I recently purchased a Ken Smith BSR6 from Guitar Center. While I initially liked the bass, it came with multiple issues that made the whole experience incredibly frustrating and disappointing. I paid $4.6k after taxes, and for that kind of money—even if it's a used instrument—I expected something in far better condition.
First off, it arrived without a case, wrapped in only a single layer of bubble wrap, and shipped in a Squier box. That alone should have been a red flag. When I opened it, I found the action absurdly high, like skyscraper-level high. There was also a huge ding between the pickups, almost like someone had dug into the wood with their fingernail. The bass arrived filthy with gunk everywhere, and on top of that, someone had engraved their name on the side of the bass. It says: Pokey Mason Jay
Now here's the wild part. Guitar Center listed the condition as Great. But let me be clear—this was far from great. Some people might say, "Well, it's used, what do you expect?" But at $4.6k, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that a high-end bass would be thoroughly inspected and disclosed properly. This isn't a cheap entry-level instrument. Any bass over $1k—let alone a boutique Ken Smith—should arrive in better condition, with full transparency about its issues.
To make matters worse, the bass did not work in passive mode when it arrived. I tried contacting Guitar Center live chat, and there was no response. Then I emailed them, and nothing. Two weeks later, there was no response despite their promise of a 24-hour response window. Funny how they respond quickly when you're ready to buy, but completely ghost you when there's a problem.
Eventually, I went into a local Guitar Center to return the bass. One of the reps was apologetic and said they'd have their tech take a look. Long story short: the preamp was damaged, likely during shipping, according to them. They told me they'd have to order the part from Ken Smith directly, so there was nothing they could do for me.
I was devastated. In the short time I had it, I had grown attached to that bass—it had the perfect weight, and despite everything, it had some sentimental value.
I ended up returning it. But here's the kicker, they reposted the bass for sale with none of the issues disclosed. No mention of the preamp damage. No warning about the engraving. No info about the condition. Just the same price and description, like nothing ever happened.
This is dishonest and irresponsible. Guitar Center should not be shipping boutique basses like they're Squires, and they definitely shouldn't be reselling damaged instruments without full disclosure.
I just want to warn others, if you see a swamp ash Ken Smith BSR6 at Guitar Center, beware. You might be buying a bass that's already been returned for major issues. I'll include the link below so you can see for yourself.
Guitar Center has lost my trust. I'm heartbroken over this whole thing, and I just hope no one else gets burned like I did.
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First off, it arrived without a case, wrapped in only a single layer of bubble wrap, and shipped in a Squier box. That alone should have been a red flag. When I opened it, I found the action absurdly high, like skyscraper-level high. There was also a huge ding between the pickups, almost like someone had dug into the wood with their fingernail. The bass arrived filthy with gunk everywhere, and on top of that, someone had engraved their name on the side of the bass. It says: Pokey Mason Jay
Now here's the wild part. Guitar Center listed the condition as Great. But let me be clear—this was far from great. Some people might say, "Well, it's used, what do you expect?" But at $4.6k, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that a high-end bass would be thoroughly inspected and disclosed properly. This isn't a cheap entry-level instrument. Any bass over $1k—let alone a boutique Ken Smith—should arrive in better condition, with full transparency about its issues.
To make matters worse, the bass did not work in passive mode when it arrived. I tried contacting Guitar Center live chat, and there was no response. Then I emailed them, and nothing. Two weeks later, there was no response despite their promise of a 24-hour response window. Funny how they respond quickly when you're ready to buy, but completely ghost you when there's a problem.
Eventually, I went into a local Guitar Center to return the bass. One of the reps was apologetic and said they'd have their tech take a look. Long story short: the preamp was damaged, likely during shipping, according to them. They told me they'd have to order the part from Ken Smith directly, so there was nothing they could do for me.
I was devastated. In the short time I had it, I had grown attached to that bass—it had the perfect weight, and despite everything, it had some sentimental value.
I ended up returning it. But here's the kicker, they reposted the bass for sale with none of the issues disclosed. No mention of the preamp damage. No warning about the engraving. No info about the condition. Just the same price and description, like nothing ever happened.
This is dishonest and irresponsible. Guitar Center should not be shipping boutique basses like they're Squires, and they definitely shouldn't be reselling damaged instruments without full disclosure.
I just want to warn others, if you see a swamp ash Ken Smith BSR6 at Guitar Center, beware. You might be buying a bass that's already been returned for major issues. I'll include the link below so you can see for yourself.
Guitar Center has lost my trust. I'm heartbroken over this whole thing, and I just hope no one else gets burned like I did.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
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