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Johnny Long: Smith/Cirrus Comparison

Man... I like Johnny and he's a good person for this comparison. But... outside with wind and random noises by the camera mic. Only thing we're missing is a train going by. I don't get it.

I mean, I still want a Ken Smith though.

I hope you can get a Smith. Mine has been gone twenty-five years and I still miss it.
 
I wasn't surprised what I heard of the Cirrus.... guess that's why I own one. I thought the Smith was more focused on the demo. Old strings? How that transfers in a band setting.. I dunno. In this solo demo, I gotta say the Cirrus is more exciting to my ear. A bit more zing, but still similar. The rustle of the wind didn't help.
 
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This Just In: More basses sound alike than most of us want to admit.

And anyone playing will make each one sound like they want, so they . . . . . .

Chasing your tail chasing your tail chasing your tail chasing your tail . . . . .

I am quite tempted to reply with an inappropriate joke. That said, you are right, we manage to sound like ourselves no matter what we play.
 
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He makes me smile.

First off, I want the car more than either bass.

Second, the Smith does have a little something special in the sound. They both sound great, but "texture" is as good as any word to describe the difference. I love the articulation and punch, down to the low B. Reminiscent of Spectors, that I adore.

Believe it or not, I recently bought an Ibanez SR4605 (Prestige) that I'd take over a Cirrus and Smith any day of the week. It's way more user-friendly than a Cirrus, is tons less than a Smith, and can cop both tones. Plus, it can growl like a Spector (with way better playability, imo.

 
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Believe it or not, I recently bought an Ibanez SR4605 (Prestige) that I'd take over a Cirrus and Smith any day of the week. It's way more user-friendly than a Cirrus, is tons less than a Smith, and can cop both tones. Plus, it can growl like a Spector (with way better playability, imo.


Ibanez prestige and premium Soundgears are no joke. I got to try one and it was a lovely bass. Japanese Ibanez is still a gem.
 
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