2004 Ken Smith BSR5M - $1800 shipped

[j.kernodle]

No trades please.

Extremely tough decision that I've been debating for a couple of weeks now. This is the best playing bass I've ever owned. Has that Ken Smith tone for days. I play in a rock cover band, and an original indy rock band. It just doesn't get the use that my Fender style basses get.

Its a 2004 USA made BSR Model with a two piece tiger maple body. Street price on this bass with the Tiger Maple upgrade is just north of $4000. 3 piece maple neck and morado fingerboard. 18v 3 band electronics.

Has some player wear. The oil finish is thin and allows the wood to resonate, but as such also means the bass has picked up some player wear. Mostly in the form of the typical rub spot above the neck pickup in the thumb anchor position as well as some finger wear below the G string. The bass has to be held at certain angles to see the wear. Has some light scratches in the front and back of the bass. Its a players Smith, not a case queen. I just need to be clear on that. There is a little light fret wear, but the bass still takes as low and slinky a settup as ANY I've ever laid hands on.

Note: I do have all the control cavity cover screws, I just took most of them out for ease of battery changes.

Weight is around 9.75 pounds, comes with the awesome smith hardshell case.

[j.kernodle]

bump. should note. I'm having some very serious second thoughts about selling this. I reserve the right to come to my senses and pull the ad...

[mindwell]

I apologize in advance for the total "tire kicker" question, but I don't live anywhere near a Smith bass that would be available for me to check out for feel, and it's hard to gather much from one-dimensional pictures on a computer screen. But given that I *have* played the EBMM Sterling 5 as a point of reference, and given that you happen to be selling one, how would you compare its neck to that of the Smith listed here, particularly as regards a) thickness front to back and b) shape? Others should correct me if I'm wrong, but spacing-wise, I believe the EBMM is 17.5 mm while the Smith is 18 mm. Any comparisons you could offer on the points listed above, and as to playability, would be most appreciated. Thanks!

[evilgus]

Hey Mindwell,

Hope you don't mind a rough comparison from a 3rd party. I had a Smith just like this one and I'm pretty sure the neck was a good bit thinner than the typical Stingray neck and also a slightly flatter shape. Actually, the Smith neck was probably the most comfortable I've ever come across, plus super fast...

P.S: The Stingray I also used to own was a '98, not sure if they have changed much over time.

Cheers,

EG

[j.kernodle]

Thanks evilgus. I'll echo what you said in that the fretboard feels noticeably flatter on the Smith than on the Sterling. The Sterling neck is probably a little thinner front to back than your old Ray 5. So it feels comparable depthwise to the smith. The spacing on the sterling feels slightly narrower and the B and G strings are closer to the edge of the board. Both are great feeling necks, but the Smith is in a higher class playability wise.

To all interested parties who've PM'd me, I'm going to close this thread. I've decided to hold on to this bass.

[j.kernodle]

Bringing this thread back to life. I love this bass, but its been over six months since I've gigged with it. Thinking its time to let this go.

A handmade US tiger maple smith for $1800 shipped to you.

[TheBasicBassist]

Free bump for a super nice guy, and fellow Ken Smith lover. Best of luck with the sale, buddy.

[mattyiop]

Great seller and bass - I got to noddle on this one and it is indeed special

[moore.jcm]

PM sent!

[notejung]

PM's sent

[j.kernodle]

Thanks Matt!

I'd like to keep this a domestic deal to your confirmed domestic paypal address but if you've got solid feedback I can be a little flexible.

Lots of international interest in this bass.

[ulasengin]

Sent P.M

[ulasengin]

P.M sent

[j.kernodle]

Sold to moore.jcm!

[Vakmere]

A steal of a deal