Ken's Stable of Fine Basses

Jason Sypher · #1 01-05-2011, 09:07 AM

I'm heavily in the market for a new bass and I just want to call attention to the fact that Ken Smith has some really nice instruments for sale right now. I've got one out on loan right now. Most are just a little out of my current range but there are some beauties that represent a very good value. There are four standouts that are worth checking out in the 18-22k range. A nice Lombardi, a fine Mittenwald, a totally rebuilt German 3/4 and a fine Jacquet. I'm looking at the darker Lombardi which is going for a little less. I've been around the states looking and these represent the best values I've seen on the market right now. I haven't yet hit Cincinnati Bass Cellar but that's a real schlep or Nick Lloyd. Both look like they've got some nice stuff as well. But do check out Ken, you'll be glad you did. This message has not been approved by Ken! But I feel like it's useful info for those out there on the hunt.

Eric Swanson · #2 01-05-2011, 09:55 AM

+1.

I made a pilgrimage to Ken's shop last autumn. It was an unforgettable experience.

His knowledge of basses and bass history is stunning.

Every bass he had was extraordinary, each in its' own way.

He also has a very nice collection of unusually fine bows.

He was the exemplary host. I was there for many hours, taking turns with Ken, playing and listening to each other play, every bass he had.

He has a truly infectious enthusiasm and passion for the double bass. After leaving his place, I drove all night, in a driving rainstorm, from PA to MA, filled with pure bass love.

My head still spins when I think of his unique concentration of the highest-quality instruments. He really does just pick basses that he believes in, strongly. No dead wood there, in several budgetary ranges...

Jason, is this the bass you are auditioning?

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/lombardi-2/

or is it this one?

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/lombardi/

ps. I have no financial connection with Ken Smith, either. He just blew my mind with what he has going on...

Jason Sypher · #3 01-05-2011, 10:06 AM

No affiliation indeed. I might not even end up with one of his basses but I really like what he has right now.

The one I'm checking out is the first one. It's got a good jazz sound and bows well. The second one is more pricey but definitely a fine instrument...more sophisticated and more traditional looking.

Beyond my range he also has some ridiculous instruments available. My post was specifically to inform those of us in the same range that are looking for a solid value. There's a lot of crap out there, if you don't mind me saying, and Ken's stuff is all very solid and well cared for.

Cheers

Eric Swanson · #4 01-05-2011, 10:25 AM

Looks lovely. Nice overstand and plenty of bow clearance at the c bouts. Pretty scroll.

Do the poplar back and sides help give it a nice, full sound?

I would make the same observation about Ken's selection; every instrument I saw was of noteworthy quality. If there were any issues, he described them fully, and discussed various options, up front.

When one thinks about how many basses he has saved and how much work he has provided to several luthiers, it is pretty inspirational. He has done much, for many, as far as I can tell.

Jason Sypher · #5 01-05-2011, 10:50 AM

The Lombardi's both have that "push" that you want. They're both 3/4's though they sound more like 7/8's. I've played other Lombardi's that look good but don't have "it".

Ken's basic philosophy is to repair any bass he sells OR fully discuss what should be done. I find Arnold to be the same.

lrhbass · #6 01-05-2011, 08:39 PM

Jason,
Did you get to play the other three and how, did they compare to the one that you are interested in.

Uncletoad · #7 01-05-2011, 08:45 PM

Agreed.

I looked at a bunch of stuff and ended up with something from him.

Jason Sypher · #8 01-05-2011, 09:50 PM

All the basses were very different. But all were in good health and playing very well no matter what kind of music you player on them.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #9 01-05-2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

The one I'm checking out is the first one.

Gorgeous bass. Yowsah!

Jason Sypher · #10 01-05-2011, 11:51 PM

Yes, it is, although it takes a little getting used to. The other one is actually quite stunning in person. The one I've got is kind of old and rustic looking, quite unusual.

Bass · #11 01-06-2011, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

...The one I'm checking out is the first one....

Gosh, what an "unusual" looking bass!

Jason Sypher · #12 01-06-2011, 06:32 AM

Part of that is the slab cut poplar. Slab cut was used in the old Italian tradition of bass making. One doesn't usually see a slab cut bass at this, far more affordable, price-point. The color is unusual for sure. If I bought it I'd always be curious what it would look like with a more trad varnish. I will say it puts out a lot of bass.

Eric Swanson · #13 01-06-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

Yes, it is, although it takes a little getting used to. The other one is actually quite stunning in person. The one I've got is kind of old and rustic looking, quite unusual.

Dig it. Of course, that can be "part of it."

The bass I ended up with looks as if it was originally made by a drunk having a rough day, working in a hurry (and perhaps it was). But the subsequent magic, craftsmanship, and reworking that happened to it after it left the original maker completely overpowers the crude exterior.

There is something cool, IMHO, about an instrument that looks a mite funky, that is actually stealth-supercharged.

Reminds me of a lot of folks I have met, which is a nice thing...

If one is in love with the appearance, that is cool, too. For my budget, I picked sound, volume, tone, and responsiveness, and hang the appearance. I knew that I couldn't have both. For 5-10x what I paid, I probably could have gotten both killer sound and killer looks. I will always prefer an instrument that sounds amazing and looks like poo, over one that looks great and plays like poo, if I have to choose.

I have played several vastly more expensive basses, with pedigrees, that didn't have the air-pushing power, tone, bottom end, pizz sound, or structural health of my "Ugly Duckling".

Other folks can have those. Give me a bass that works. To my mind, there are few things lovelier. There is just so much in this world that is the opposite; looks lovely, but doesn't really perform...

Just my 2c.

Jason Sypher · #14 01-06-2011, 09:03 AM

Of course...and, truth be told, I usually go for the funky chick in the corner over the debutante serving the punch.

Uncletoad · #15 01-06-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

Of course...and, truth be told, I usually go for the funky chick in the corner over the debutante serving the punch.

They end up much more interesting in the long run.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #16 01-06-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

They end up much more interesting in the long run.

Amen to that. Besides, who among us taking part in this conversation are not ourselves in possession of a fair amount of funk? Funky loves company.

Uncletoad · #17 01-06-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

Amen to that. Besides, who among us taking part in this conversation are not ourselves in possession of a fair amount of funk? Funky loves company.

I possess buckets of funk. Enough to dissuade the stoutest of funk loving women.

Jason Sypher · #18 01-07-2011, 11:59 AM

Bought the Lombardi

Eric Hochberg · #19 01-07-2011, 12:17 PM

Gorgeous bass! Congrats!

anonymous02282011 · #20 01-07-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

Bought the Lombardi

nice. If it sounds and plays anything the way it looks it's a bass i'd be happy playing for a lifetime.