The difference in sound between the strings

[Desmund Nichols]

Whats the difference in sound between the different models of strings?

[Ken Smith]

Whats the difference in sound between the different models of strings?

We have 4 basic styles. Stainless steel, Nickle plated steel (aka NPS), Compressors (Nickel Iron alloy aka 'Niron', outer layer is 'compressed' before winding) and Slick Rounds (Nickel Iron alloy aka 'Niron', outer layer is 'ground' before winding).

Stainless is brighter than Nickel in the higher frequencies but Nickel has more mids. The other two are the same metal but made differently. I would rate the brightness in the order listed.

[Jason Mendelson]

Each string has its own feel... The compressors are really easy on your fingers if you do alot of sliding etc... they have a little bit of a smoother feel to them...

Definatly the Stainless Steel strings have a brighter sound.. FOund on Ken Smiths Rock Masters, Slap Masters string sets...

PERSONALLY I feel the brighter before amplification... The more you can work with the sound... With a brighter sound, it is easier to roll off some treble or add some bass then to add brightness to a sound...

I used to play on the compressor's all the time when I was doing alot of "Jazz" style playing... They gave my bass a really punchy sound... I think I have compressors on my Fender Jazz at the moment...

The main strings I use are Rock Masters on my Frettless BSR6EG or Slap Masters on my BMT6EG

[Bob Faulkner]

I use the slick rounds on my BSR4EG fretless. They are extremely easy on the fingers. I have toyed with the idea of trying out the compressors, but my main concern is fingerboard wear. I have over 5 years of playing on that bass now and there is virtually no wear at all from the slicks. How do you guys feel the compressors would compare with the slicks in that regard?

[Jason Mendelson]

On my BSR6EG I barely have any wear from my standard steel strings... You can see some vertical lines from the string vibrating but they are not really worn into the finger board.. I slap bass heavly on it too!

The compresion wound strings do not have the same properties that will eat through a finger board... since the string winding literally has a smooth oval shape, they are very easy on the fingerboard and I wouldnt worry about it at all...

[Jeff Tranauskas]

I use the Slick Wounds on my frettless six (insert name of low end bass here).
The strings make the bass really sing and IMHO are the only string to be used on a frettless.
Previously I used flat wound LaBella's but they are a thing of the past since I "discovered" the Smith Slick Wound string.:D

[Tim Bishop]

I use the Slick Wounds on my frettless six (insert name of low end bass here).
The strings make the bass really sing and IMHO are the only string to be used on a frettless.
Previously I used flat wound LaBella's but they are a thing of the past since I "discovered" the Smith Slick Wound string.:D

Hmmm, Slick Wounds huh.....what are these strings made of?

[Tim Bishop]

Hmmm, Slick Wounds huh.....what are these strings made of?


Well, never mind. Just found out. May have to give them a try. I've been lovin the Taper Core Medium's (Stainless Steel Round Wounds) just fine.

[Mendell Beckford]

I currently use rockmaster stainless steels and lately they have been rubbing the crap out of my fingers.Now before you ask,i do play with a low(extremely low) action and a very light touch.What are my choices for a smooth feel on the fingers.Not too bright or dark,somewhere in the low mids.
Ken,Tim,anyone?

[Ken Smith]

I currently use rockmaster stainless steels and lately they have been rubbing the crap out of my fingers.Now before you ask,i do play with a low(extremely low) action and a very light touch.What are my choices for a smooth feel on the fingers.Not too bright or dark,somewhere in the low mids.
Ken,Tim,anyone?

Maybe the Burners (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/Strings/bassburner.html)?

[Mendell Beckford]

Maybe the Burners (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/Strings/bassburner.html)?
Thanks Ken.I will try those.Post results soon

[Albert Smith]

Originally I was a straight up DR string man, but after having a in-depth conversation with Ken, he convinced me that I should be utilizing tapered Ken Smith Strings on my Axe. He was right!! The overall tone and brightness is a level above the DR's.
If you love the Low-B like I do and still be able to slap & pop, you got to try them.

Here's a short video of me and the boys working out the kinks to a song we wrote for our praise and worship team, I'm playing the WBT 5 Elite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwzVixq-1zw

[Darren Lipper]

Cool video Al, that 5 string is sweet!

Man that 4-string BAD Al... just wonderful to play live, a pure joy!

Take care

Darren