SOLD 1995 Ken Smith CR5--Zebrawood, Mahogany, Morado PRICE DROP LAST DAY $1900 SHIPPED

Here is a very nice 1995 Ken Smith CR5 with Zebrawood top and back, Mahogany core, Morado board, and stainless steel hardware. Ken has confirmed this was a custom, in-house employee build, and it is rare, if not unique, for having a front-mounted jack plug rather than the usual lower bout mounting. The midrange control has been omitted, and the bass/treble/volume (passive pull)/balance are wired to the stock 9v preamp of that era. I'm the second owner, and while I have gigged the bass more than did the original owner, it has been well-cared for and maintained. The metal rotary knob in a couple of the pictures has been replaced with an OEM knob ordered direct from KSB.

Here is what Ken had to say on his forum in response to my inquiry:

"I don't remember the exact order other then he wanted the Mahogany Core thicker for the sound and I guess from these pictures, the bass drilled for the BMT (5 holes) but only the BT section (4 holes) of it so the Top jack could go it its place."

The specs are standard Smith: 34" scale, 1.75" nut, 18 mm bridge spacing. Oh, and three-piece maple neck and smaller black phenolic headstock. It's a great instrument that sounds, plays, and feels exactly like a Smith should. I estimate its weight at 10 - 10.5 lbs; not a feather, not a boat anchor. I purchased it without a case and am selling it the same way; also, am keeping the KS strap. It will, of course, be packed with utmost care. Read my feedback and purchase with confidence.

Here is some video of me noodling it through 2/3rds of an original Acoustic 360/361. The tone, at least, is great.




TERMS: $1900 shipped in CONUS. Payment through Paypal. Foreign transactions considered but with extra charges at my discretion, and will ship for declared value *only.*

ONLY POSSIBLE TRADE: a snarly, aggressive, above-average Rickenbacker 4001-4003 + cash.

And here are the pics. The woods are pretty choice. I think of her as a well-dressed Plain Jane.

 

When I purchased it the seller said 'ebony,' but he was kind of an idiot, the streaks in the board look like those in pictures of morado, and reluctantly, I believe you are correct. So, morado it is. Listing and price (slightly) changed to reflect new information. Still a nice bass!

 

ON HOLD PENDING PAYMENT

 

Thanks, and truly, yes. I'm moving this to get myself a fretless Smith 5 down the line, and I have to say I'm now taking a second look at a Morado board. No lack of the high end 'ping' these basses produce.

 

BASS IS BACK ON THE MARKET.

 

Here's a bit of live audio that gives a sense of how she sits in the mix.

Respect 3 Ring Circus WCC June 8 2013

 

Well, you know, I might be able to help you out with that.

 

Loooooooooonnng story, but no, here it is once again.

 

It's strong. You can hear for yourself on the two clips posted above.