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Did I Hear Somebody Say Smith Basses Aren't Versatile
- Thread starter Modulus1906
- Start date
Or course it sounds like a Smith, like a Fender sounds like a Fender. That wasn't the aspect of versatility being addressed. Rather, what's being addressed is the fact that these basses aren't limited to a gospel or R&B vibe as seems to be a widely-held misconception. "You" would be tired of singers wouldn't you.
Oh, and while I can't sleep, this too. I dare say I hear a Fenderish bridge pickup tone at :29 thru :45
It's a very typical use of the very typical Ken Smith tone. Short funky licks, chords, pretty much fusion jazz playing used in another style.
It's good but rather a proof that SMith always sound the same.
It's good but rather a proof that SMith always sound the same.
Did you?
Any bass with two pickups and a few knobs will have many different sounds.
Conclusion: 'Sounds like a Smith' and 'versatile' are not mutually exclusive - ie it's just like most other basses.
Tired of singers in a sense too btw, at least new ones. No matter how talented they are, all these 'Voices' and 'X Factors' and 'Idols' bore me to tears. Every one of them is a faded facsimile of someone else who's already recorded better music in the last 20 - 30 years
Tired of singers in a sense too btw, at least new ones. No matter how talented they are, all these 'Voices' and 'X Factors' and 'Idols' bore me to tears. Every one of them is a faded facsimile of someone else who's already recorded better music in the last 20 - 30 years
The "typical use" statement could apply to just about every other bass builder out there, implying that basses are by definition not versatile because they might be typically used, associated with, or preferred in a certain genre. For example, aren't certain basses typically used or preferred in the rock genre? Does that make them less versatile because of that typical use or preference? I don't believe it does. Doesn't the versatility come from the fact that the Smith (in this case) is being "used in another style" as you point out. I think you are in fact making the point that the versatility comes from the fact that the bass can be used in different genres, so the point about it sounding like a Smith (and therefore being less versatile) is analogous to the tail wagging the dog (i.e., labeling for the sake of labeling) or form over substance in my opinion.
Besides the very distinctive slap tone of a Smith, I can't help but wonder how many could actually point out a Smith in various songs in a "blind taste test". In either of the clips I posted, I'm not sure I would have known for sure that those were Smith basses and I have fairly discerning ears.
