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Ken Smith Black Tiger Demo

I never had the itch for a Ken Smith. Only played one once when I was at the Bass Bootcamp Expo in Philly and honestly, it was one of the worst basses I've ever played. The neck was upright sized almost and the tone was very dark. Knowing that Ken Smith is an upright player, maybe that was his personal bass and the way he likes it? I would definitely try one again but after that attempt, I'm not seeking one out.
 
Unfortunately, many of them have become like that now.
Maybe/Likely there is a little wiggle room, but damn: Chuck Levin's KS Black Tigers in stock $9,900 !

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So last week I was in Seattle (to catch Marcus Miller). Went to a high end guitar shop. An older local player had passed away, and his entire collection was being sold on a consignment. Pedullah. Alembic. Lull. Ritter. All of it. I played with them and they were great. Behind all of them was a four string Smith. Black Tiger. First one I’ve ever seen in person.

I picked it up. It has been WELL worn. Played it, and couldn’t put it down. The sound is just amazing. Warm and clear, the notes pop right out of the instrument. Amazing slap tone. 3 people in the shop said “you sound good on that bass!” I went for a walk, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I called my girl, and she said do it.

I went in, got them to work on the price, and I bought that thing. I liked it that much. Time to sell a couple of old ones.
 

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So last week I was in Seattle (to catch Marcus Miller). Went to a high end guitar shop. An older local player had passed away, and his entire collection was being sold on a consignment. Pedullah. Alembic. Lull. Ritter. All of it. I played with them and they were great. Behind all of them was a four string Smith. Black Tiger. First one I’ve ever seen in person.

I picked it up. It has been WELL worn. Played it, and couldn’t put it down. The sound is just amazing. Warm and clear, the notes pop right out of the instrument. Amazing slap tone. 3 people in the shop said “you sound good on that bass!” I went for a walk, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I called my girl, and she said do it.

I went in, got them to work on the price, and I bought that thing. I liked it that much. Time to sell a couple of old ones.

I am so happy for you! That is a beautiful bass! At least in the picture the wear looks moderate. Is it neckthrough or bolt on?
 
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So last week I was in Seattle (to catch Marcus Miller). Went to a high end guitar shop. An older local player had passed away, and his entire collection was being sold on a consignment. Pedullah. Alembic. Lull. Ritter. All of it. I played with them and they were great. Behind all of them was a four string Smith. Black Tiger. First one I’ve ever seen in person.

I picked it up. It has been WELL worn. Played it, and couldn’t put it down. The sound is just amazing. Warm and clear, the notes pop right out of the instrument. Amazing slap tone. 3 people in the shop said “you sound good on that bass!” I went for a walk, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I called my girl, and she said do it.

I went in, got them to work on the price, and I bought that thing. I liked it that much. Time to sell a couple of old ones.
Congrats! You can’t beat a Smith. It’s the only electric I play. I have 2; a BSR6 fretted and a BSR6 fretless. They are my forever electric basses.
 
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It’s neck-through. Lots of little buckle rash, little scuffs etc. and the finish where your forearm goes is completely gone. I think it’s a ‘94 so it’s been around. Because it’s been played is why I wanted it- because I’m gonna play it. Like you @Dr. Cheese , I love those 90’s Gospel players and that vibe. I don’t usually buy stuff on impulse but this one grabbed me
 
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