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Are Ken Smith basses still popular?

#63
jim777 said:
I'd be happy to check them once before final arrival, so, you know, no bad apples get through and such. No need to thank me :)
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Don't waste your time, those basses are terrible indeed! And unpopular as well (in some states, as i mentioned in my previous post).

jim777 said:
5826.sarcasmtop.jpg_2D00_610x0.jpg
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Shhh, don't say that, sarcasm is not good at all.
:whistle:
 
#67
Dbassmon said:
Smith basses have a niche following. The build quality is tops, unique sound. Plenty of Gospel players use them and love them as well as some R & B and fusion players. They have a very distinct high end characteristic that comes from Smith's handmade pickups and preamps and Smith has a very loyal following.

They are popular enough to keep Ken in business for decades but he is a divisive and pompous fellow that is many times condescending and dismissive... he is successful in spite of his shortcomings as those qualities do not help you in business or in life. How many buyers has he chased away? Many!

This clip captures the sonic quality of these basses, Killer player! Contemporary Gospel Act the Pace Sisters.
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That is the amazing Darrell Freeman killing on the Smith! He is one of the most versatile bassists on the planet. Having owned basses made by Alembic, Warwick and Peavey (Cirrus), the best bass that I've ever owned or played was a Ken Smith. Nothing new-they're still phenomenal!

Having said that, If you haven't played a Cort Artisan A5 Custom -yeah, a Cort-, you are missing out! Next to a Smith, it's the second best bass I've ever played! Very Smith-like for a whole lot less $$$$! It's not a Smith, but it's no joke! Trust me!

 
#69
I understand, that most players will alway have their prefer brand of basses and dislike other, that's ok, it's all about each players taste. I asked the question about ken smith bass because they doesn't get mentioned as much as before, they are awesome basses, I just bought a white tiger, this thing it awesome it sounds just like my Sadowsky NYC 5-24, cuts like butter.
 
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#73
bottomzone said:
That is the amazing Darrell Freeman killing on the Smith! He is one of the most versatile bassists on the planet. Having owned basses made by Alembic, Warwick and Peavey (Cirrus), the best bass that I've ever owned or played was a Ken Smith. Nothing new-they're still phenomenal!

Having said that, If you haven't played a Cort Artisan A5 Custom -yeah, a Cort-, you are missing out! Next to a Smith, it's the second best bass I've ever played! Very Smith-like for a whole lot less $$$$! It's not a Smith, but it's no joke! Trust me!

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That's a nice bass, but it does not remind of Smith. It is a great option for modern tone though.
 
#74
otto B said:
First I was unsure if I wanted to keep the KS because it has the same sound as my Sadowsky. Super punchy with the sparkle clear highs and even sounding mids, cut's like a hot knife in a bar of butter, beautiful. It was a hard decision specially being the Sadowsky is lighter. The KS construction details, the spacing and the crazy low action, won between them two, again this is just my taste. Soon I will be placing my Sadowsky NYC 5-24 for sale.
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Interesting. I made a similar progression, though from a Metro Modern 5 rather than a USA. Great bass and I really liked it, but in the end, the 1&7/8" nut and the 19mm spacing wasn't comfortable. I sold it and took a chance on a CR-5, and it was a perfect fit, with tone to die for. I picked up a 1995 BTG-5 for super cheap, and the CR-5 is now on the market. Love Smith basses. A fretless 5 is next!
 
#79
Dr. Cheese said:


What do you think of my Peavey as a faux Smith?
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To my ears,that is definitely in the same tonal family as a Smith! IMHO, the Cirrus is a well, especially this one:



Where do you think this Sukop resides tonally?



There seem to be a number of basses that may be in the tonal family of a Smith-but as said in the movie Highlander, there can only be one! As much as I am enjoying my Cort A5 Custom Z, which reminds me of the Smith that I had about 4 years ago, it is not a Smith and I'm cool with that.
 
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#80
bottomzone said:
To my ears,that is definitely in the same tonal family as a Smith! IMHO, the Cirrus is a well, especially this one:



Where do you think this Sukop resides tonally?



There seem to be a number of basses that may be in the tonal family of a Smith-but as said in the movie Highlander, there can only be one! As much as I am enjoying my Cort A5 Custom Z, which reminds me of the Smith that I had about 4 years ago, it is not a Smith and i'm cool with that.
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I know what you mean! Sometimes folks assume you are a wanna be because your bass sounds like a more expensive one.
 
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