ken smith slick rounds vs chromes

[Kevin Doyle]

I had the Ken Smith slicks on for a couple weeks. I absolutely loved my E and A strings but did not like the sharp contrast with the D and G strings. The D and G were so much brighter it just didn’t seem like there was any balance with the set. I decided the problem was the 44 gauge of the G string ( Can’t remember the gauge of the D but was also on the lighter side. I now have the Ernie Ball slinky flats where the D is a 50 but miss the Ken Smith. All the strings that I think I will like that are sort of in the middle of round and flats seem to have the 44 is the highest available gauge for the G. Anyone ever feel this way or have any advice?

 

[Kevin Doyle]

Ernie ball cobalt flats have been the best I've found that are bright and also thumpy

I have the Ernie Ball slinky flats which also have cobalt. I like them just OK you mean the Ernie Ball slinky cobalt right? Have you tried both? I’d love if someone can tell me the difference between these two?

 

[michael_t]

I’d love if someone can tell me the difference between these two?

Ernie Ball "Slinky Flatwound" = "Cobalt Flats". Two different terms for the same thing.

Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats are their more traditional option, which some people refer to as "Group Flats". "Group" simply refers to different sets of gauges, as in Group I (55-110), Group II (50-105), Group III (45-100) & Group IV (40-95).

 

[Kevin Doyle]

Ernie Ball "Slinky Flatwound" = "Cobalt Flats". Two different terms for the same thing.

Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats are their more traditional option, which some people refer to as "Group Flats". "Group" simply refers to different sets of gauges, as in Group I (55-110), Group II (50-105), Group III (45-100) & Group IV (40-95).

but they sell these Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

 

[Kevin Doyle]

but they sell these Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

And these Slinky Cobalt Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

 

[michael_t]

but they sell these Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

= Cobalt Flatwound.

And these Slinky Cobalt Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

= Cobalt Roundwound.

 

[Kevin Doyle]

= Cobalt Flatwound.



= Cobalt Roundwound.

Sometimes my stupidity is embarrassing... Thank you for the clarification that was available if I had read more closely.

 

[Kevin Doyle]

Can anyone compare the GHS Brite Flats to the Slick Rounds? The GHS sound like they’re essentially the same thing but they come with a gauge that I will like better.

 

[michael_t]

Can anyone compare the GHS Brite Flats to the Slick Rounds?

They're both Alloy 52 (nickel-iron) half-rounds made by GHS, so you can call them siblings with some minor differences in specs.

I like the light set of the Brite Flats for myself as they seem to be nicely balanced both in tone and tension.

G 045 - 38.3 lbs.
D 056 - 35.9
A 077 - 39.3
E 098 - 38.8 (Total 152.3)

And here's the medium set...

G 049 - 42.8 lbs.
D 062 - 44.0
A 084 - 49.5
E 108 - 44.8 (Total 181.1)

One thing to keep in mind is these half-rounds are stiffer in feel compared to rounds of similar gauges.