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Strings on a Ken Smith CR6

KNURRR

KNURRR

Oct 12, 2009
221
9
#1
Hey guys,

i recently purchased a used Ken Smith CR6 from '98 and wondered about your opinion on what strings you would choose and for what reason. unfortunately i do not have access to the whole variety of 6 string sets so here are my possibilities:

Rotosound RS666
DR Strings TMR6-30
Elixir
Cocco RC6A
Fodera StainlessSteels
Ken Smith Rock Masters
F-Bass StainlessSteels
Dean Markley 2838

in general i'm looking for strings that deliver the typical smith tone best, but also add a "throaty" characteristic to it... very similar to the sound gary grainger achieves on recordings with john scofield (i.e. Loud Jazz, Pick Hits Live)

thanks for your help - i'm really looking forward to your suggestions! :bassist:
 
#2
Well, you can always go with the Ken Smith as they are all that Ken Smith puts on Smiths. Plus the "Balanced Taper Core" sets are most likely what your bridge saddles are cut for.

DR TMR6-30 = Long Necks... The Taper Sections are too long.

Dean Markley 2838? I am unfamilar with that part number? 2698 = SR2000 6-Str? Those are cool on the smith as they are all taper core and will seat in the saddles nicely.

The other all work on the smith as well so its really a matter of personal preference.

Congrats on the new Smith from a fellow Smith lover!
 
#3
thank you for your information on functionality and the "taper core" aspect, i did not had that in mind!
unfortunately i do not have further information on the dean markley strings :/

can you give me advice on strings adding a kind of "throaty" characteristic to the tone? im curious :)

btw here is some eyecandy...

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#4
Dear GOD what a beautiful bass... I've had a couple of Smith basses, liked them but ultimately, the tone & feel were just not *me*. Build quality is of course, impeccable.
That said, I liked KS Rockmasters(IIRC_ the SS, non-tapered ones)on the Smiths as well as other basses- Warwick, Fender, Stambaugh. VERY *zingy* when new, not sure that's what you're after. I haven't had the experience of a string set altering the general tone of a bass much, although I usually go SS.
 
#5
Does anybody here have experience with the Smith compressors? I recently acquired a Smith and am a longtime flats user. I don't want to be a total philistine and string it with Chromes or Labellas, but at this point I'm just too used to smooth strings and less twang. I used to use DA Half rounds, but the tone can be rather thin and twangy from those. Any thoughts from the Smith brain trust here on TB?

Oh yeah, I know, "no pics no bass"- lemme see if I can bust out that camera.....
 
#6
Compressors (pressurewound type strings) are my personal favorite. Very midrange punchy / growly... since the outer windings are smoother there is less finger noise.

When I had my fretless smith built I had it ship with Compressors and I used them on my Fretted smith until mid 2k's...

Definitely worth giving a shot!
 
#8
Ken Smith Compressors are made in a similar method as "GHS Pressure Wound" strings so yes they are considered Pressurewound or "roller wound" strings.

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