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KEN SMITH BASS SET-UP HELP!!!

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by UREi809A, Jul 20, 2009.

  1. Jul 20, 2009 #1
    UREi809A

    UREi809A

    Jan 20, 2008
    Hey guys, I'm a Bassist from New York that owns a Ken Smith Bass. I would like to get it set up, polished, re-strung, the whole nine yards.

    Ken Smith Basses are located in Perkasie Pennsylvania, which is a 4 hour drive from me. I called Ken Smith himself a few times and asked him if there's a professional in NYC (or NY, NJ, CT area) that can take care of my bass when need be. His response was:
    "Bassists come in here everyday with broken Ken Smith Basses because they bring it to the wrong person to get it set-up. I don't have anyone I can recommend to you"

    So.....Do I take the 4 hr drive, or do you guys know anyone in NY that can help me? Rudy's, perhaps?

    I just don't want some guy in Sam Ash that works on Rogues to just crank away at a truss rod like there's no tomorrow.

    Thanks for your help guys, MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
     
  2. Jul 20, 2009 #2
    M.Wrenn

    M.Wrenn

    Feb 9, 2009
    Santa Barbara, CA
    i dont live in the NY area so i cant really help you in the dept. of who to go to around there, but if i were you id make the 4 hour drive and give it to the guy who knows it best, better safe than sorry right?
     
  3. Jul 20, 2009 #3
    VroomVroom

    VroomVroom

    Jan 2, 2007
    SF Bay Area, CA
    I'm so surprised that Ken would have such a response. :D Much to his shock and dismay, I'm sure, he's not the only luthier or setup/repair specialist on the planet.

    [tongue removed from cheek]
    That's actually a stock answer, and I can appreciate his perspective...even if I doubt the "every day" part. However, I've got to think you can find someone in your area who can perform quality work on your instrument. Given the big dogs in the industry right in your neck of the woods, you could certainly start there...and if nothing else walk away with a recommendation or two. Good luck...
     
  4. Jul 20, 2009 #4
    ByF

    ByF

    May 19, 2009
    You could read the stickies at the top of this forum, and learn how to do it yourself. Maybe even buy a book and read about it. Every bass I've ever bought new came with a couple of little wrenches, one for the truss rod and one for the bridge saddles. Why do you suppose the bass manufacturers do that? So you can do it yourself.

    I wouldn't even let Ken Smith work on my basses, because I know how I like them better than he does--nobody works on my basses but me. Although I doubt Ken would want to work on my Carvin, Ibanez and Michael Kelly basses anyhow! :D

    Ed
     
  5. Jul 23, 2009 #5
    UREi809A

    UREi809A

    Jan 20, 2008
    hey guys thanks so much for your input
     
  6. Jul 23, 2009 #6
    walterw

    walterw Supportive Fender Commercial User

    Feb 20, 2009
    alpha-music.com
    yeah, it's no harder to set up a smith than any other nice bass. ken smith is famous for his hostility to (and condescension towards) anyone working on his basses.

    maybe find a store that sells a lot of boutique and vintage guitars, chances are they will use a real pro tech.
     
  7. Jul 23, 2009 #7
    T-MOST

    T-MOST

    Dec 10, 2004
    NJ via NYC
    I have a Smith and if I had a significant repair I would go to Ken (about 2 hours drive) and tour the shop while I was there. But, for a simple set up and Buffing? Rudy's in NYC or Daves Sound Repair in Whippany, NJ would be my only choices.