1996 Ken Smith BT5G Custom Zebra Wood
After more than 40 years of playing guitar and bass, tendonitis and shoulder problems have slowed me down to the point that it's silly for me to keep an instrument of this quality...it's just not getting played that much. Like many here on TB I've owned (or played) a plethora of instruments, but back in the 90's I quit buying and selling after purchasing this Smith and one of the first 100 Rob Allen fretless MB-2's (sold last year to a fellow TB member here in Colorado). At the time I had narrowed it down to 2 choices, a 5-string Fodera and this Smith. I've often heard it said that the best Ken Smith basses were built in the 90's. I have no way of knowing if that's true, but there is no question in my mind that this is an exceptional example of Ken's famous wood selection and state-of-the-art craftsmanship.
As you can see from the photos I've managed to keep this in mint condition even though it's 18 years old...home studio use only. Prior to this sale I returned the bass to Ken to have it completely refurbished at a cost of $500 including shipping and insurance. For a few years now I've been putting up with A/C noise from lights when I play at night and I didn't want to sell it without having that corrected. Ken removed the electronics and pickups and sprayed new shielding paint into the cavities and now it's nice and quiet. The frets had minimal wear given it's age, but he also recommended dressing them, so that was done, and he did a full set-up including a new set of Ken Smith taper core balanced strings.
I should mention that Ken was very impressed with this bass. We had some nice conversations while it was there for service and when he called to discuss how I wanted it set up he commented that he thought it was a really great bass. I told him I had always been very impressed with it, but had only had the opportunity to play a handful of Smith basses over the years. His response to that was he'd played over 6000 and this one was particularly nice. I got the impression that Ken really enjoyed getting the chance to see his older basses and how they've seasoned over the years. Instruments certainly improve with age and this one has definitely got mojo. For me it has been a joy to own and I expect the new owner will be equally impressed.
Specifications:
5-Piece Body with Mahogany Core, Walnut Laminate, and Exhibition Grade Zebra Top and Back.
5-Piece Maple/Morado Neck-Thru Construction
Fingerboard: Gaboon Ebony
Classic Hand Rubbed High Gloss Catalyzed Lacquer over Stradivari Gold Oil (Ken's Secret Sauce)
Gold Smith Hardware & Dunlop "Flush Mount" Strap Locks
World Famous Smith Humbucking Pickups and Smith 3 Band Active/Passive EQ
1 3/4" Nut - 18mm Spacing at the Bridge
Ken Smith Taper Core Balanced Strings
Original Ken Smith Tear Drop Hard Shell Case
Build Date: September 1996
Weight: 9.4 lbs.
Price:
$3895 - I believe this is fair and very reasonable, especially considering I just spent $500 to put it in like new condition for the new owner. Ken told me replacement cost would be $6100 plus shipping.
I will accept payment via E-Check (online your bank to mine), PayPal E-Check (no fees), Bank Wire Transfer, USPS Money Order, Personal Check. Whatever the method, funds must clear to my account prior to shipment.
Shipping and insurance is the responsibility of the buyer and should be around $100. I have new Ken Smith double boxes for safe shipping.
I am willing to sell internationally. I am experienced in shipping items overseas and will use USPS Insured Airmail. Buyer is responsible for all fees and import duty. Payment will be by Bank Wire Transfer only.
I can also provide links for over 15 years of feedback from my numerous transactions on eBay and Audiogon if requested.