How do the Smith's sound compared to the SITs?
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How do the Smith's sound compared to the SITs?
I think the issue is if they are taken off and put on something else a few times. It's likely cheap silk or whatever it is, and being fished through bridge holes if where most of the problem likely occurs. But the strings themselves aren't as durable as other stings I've used either. They have small or few windings to grip the tuners as I recall (hence the odd winding directions from EB), and just don't cotton to being fooled with much.Interesting. I currently have Cobalt Flats on a couple of basses and haven’t noticed any silk issues.
On a Goth Tbird (new strings installed and never removed, pic is current, strings are over a year old).
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On a Les Paul Memphis (used strings from a previous Tbird installation, pic is current, strings were on one bass for several months then moved to this bass about two years ago).
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I can't make a comparison because I've only had them on my BC Rich. But I love those SITs so much that I feel no reason to put on Ken Smiths. Plus as weird as I find the SIT packaging, Ken Smith's is a lot more wasteful.How do the Smith's sound compared to the SITs?
You just can't go wrong with with PB. I wouldn't trust someone who didn't like it!Great taste in color sir.
I had a Cobalt Flat, G snap during a gig, but otherwise haven’t had any issues. I have never had any other strings make that creaking and pinging noise when I’m tensioning them.I’ve installed one set at least 5 times (bridge change, different basses, etc.) with no issues.
I finally changed strings on my EBO when I realized the E didn’t actually have a pitch. They might have been on there for 3 decadesI still have a set of nickel SIT strings to try, never changing strings has some disadvantages.

How do the Smith's sound compared to the SITs?
Nice. Thanks!Surprisingly different, I had used KS Rockmasters on my '89 with Lull pickups for years, tried SITs and they really have a lot more lo mid and bottom to them while retaining punch, I'm quite pleased with them on that bass. Conversely, I tried SITs on my purple '76 and didn't care for them, those pickups make a lot of bass and sub harmonic, wth tose strings it was just too much - the Smith's went back.
Don’t say that too loudly or there won’t be as many for us.Finally got my Dunlop flats in a few days ago and good lord this 60s T-Bird sounds amazing. Can’t wait to bring it to rehearsal with my country band Thursday. With the neck pickup solo’d and the tone knob on just a hair this thing gets super thumpy. Can cop a better upright sound than I can with my P. This is a superb instrument.
Club rule - any time you mention your vintage Tbird you have to show a pic so we can all drool for a while.Finally got my Dunlop flats in a few days ago and good lord this 60s T-Bird sounds amazing. Can’t wait to bring it to rehearsal with my country band Thursday. With the neck pickup solo’d and the tone knob on just a hair this thing gets super thumpy. Can cop a better upright sound than I can with my P. This is a superb instrument.
Club rule - any time you mention your vintage Tbird you have to show a pic so we can all drool for a while.![]()
OK, the official line is: Thunderbirds, have neck dive, are uncomfortable to play, made for rounds only and are not versatile at all. Now repeat after me..... And headstocks fly off if that isn't convincing enough.Finally got my Dunlop flats in a few days ago and good lord this 60s T-Bird sounds amazing. Can’t wait to bring it to rehearsal with my country band Thursday. With the neck pickup solo’d and the tone knob on just a hair this thing gets super thumpy. Can cop a better upright sound than I can with my P. This is a superb instrument.
You have a great bass. It's as close as you can get to the tone of a '60s version without not dropping some serious money. They are great.Ah sorry, I meant the new Epi 60’s T-bird, essentially the VP.
And a fine bass that is as well. IMHO it’s the best new bass buy under $1000 on the market today. Easily goes head to head on both sound and quality with basses costing many times more.Ah sorry, I meant the new Epi 60’s T-bird, essentially the VP.
Don’t say that too loudly or there won’t be as many for us.
Don’t forget horrible QC, over priced and the CEO was a Jerk!OK, the official line is: Thunderbirds, have neck dive, are uncomfortable to play, made for rounds only and are not versatile at all. Now repeat after me..... And headstocks fly off if that isn't convincing enough.
Several of us love flats on a Bird or two.![]()
Love that lineup (not to mention the background - getting more homesick every day).You have a great bass. It's as close as you can get to the tone of a '60s version without not dropping some serious money. They are great.
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You have a great bass. It's as close as you can get to the tone of a '60s version without not dropping some serious money. They are great.
View attachment 4487435
Looks like a Juicy Fruit chewing gum commercial.![]()