Are there any examples of any rock or metal band using a Ken Smith bass? I cant find a single one, or even anybody doing a cover of a rock or metal song who has a ken smith bass. Or are they truly that limited in the sound? Or Do the rock and metal guys just not care the basses look and or sound?
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Can a Ken Smith Rock or do Metal?
- Thread starter Bluestar
- Start date
If you can they can. Unless, it's a looks thing that's most important to you.
Well I would love to hear it!If you can they can. Unless, it's a looks thing that's most important to you.
Lots of Ken Smith threads on the front page! While I can provide no examples. I can assure that I'd def play some metal on a Ken Smith bass. Lol
You can play anything on any bass. Will the look be appropriate for the gig though is the question.
If the player jams hard enough, not only will the bass become appropriate, others will want one too.
A Hofner Violin bass was used on some of the most influential rock songs in history, so yeah a top quality boutique bass will do fine.
As far as looks are concerned, a Ken Smith is a more modern looking bass than P or a J. Lots of guys used highly figured exotic wood tops on Warwicks and Dingwalls, why not a Smith? I think Smiths look metal.
As far as looks are concerned, a Ken Smith is a more modern looking bass than P or a J. Lots of guys used highly figured exotic wood tops on Warwicks and Dingwalls, why not a Smith? I think Smiths look metal.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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All the better! A friend of mine plays a natural walnut fretless Skjold singlecut in metal bands lots, and occasionally in old school country bands too.
It’s Ken Smith Day at Talkbass!
we currently have threads running simultaneously about a single cut Smith, a possible fake Smith, and now playing metal on a Smith! Yowsa!
we currently have threads running simultaneously about a single cut Smith, a possible fake Smith, and now playing metal on a Smith! Yowsa!
I think the style of music being played is more about the attitude, approach, and ideas of the player, then maybe some consideration of the particular instrument being used. As long as it’s a bass and not a piccolo.
It’s said that Gospel music is best played on a Ken Smith or and MTD bass, but I’ve used 5-string Jazz-style basses and Stingrays and I’ve never run off for it…
It’s said that Gospel music is best played on a Ken Smith or and MTD bass, but I’ve used 5-string Jazz-style basses and Stingrays and I’ve never run off for it…
No. It is impossible. Too many knobs. The exotic woods would splinter, the top-notch construction and attention to detail would make thrashing physically impossible.
You can play any style on any instrument.
This is an aesthetic choice you’re asking about. To my ear a Smith sounds like an electric bass.
This is an aesthetic choice you’re asking about. To my ear a Smith sounds like an electric bass.
I can confirm that you can play metal on a Smith, it wouldn't be my first choice but it will do the job. As for looking weird, there's loads of people playing boutique basses in metal.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
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I use(d) a vintage Alembic Series I and a Custom fretless 5-string quite successfully with a newgrass/jamband. (not gigging anymore)
Man I miss playing with those guys...
Man I miss playing with those guys...
That's the old metal-grass band, isn't it?I use(d) a vintage Alembic Series I and a Custom fretless 5-string quite successfully with a newgrass/jamband. (not gigging anymore)
View attachment 5091030 View attachment 5091031 View attachment 5091036
Man I miss playing with those guys...
Not to be "that guy", but pretty much any bass can do rock or metal, with the right setup and playing technique.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
A KS was one of the growliest and most aggressive-sounding basses I've ever tried. It had a walnut body with tiger maple back and top, and maple and walnut? neck. It was an uber rock bass.
Most people won't care or notice. Bass players will notice and only say, "ooh. Cool ken smith."
