Half round strings w/ purple wrappings?

could be the Ken Smith Compressors....

 

If they're half-rounds, they would be Ken Smith Slick Rounds, which are basically the KS version of the GHS Brite Flats.

 

Please provide photos of both the headstock (silked ends) and the bridge (ball ends) so we can confirm and verify.

 

That was my first thought too, Compressors or maybe Slick Rounds depending on the shade of purple, maybe? A pic would help.

 

By the way, are they silked at the ball end as well?

Here's the list of silk colors for Ken Smith:

Stainless Steel Round Wound / Custom Balanced Taper Core = Purple Ball End Silk & Tuner ends
Compressors = Purple Ball End Silk & Tuner ends
Slick Rounds = Purple Ball End Silk & Tuner Ends
Burners = Blue Ball End Silk & Redish / Orangeish Tuner Ends​

 

Yeah, I was going to write the Slick Rounds too. So could be either ones...

But I have no idea the shade of purple would be different among Ken Smith strings...



In the picture above, I use Ken Smith Compressors Light set (CRL 40-102) + low-B (C125-T) + high-C (C028), with Ken Smith Burner .020 plain string for the high-F on my BTB7. Seems that the shade of the purples from the Compressors and the Burner were look alike.

 

They're probably all the same, just wondering on my part. I have sets of each, I'll check the colors.

 

As far as I know the Slick Rounds (groundwound) and the Compressors (rollerwound) have the same purple silk.

 

Correct. I've used both before. Both are great strings.

 

Are you certain they are half rounds? Could be EB Cobalt flats. They sport a similar purple silk wrap too.

 

I was about to say. The winds in cobalts are further apart than in other flats which makes them look like half rounds.

 

To the OP...
One of the ways to tell if they're Ken Smith or Ernie Ball is to measure the length from the ball end to where the silk starts. KS = 38", EB = 37.25".

 

with the exception if OP's bass has low B, Ken Smith Compressors low B .125T is only 37".

 

There you go...
If they were Ernie Balls, the B string wouldn't be tapered, would it?

How about measuring the E?

 

Hopefully the OP will remember about this thread and respond back soon.

 

Ken Smith Slick Wounds.... my string of choice.....

 

I have no clue about the Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats. Interested to try them, but seems too much problems of breaking strings reported. I do have Cobalt Rounds waiting to be installed though... I just don't have anymore bass that strings should be replaced right now.

Yes, measuring the E should be more precise in case of Ken Smith 38" winding length.

 

Those KS slick rounds are great. I use them on my fretless basses.

 

Lol...first thought that came to mind was " that seems like a good question " next thought was "we will debate anything" ...i love talkbass !!!