Author Topic: Ken Smith Compressors vs Alembic Strings (Read 350 times)

tomiv9 · « **on:** June 04, 2015, 08:14:02 AM »

I am just curious if anyone has experience with these 2 strings and can compare the differences. I currently have Chromes (medium) on my alembic distillate and am looking to switch it up a bit. Something with a little more of a roundwound sound, but not too bright and not too much fingernoise/fret clank.

(Message edited by tomiv9 on June 04, 2015)

edwin · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2015, 01:45:49 AM »

Maybe Slick Rounds? Thomastik Jazz Flats? Pyramid Golds (I've found that these even give a great slap tone on my Alembic powered Starfire).

keith_h · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2015, 05:28:12 AM »

The Chromes are a pretty bright string for a flat. If you are looking for a bit more you might want to consider ground round wound or as they are also known half rounds. I have always liked GHS Brite Flats in this category but many other companies make them too.

Keith

tomiv9 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2015, 07:33:45 AM »

Thanks for the suggestions guys, i have looked at all those other types too, but narrowed it down between the Compressors and Alembic. They are both Compression wound strings, so slightly smoother then rounds, but still sound like rounds. Compressors dont seem to be that popular, but there's some great reviews of the them over on talkbass. They are also cheaper than the Alembics, so figure i'll start with them first and see if i like em. Thanks!

growlypants · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2015, 08:32:47 AM »

For what it's worth: I love Alembic strings' brightness and longevity!! But they are on the expensive side. I've recently tried a set of D'Addario half-rounds - there's MUCH less string noise, but they do go dead pretty quick. And believe it or not, that's been my total experience with strings on Alembics!!!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2015, 11:44:54 AM »

D*mn - just got a set of D'Addario half-rounds. Was hoping they'd be sort of a poor man's Alembic = good in a pinch and a little easier to find.

Haven't found anything that lasts as long as Alembic - so I guess ya' gits whatcha pays fer there...

As for Chromes, I like them and am currently using them on Crown of Creation.

No experience with Ken Smith.

tomiv9 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2015, 12:02:20 PM »

Yeah i was originally thinking D'addario halfrounds, but read alot of negative reviews. That lead me to discover GHS Pressure wounds, which alot of people liked better, and then Ken Smith Compressors, which are supposedly just like Pressure wounds but some people like them better. Figured i'd give em a shot.

gearhed289 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2015, 01:07:03 PM »

There's a good chance Smith Compressors ARE GHS Pressurewound. LOTS of strings out there, but only a few actual manufacturers. Anyone know who makes Alembic strings?

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2015, 01:57:54 PM »

I know I know! But the company that makes them made me promise not to tell anyone, sorry. Their rules!

samsamaha · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2015, 03:25:05 PM »

Mica, any chance of Alembic strings that are 100% stainless steel? ala Dean Markley Helix? I love the feel of the Alembic strings, but I think overall I still like the Helix which are also quite cheap btw..

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2015, 03:55:24 PM »

We did have nickel and stainless roundwounds at one time, but they were not remarkably different from the manufacturer's, except that we inspected and packaged them, so they did get a keen looking at. I don't think we'll be re-issuing them anytime soon.

Our compression wound strings are made from our own wire, so they are unique.

tomhug · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2015, 11:41:43 PM »

I have used both Alembic Strings and Ken Smith Compressors. The Ken Smith Compressors are extremely similar to the Alembics (IMO). Both feel, tension (most important to me), and sound.

Price-wise, I think I have found both brands at roughly the same price-point, but you have to dig around a bit or happen upon a sale.

I don't believe I've ever tried the Ken Smiths on any of my Alembics. But I have on other basses. Both are great strings and so close that I think I'd be comfortable with either brand on any of my basses. I love the Alembic Strings on my Alembics, but I tend to go matchy-matchy with my bass gear when I can afford it.

I think both brands would accomplish what you are after: little more of a roundwound sound, but not too bright and not too much fingernoise/fret clank