Ken Smith Slick Rounds vs. Compressors

Sean Baumann · #1 09-29-2009, 05:36 PM

I'm thinking of trying one of these sets on my Alleva Coppolo KBP5 (5 string P-bass clone). Anybody using these strings on a P style bass? What can I expect from them as compared to say D'Addario Chromes or XL-170s? Overall, I'm after a thumpier sound but still retain some growl. Chromes were a bit dull for me, but XL-170s are a bit too zingy.

For 5 strings, which set gage matches the .125 B string best?

chunkstyle · #2 09-30-2009, 12:36 PM

these used to be my strings of choice, and probably will be again soon. they both have similar flavors, the Compressors being rounder sounding and the Slicks being flatter sounding (duh). i had a great sound going with the Slicks on my G&L L-2000. they definitely thump and growl. i actually think the Slicks have more character than the Compressors. there are a lot of mids going on there. the Compressors will give you a little more top end definition. i don't use D'ad strings too often, but i will say that either of the Ken Smith strings will have a sound somewhere in between the D'ads. i don't think you can go wrong with either of the Ken Smiths.

can't help you with the B string...

CapnSev · #3 09-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Baumann

I'm thinking of trying one of these sets on my Alleva Coppolo KBP5 (5 string P-bass clone). Anybody using these strings on a P style bass? What can I expect from them as compared to say D'Addario Chromes or XL-170s? Overall, I'm after a thumpier sound but still retain some growl. Chromes were a bit dull for me, but XL-170s are a bit too zingy.

For 5 strings, which set gage matches the .125 B string best?

I am contemplating these (and about a million other strings) for my P5, and I haven't decided what to do yet either. I might try a set out to see what happens.

The thing I want to know is if the low B on the Slick Rounds is tapered like the Compressors.

CapnSev · #4 10-01-2009, 09:05 AM

I just ordered a set of Compressors for my P5. I'll let you know how it turns out.

RicPlaya · #5 10-01-2009, 04:49 PM

I have the SW on my jazz bass, gotta say I am very impressed. My bass has an S1 switch, so with it engaged I do get a really good Pesque tone, with some thump. But just running the pups normal it has a very fat tone with a good midrange definitition. Overall I am very happy with these strings. I am going to a traditional flat one more time on my P, if that does not work to my liking I will put them on my P too. You can slap on them, but not a good as rounds but slap better then traditional flats. Just about the most balanced strings I have played. I would say depends on what you play. But the SW have great zing too if you need it.

Sean Baumann · #6 10-01-2009, 08:19 PM

What are SWs? Do you mean Slick Rounds?

RicPlaya · #7 10-02-2009, 11:28 AM

Yes SW's = Slick Wounds

Hope my post helps, what kind of stuff do you play anyway? I feel these are a true hybid string, plays like a round but leans a little more toward a flat. I expect the Compressors to lean more toward a round in tone though I never played them personally.

Sean Baumann · #8 10-02-2009, 11:38 AM

I play in my church P&W band right now, so pretty much middle of the road rock music.

RicPlaya · #9 10-02-2009, 12:14 PM

I would choose the SW or the Compressors, but that's just me. I am very satisfied with them on my 62 reissue jazz and will put them on my P if the next set of flats don't do it for me. But you know how it is, especially with strings..such a personal thing.

CapnSev · #10 10-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

Yes SW's = Slick Wounds

Hope my post helps, what kind of stuff do you play anyway? I feel these are a true hybid string, plays like a round but leans a little more toward a flat. I expect the Compressors to lean more toward a round in tone though I never played them personally.

I'll let know soon enough how the Compressors sound. I basically am looking for a "tame" round, with zero clank and a suppressed top end that I can still get to slap/make it bite when I need to.

Hopefully the Compressors fit that bill.

RicPlaya · #11 10-02-2009, 01:37 PM

If they are anything like the slickwounds but a little more roundish..I think you will like them

bassgirl27 · #12 10-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Compressors are great strings. A friend of mine showed me a set of compressors and a set of GHS PressureWounds. They looked, felt and sounded like the same strings to both of us. Maybe just repackaged, but regardless they are very nice feeling and a nice middle of the road string.

CapnSev · #13 10-03-2009, 11:42 PM

Put the Compressors on today.

I am really impressed. They sound like a broken-in round with zero fret or finger noise. They have a really nice, mellow sound with enough bite to slap on. I was also really happy with the feel. They do not feel anything like flats, more like a round with smaller, smoother ridges. They are really fast feeling too, I was expecting them to be grabby on my fingers, but it turned out to be completely the opposite.

They turned out to be exactly what I was envisioning- very smooth sounding.

Hoover · #14 10-04-2009, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

I expect the Compressors to lean more toward a round in tone though I never played them personally.

That's been my experience with the Compressors: They sound for all practical purposes like a roundwound, they feel 90% like a roundwound, they only reason for using them versus a bona fide roundwound is if you're playing fretless and don't want to chew up the fingerboard as quickly.