Fresh Strings?

[Andy Pyatt]

I have used either Smith or DR strings for years. I have always liked the sound of stainless steel, bright but consistent. I prefer light gauges and have many times used the Smith 30 to 90 set. These usually don't last very long and I will change in 2 to 4 weeks depending on how often I gig with them. Light medium strings usually go 4 to 6 weeks or if I'm tight on money or just lazy maybe 8 weeks. Strings are usually pretty dead by then and when you pull out the new string and set it next to the old you can see the difference between each. Its no wonder that the new ones are brighter and snappier- cause they are brighter. I will boil strings on occasion but they usually seem a bit lifeless and I can't take them for more than a week before new ones have to go on.

[Willie Williams]

On the 4 different Ken Smiths I have had it just seems like they sound best with Ken Smith strings on them.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Willie Williams

On the 4 different Ken Smiths I have had it just seems like they sound best with Ken Smith strings on them.

I agree Willie and to take your observation a step further....I would also argue that Smith strings sound best on ANY electric bass. I know this because I have and have had a few.

In case there are those of you that don't want to take my word for it. Put in an order and discover this for yourself. Just make sure you choose the right set for the right bass with the right set-up. Length, guage, sound and feel you are seeking, type of bridge and nut used on the bass are all important considerations that need to be made before ordering any set of strings.

Ken has a great selection and I know he can help you out.

[Jack Jackson]

I used to use Roto's light-gauge, but recently ordered Elixer's. I haven't put them on yet. As far as changing strings, it depends on how often you play and how much you sweat. I typically change out about every 3 months if I'm playing in churches or other "clean-air" places, but when I played smoky clubs and worked up a sweat, it was every 10 - 12 jobs between changes. I know most of you probably don't use finger-ease or anything, but down here in the deep south, it's hot and humid, especially in the 5-month summers we have. I take WD-40 and spray a little in my palm and rub it on the back of the neck to keep the inside of my index knuckle and my thumb lubricated. Several players down here do that. I guess it's just the way my hands sweat. Does anyone else have this problem? I'm concerned that maybe I should use a guitar polish or something safer when I buy a Smith...

[Bob Faulkner]

Please don't do that to a Smith!!

I've never had a comfort problem playing my Smith, and I live in Atlanta so we should have about the same climate..

[ramon ramos]

bob, should smith basses alway's be strung with smith taper core's because i'm thinking that no two smith basse's are alike since their hand made and the brass nut is hand shaped to that specific bass? and my other question is by not using smith string's on our smith basse's are we not getting that unique smith tone? that ken is known for. i personally believe that i should only use smith's because ken designed them specificly for the brass nut's and using another string gauge will probably damage the custom scalloped nut. but then if i'm wrong bob do let me know thank's. ramon

[ramon ramos]

ken you got me wrong here if you look at the post you'll see that i said that i only believe in using your taper core's on my bass and that using other brand's can probably damage my smith cause the scalloped nut is custom fit and that no two smith's are alike since thier hand made,beside's i love the purple color you selected for their design. i hope you read my post ken and clear me on this one. i did not spend $2200 on my smith and then decide to use non-smith string's no sireee, i'll stick to your brand. thank's ken

[Zdenek Tichota]

I use strings for 5-10 gigs than I do string wash http://www.wimpy.cz/English/strings_care.htm

[Jeffrey Abbott]

I've seen a few posts on other bass forums that recommend www.bassguitarstrings .us. I've not bought from them, but they do offer free shipping on (U.S.) order over $75. At least at one time, they offered a discount to talkbass.com members. Also, they apparently offer all of the Smith Strings catalog. I have no connection to them, just a suggestion for a Smith Strings online source.

Take Care,

Jeff