In the pics it looks like a chrome bridge but it’s black. It was grimey, I would have expected at least a little clean up effort…That bridge looks like a crime scene.
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Ken Smith BSRJ on GC Website
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Agreed! The price is deceptive too! It’s a BSRJ and for that price I would expect better than their version of “Good.”
It’s very hit or miss! I’ve found some “treasures” but I’ve also gotten some duds; like this bass.
I have 3 Smiths and I had high hopes for this bass. I could NOT live w that damage at that price. These USED to be found for about $2k of course it’s a different market now but for $3.5k (all in w tax & shipping) I would expect better.
That may very well be but I have three Smiths which rarely leave this house as they are somewhat unique instruments and irreplaceable. I was planning on working this one into my playing arsenal!
I have 3 Smiths so I had no problem passing. With a little patience I’ll find one in way better condition at that price point.
They didn’t even try to offer a discount when I returned it. The bass needed a lot of work, including a set up which I would have expected that they would have performed before listing & selling.
There’s always a $6k KSD I suppose:
Used Ken Smith Designs Burner 5 Natural Electric Bass Guitar:
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I don’t even want to try to explain that one…
My BSR5J does have a bit of a canal dug out between the pickups by its original owner. It's not as severe as the one you had and since I don't put my thumb there it isn't an issue for me. But it does happen!
I'm really pleased with my J, it's a Smith but it has its own character apart from the humbucker models.
It needed a lot of work. The action was way too high for my liking. I’ll find better at that price w a little patience.
The price these still fetch on the used market I would want the whole enchilada. Fit and finish, looks, sound, and last but not least it has to play like buttah!!!! Spending that kind of money and getting a bass your not happy with is not an option for me so I totally understand.
Nah, I wish. Rich people don’t have these problems. I’m buying used just like most of us here just trying to get the most for my hard earned money. Value is subjective and that bass was not worth what I paid IMHO.
One of the many red flags I should NOT have ignored!
The "dent" matches contour and lines up with the thumb burn-in on the edge of the neck pickup. It is just thumb burn-in from a lot of hours of playing.
The bridge grime is sweat corrosion. A little neglectful not wiping it down after each gig or session, but sometimes schedules are tight.
Naturally relic'd.
The metal clamp and screw are tweaker stuff.
The bridge grime is sweat corrosion. A little neglectful not wiping it down after each gig or session, but sometimes schedules are tight.
Naturally relic'd.
The metal clamp and screw are tweaker stuff.
To each their own I guess. Someone played the mess out of that thing for a reason.
Previous owner played the Hell out of it and did not care about keeping it looking good . A trashed Fender looks great , a trashed boutique bass does not . 
A couple of years ago, I played a Marleaux Consat that was the best sounding/playing bass I ever played and I not buy it for one reason .........the bass was trashed to Hell and back !
A couple of years ago, I played a Marleaux Consat that was the best sounding/playing bass I ever played and I not buy it for one reason .........the bass was trashed to Hell and back !
