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Ken Smith to GHS

JPJ

JPJ

Apr 21, 2001
2,534
732
51
Chicago, IL
#1
I've been a fan and user of Ken Smith strings for several decades, but I've recently developed a "thing" where I'm rejecting 38" winding lengths on my vintage-style basses. I just don't care for the extra winding around the tuning pegs - just a personal preference thing. Based on my rudimentary knowledge of "who-makes-who", I figured that GHS (while maybe a little different) would be a pretty close analog.

So...I just talked to Greg at Rocket Music and have the following sets on the way as a GHS "sampler pack".

M3045 - qty 1
RC-M3045 - qty 1
M7200 - qty 1
4M-NB - qty 1

The M3045 Boomer set will be the closest to the Smiths I've been using, but since I've decided to dabble, I figured I may as well try a sampling across the board. We'll see how it goes. :bassist:
 
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#2
Ken Smith strings are indeed made by GHS with some spec differences, such as the winding length already mentioned.

I've been using both GHS Pressurewounds and Ken Smith Compressors, depending on gauge selections I want for specific basses.

I use L7200 40-54-76-96 (EADG) and M7200 44-62-84-106 (DGCF) on my 4-string basses. And Compressors 40-58-80-102-125T on the 5ers.
 
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#4
Thanks. Interested to see how close they are in sound and feel to the Smith line, but also interested to see how they compare to the TI line of round wounds, and the odd set of DRs or other odd brand I've used over the years.
 
#5
JPJ said:
M3045 - qty 1
RC-M3045 - qty 1
M7200 - qty 1
4M-NB - qty 1
Click to expand...

Here's for your research...

M3045 (Boomers, nickel-plated steel on hex core) = Ken Smith Bass Burner.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/a-fresh-perspective-on-a-stalwart-american-standard.1230050/

RC-M3045 (Round Core Boomers, nickel-plated steel on round core) = no Ken Smith equivalent.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/review-ghs-round-core-bass-boomers.1239967/

M7200 (Pressurewound, Alloy 52 "rollerwound" on hex core) = Ken Smith Compressors.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/review-ghs-pressurewounds-tangy-not-twangy.1179992/

4M-NB (Balanced Nickel, pure nickel on round core) - no Ken Smith equivalent.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ghs-balanced-nickel-strings.1298488/
 
Last edited:
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#6
michael_t said:
Here's for your research...

M3045 (Boomers, nickel-plated steel on hex core) = Ken Smith Bass Burner.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/a-fresh-perspective-on-a-stalwart-american-standard.1230050/

RC-M3045 (Round Core Boomers, nickel-plated steel on round core) = no Ken Smith equivalent.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/review-ghs-round-core-bass-boomers.1239967/

M7200 (Pressurewound, Alloy 52 "rollerwound" on hex core) = Ken Smith Compressors.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/review-ghs-pressurewounds-tangy-not-twangy.1179992/

4M-NB (Balanced Nickel, pure nickel on round core) - no Ken Smith equivalent.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ghs-balanced-nickel-strings.1298488/
Click to expand...
Thanks for decoding that!
 
#12
michael_t said:
Yes, Jason at Fret Nation is my #1 go-to guy for my strings. Ken Smith brand is not actually listed on his site, but it's just a matter of shooting him an email at [email protected] and tell him what you need.
Click to expand...

It’s true, I don’t even look anymore, I just text him what I need and he sends an invoice and ships out what’s in stock.
 
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#13
Soundworks said:
Thanks for the awesome thread! Can anyone share their favorite place to buy these strings? I get lost looking at these Ken Smith options and the prices seem to vary widely depending on retailer.
Click to expand...
Just Strings is always competitively priced and has a huge selection Link Removed
 
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#16
Soundworks said:
Good to have options! I see Jason has built some great relationships here. But I’m curious if his prices can compete with JustStrings.
Click to expand...

I've dealt with Jason at Fret Nation for over 10 yrs now and what I like about him is he's always willing to put together "package deals" with additional discounts. I never pay list prices.

I don't think I can do that with juststrings.
 
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