Your fretless string of choice?

[Bill Bernhard]

I switched to Ken Smith Compressors on my fretless 5 about a year ago. Very happy with them, very responsive in feel and tone, without a lot of hashness.

[Michael Harrison Jr.]

My fretless is an Ibanez GSR200 Lined Fretless. Basically an "el cheapo" but I really like it. I tried flatwounds, but most of the ones I've tried have just sounded too heavy and dead to me.

[Bob Faulkner]

I use Smith Compressors.. I've also been known to use Smith slicks (currently on my Smith fretless). I'm moving to the Compressors exclusively though.. You get most of the round wound zing, but they're much easier on the fingerboard.

Here's my take on string types (focusing on Smiths)

Slicks give you a little more round wound zing than flats, and virtually no fingerboard wear.

Compressors give you almost as much zing as round wounds, and less fingerboard wear, but they do still wear more than slicks.

Rounds give you the best zing, but the most fingerboard wear.


As far as finger/playing comfort:

Slicks barely exhibit any finger wear. Slides are smoother than rounds, but your fingers can tend to "stick" to the slick metal surface..

Compressors are harder on the fingers than slicks, but no where near as rough as Rounds. Slides are generally smooth on these.

Rounds are hardest on the fingers, slides can be like rubbing sand paper..

[Michael Harrison Jr.]

Hmm...looks like the compressors seem to be the string of choice here. Think I'll have a go at them. Never tried KS strings before though. Not sure if anyone even sells them around here so I'll have to order them. I'll let y'all know how it works out when I get them though.

[Tim Bishop]

Order your strings directly from Ken. Give KSB a call; they'll fix you up.

[Bob Faulkner]

Definitely order from Ken, Price is good and if you order 2 packs and mention the forum they'll pay the shipping!

[Jason Mendelson]

My Ken Smith BSRE6G Frettless has rock masters on it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he5Guh6E3GQ