top 2 recommendations.

[Ken Smith]

Since I have had my Smith 5 I have used DR Sunbeams, which is what it came with (used). I would like to try Smith strings but need a place to start.

I know the difference between SS vs Nickel, light vs med vs heavy.

My style is modern gospel, cont. christian, old gospel, etc.

I prefer the hifi sound associated with SS, but do like the warmth and smoothness of nickel.

I have looked through the site and I am not sure what to start with. master series, rock masters, compressors, burners......


Some one give me a direction to go on. I will most likely buy the top 2 recommendations.

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/faq.html#Anchorstrings

It's listed on the FAQs (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/faq.html#Anchorstrings) of the website the exact Strings that come on the Bass and made specifically for these Basses as well which are the TCRMs in 4, 5, 6 and 7-strings sets. Burner Taper Core have a slightly smoother feel.

[Tim Bishop]

Since I have had my Smith 5 I have used DR Sunbeams, which is what it came with (used). I would like to try Smith strings but need a place to start.

I know the difference between SS vs Nickel, light vs med vs heavy.

My style is modern gospel, cont. christian, old gospel, etc.

I prefer the hifi sound associated with SS, but do like the warmth and smoothness of nickel.

I have looked through the site and I am not sure what to start with. master series, rock masters, compressors, burners......


Some one give me a direction to go on. I will most likely buy the top 2 recommendations.

I would recommend Taper Core Mediums. ;)

[Albert Smith]

I would recommend Taper Core Mediums. ;)

I second that recommendation from Tim, when I brought my CR 6 to Ken to repair the neck it had been recently strung up with DR Stainless Steel medium Low-Rider strings. Immediately Ken noticed that they were the wrong strings for the Axe. Though mind you DR makes a hell of a string they just weren't the right fit for my Bass. Ken repaired the Axe and equipped it with a set of tapered core strings, and from that day on I have been grooving like there's no tomorrow.

[Tim Pruitt]

Thanks for the replies.

Taper core med's it will be. I think I might even try the med light.

[Tim Bishop]

Thanks for the replies.

Taper core med's it will be. I think I might even try the med light.


Tim, keep in mind if you decide to change gauges, you change neck tension. If you change neck tension, you will need to complete another set-up. If you go with the Taper Core Mediums, complete your set-up with the Taper Core Mediums, use Taper Core Mediums going forward, be done and stay consistent. ;)

[Dennis Michaels]

I use "Custom Balanced Taper Core" mediums. These strings in my opinion are the bomb for tone and even balance between strings. They also make eqing a dream because the strings a balanced so you don't have to use eq to try to even them out. They are worth every penny to me. As a side note the consistancy of the strings allows simple string changes because there is NO NEED to touch the bridge when you change strings. 2 thumbs up for quality control.