Are Ken Smith basses still popular?

[Dr. Cheese]

It's funny you said that because I completely agree. Everyone is all Bass Mods now lol

I have always felt the Gospel market is faddish. The more I play Gospel, the less I care about what some hotshot plays. Almost all of my playing is at my church with a keyboardist and drummer.
I have used everything from an Affinity P-bass to a Ken Smith and Modulus Quantum, and it truly makes no difference to the congregation.

 

[Green Lantern]

I have always felt the Gospel market is faddish. The more I play Gospel, the less I care about what some hotshot plays. Almost all of my playing is at my church with a keyboardist and drummer.
I have used everything from an Affinity P-bass to a Ken Smith and Modulus Quantum, and it truly makes no difference to the congregation.

But it makes a difference to you; the bass impacts how you play, and there are always music lovers and musicians in the congregation that will appreciate the sound of a Ken Smith bass over a P bass especially for Gospel

 

[Mr_O'B]

Seems like they have gone from Ken Smith, MTD and currently Bass Mods.

Like you stated, "The congregation does not care as long as the playing is good!"

 

[Dr. Cheese]

But it makes a difference to you; the bass impacts how you play, and there are always music lovers and musicians in the congregation that will appreciate the sound of a Ken Smith bass over a P bass especially for Gospel

In twenty years at my current church, three people in the audience asked about my basses.
I don't own a bass that doesn't play well or sound good regardless of price.

I owned a Ken Smith that traded on a whim. I really regret that decision, but since that time, I owned many other basses that brought me joy. I am all for musicians owning basses that really work for them. If that means a Ken Smith, go for it!

 

[Chinchano]

I have always felt the Gospel market is faddish. The more I play Gospel, the less I care about what some hotshot plays. Almost all of my playing is at my church with a keyboardist and drummer.
I have used everything from an Affinity P-bass to a Ken Smith and Modulus Quantum, and it truly makes no difference to the congregation.

I bought a Sire and haven't turned back. I feel any good jazz bass is all you really need most times. Like sharay reed, dude has been playing ONLY that red Fender Jazz forever

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I bought a Sire and haven't turned back. I feel any good jazz bass is all you really need most times. Like sharay reed, dude has been playing ONLY that red Fender Jazz forever

That's so true. Marcus Miller is another good example of getting it done with a Jazz too.

 

[Flaked Beans]

Back in the good old '80s ^ ^

 

[Toso2121]

"Popularity" is a zero-factor in how I choose basses. I could not care any less if the brand has a million devotees or none.[/QUOTE]

One thing I like about Ken Smith basses is that you do not see a bunch, so they are a bit unique. Also, besides being excellent musical instruments, I consider them artwork. They are physically beautiful.

 

[Tony In Philly]

There is nothing new to say about Ken Smith. They are also rare compared to the major brands so there won't be a thousand fan boys boosting them online every day. There is fad aspect to boutique basses because they get hot, and get a lot of attention, and then cool down. This rise and fall in chatter very rarely has anything to do with the quality of the bass.

Well said. I'm very suspicious of these types of basses, but then again that's just me. A lot of players would probably dislike my choices as well.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I have always felt the Gospel market is faddish. The more I play Gospel, the less I care about what some hotshot plays. Almost all of my playing is at my church with a keyboardist and drummer.
I have used everything from an Affinity P-bass to a Ken Smith and Modulus Quantum, and it truly makes no difference to the congregation.

Taylor acoustics seems to be loved by the WWJP crowd, too.

 

[steve4765630]

I would say that vintage style 4 string basses are back in fashion right now, so boutique basses are on the back burner, but for some guys high end basses are always on the radar, although it's a smaller market. I just bought a used Ken Smith White Tiger 6 string. It's an amazing instrument and I can say that with a decent amount of experience in the high end bass market. The woodwork is flawless as is the fretwork and the playability is excellent. It has a great tone that really cuts through the mix. I intend to play it on everything I have coming up from recording to live stuff. There's no reason not to own one unless you just don't like the looks or the sound, but I'll say that tone is in your hands, your strings and your rig as much as the bass. I know at least 6 guys, not including myself, that play all sorts of music that use Ken Smith basses and have nothing but praise for them. Anyway, they are popular with guys that see the high value in the high price tag.

 

[India_Sierra]

I bought a Sire and haven't turned back. I feel any good jazz bass is all you really need most times. Like sharay reed, dude has been playing ONLY that red Fender Jazz forever

I believe Sharay now plays a Fodera, albeit the jazz bass influence is apparent in the model he has chosen.

Personally, I've always found it really cool that boutique basses found a ready home in gospel music. It shows to me a player that cares about their craft. I really need to listen to more gospel music because the musicianship is often astounding, verging on a fusion-type quality at times.

 

[Toso2121]

I have come to a conclusion that Ken Smith basses are still as popular as they have ever being. This are basses are truly a master piece. I decided to buy a White tiger 5, I wasn't sure to keep it, until I got to played at Church today for the first time and that bass cut and sang so incredible, wow. I would say that other than a Fodera this is a bass to own and keep for ever. wow, what an incredible bass.

I have owned many basses over the years. The two finest have been Ken Smith and Fodera. I sold both because they were just so expensive. Nothing played like those two basses, period. I have always missed them and just bought another Ken Smith. It will not be sold this time.

 

[Chuck M]

The problem with Ken Smith basses is Ken Smith. I have owned 5 Ken Smith basses and they were fine instruments. However, Ken Smith proved to be difficult to work with so I gave up on his basses and moved on.

There are many great guys building fine instruments and I choose to deal with them. Keith Roscoe, Geoff Gould and Brady Muckleroy are wonderful people who really care about their customers. They get my $$ these days.