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Fodera strings, first impression

So reason why I like the Ken Smith strings is that they aren't scooped. They are really even eq. Also the tension is balanced which is why you get those oddball gauges. If you like stainless strings these are ones to try.
The only thing that puts me off is the .028 C string. Having had that gauge with the Warwick EMPs I really disliked it. Very fast, but too easy to roll off the fretboard.
 
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I get what you mean. Good thing is that I feel like they have more tension since they are hex cores. Also they make a thicker c string as well. But from my experience I noticed stiffer tension with these than say Dr high beams which I want to say closely mimic your Fodera strings. Round core strings seem to be a little more floppy and prone to doing that. After playing both I've learned that I do better playing hex core strings because of that very aspect.
 
So I'm trying to choose some Ken Smith strings, there are so many variations I'm getting confused!
I'm just looking at Rock Masters SS 5 string sets with a non-tapered B. I don't usually like tapered strings, unless the tapered B matches the other strings better...? I found one set that seems to match: Link Removed
But has standardish gauges: 45-65-80-125. Is that a good set to try?
 
So I'm trying to choose some Ken Smith strings, there are so many variations I'm getting confused!
I'm just looking at Rock Masters SS 5 string sets with a non-tapered B. I don't usually like tapered strings, unless the tapered B matches the other strings better...? I found one set that seems to match: Link Removed
But has standardish gauges: 45-65-80-125. Is that a good set to try?
That's what I got last time and they were awesome.
 
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Also, Rockmaster strings have no taper. Taper strings will say tapercore right on the box

Revisiting this, just ordered some Lo Riders- 30-125 (hex) and Ken Smith Rock Masters 30-130 tapered B (round - didn't see an option for hex). Will take ages to get here the way USPS and AusPost work.

Will post updates on them with some recordings when they arrive .
 
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KS Rock Masters are hex core. In fact, I don't think Ken Smith offers anything with a round core.

If you click on the other link in this thread you'll see the master series are all definitely round wound.

Screenshot_20211020-080002_Chrome.jpg
 
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If you click on the other link in this thread you'll see the master series are all definitely round wound.

"Roundwound" refers to the outer wrap wire, as opposed to "flatwound" or "half-round" etc. A roundwound can be either on a hex core or a round core.

KS Rock Masters are roundwound strings wound on a hex core just like the DR Lo-Riders (roundwound on a hex core) you mentioned.
 
Have fun on the strings Winston. You'll probably like both sets. The lo riders are very close to Rockmasters in terms of tension and tone. I want to say that the lo riders you'll find just a little bit more punch in the lows but both will be very full range and sound great on your bass. Having played both that was my impression. Let us know what you think!
 
Just got an email from juststrings saying their USPS first class intl is suspended to aus because of the scamdemic. But the express service is still active- at more than double the freight cost.

Nope.

Any other sites to consider that carry both strings?
You might get lucky with fretnation or just eBay them. Good luck and we keep praying for sanity to return. Especially you guys down under.
 
You might get lucky with fretnation or just eBay them. Good luck and we keep praying for sanity to return. Especially you guys down under.

Thanks mate. I'm trying to find a one stop shop and buy 2 sets so I'm getting better value from the freight charge. Not easy.

And cheers for the best wishes - its absolute insanity the spiral the world has gone into, and we are at the bottom of the vortex in Victoria.
 
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I'm in Los Angeles right now and it's the ring before the bottom. I just went and saw a Primus concert here. By the way some what sellers should have both sets and I would try to see if they can send you both in the same parcel.

We are still confined to our homes except for essential reasons to leave, have a curfew from 9pm-5am. And police beating people up, shooting protesters with less lethal munitions and fining Nf arresting them for not obeying orders.
 
Any other sites to consider that carry both strings?

Try Strings By Mail (based in Michigan). If you email them at [email protected], a guy named Matt should respond. Let him know what you're interested in. SBM has one of the lowest international shipping rates. And they do carry both DR and Ken Smith brands, although not all models are listed on their website. Matt can special order anything you want.
 
Hey Winston hope everything is going well on your string ordering. I've had a string change that impressed me recently. I bought a set of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings. I'm really liking the flexibility and feel of these. More comfortable than Rotosound and right there with the Ken Smith strings. Hex core which I found I just like the sound a little better than round core. What was interesting is how zingy these were at the start. It lasted just a short while and when it settled down I really got a fat punchy great Warwick tone. The break in was fast and the broke in tone is better than the initial tone which I really appreciate since these should sound good for a while then. These strings have a certain bite when you hit them that I've been missing for a while. For what I'm after these came through better than I was expecting. I think for your music it might give you a good time. The overtones they produce were going great with my bass. Something I can't say for all of the strings I've tried.
 
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