Is this a good representation of the Ken Smith tone?
 

I'm looking for warm fingerstyle funk tone from my next bass. I've been checking out many basses and I just can't get enough of this Black Tiger. I think it sounds superb in this guys' many videos. Trouble is, other Smith youtube videos don't seem to share the same warm tone. So, would you say this sound is typical from a Smith Black Tiger?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUBWvMiSQow

This wouldn't be a good representation of ANY bass. Sounds like he's using an octave divider, so, too much color in this case. Also, YouTube videos are not a realistic representation of any bass as there are simply too many factors that would either compliment and/or detract from the actual sound of the bass.

If you want to hear the true sound of a Smith, you'd be better served with in-hand experience through a quality amp/cabinet set-up that compliment each other. I've been playing Smiths for 15 years and they are among the best (if not THE best) sounding Jazz, R&B, Funk, Gospel, Blues, etc. bass there is on the market. Among the many Smiths I've played and/or own, the Black Tiger is at the top of the Smith food chain and if you're looking for "warm fingerstyle funk tone", look no further.

I was looking for "that" tone a few weeks ago - set a deposit down on a Roscoe. Give them a look. Great guys.

Hmmm... the one Roscoe I tried didn't have that tone to my ears. Others have recommended them too so I guess they are there or thereabouts. I love the sound AND look of a Tiger (not so much the Roscoes) and for that kind of money it really needs to be ticking many boxes. ;)

@Tim I'm in the UK so trying Smiths isn't too easy.

I don't know if I'd call that tone typical of the Smith, but a Smith can certainly sound like that. For warm, fingerstyle funk, I can't think of a better bass than a Smith.

Personally, I think youtube can give a decent representation, depending on the recording.

Thanks, I'm pretty much sold on the Smith. Just need to find one. :hyper: There's a Fusion Elite on the bay which I guess would be just fine though I don't really want or need the extra bling. As for youtube, yes the sound quality isn't the highest but I have no problems hearing the character of many basses or synths on there.

Trying Smiths in the US isn't easy, either. In 20 years, I think I've seen 2 Smith basses hanging on the wall of a shop.