Looking at a Vintage Ken Smith...Questions...

[shwashwa]

Waiting to hear what ken smith has to say

 

[JonPHLl87]

This bass is an 85 Smith, made in Pennsylvania. Serial number 252, Butcher Block Walnut body that was originally painted black! Not the original pickups.

 

[Reedt2000]

This bass is an 85 Smith, made in Pennsylvania. Serial number 252, Butcher Block Walnut body that was originally painted black! Not the original pickups.

That makes a lot of sense. What about the lack of a carved volute? You think it was sanded down during the paint removal? That, and imagine the dismay of sanding back a smith to find butcher block!

 

[D.A.R.K.]

Well, that's pretty cool! Paint it black again and throw some Smith pickups in it.

 

[hasbeen]

Maybe it's a Smith, but, I never saw this kind of wood arrangement on a Smith bass before. No "coat of arms" on the back of the headstock. Bottom body shape is not like any Smith design I know. The cavity cover on the back is larger than usual. All that aside, it looks very cool. Email Ken for a definite answer.

He wasn't using the coat of arms in 1985. It was simply a rounded volute, which you can see there.

 

[hasbeen]

I personally do not believe this is a Smith. I think this is just some copy.

It's a Smith. Too much of it is "right" for the era: rounded volute, headstock shape and metal logo, snowflake inlays for position markers, set-neck construction etc.

 

[hasbeen]

This bass is an 85 Smith, made in Pennsylvania. Serial number 252, Butcher Block Walnut body that was originally painted black! Not the original pickups.

I have serial number 215. I bought it new in 1985. Mine has a scarf joint in the middle of the headstock as well.

 

[hasbeen]

 

[hasbeen]

 

[hasbeen]

After looking at a couple of comps on reverb I am thinking this might be a salvage with a remade body. Not a Smith expert but seeing a lot of differences…especially said scarf joint.

The scarf joint is normal

 

[Quadzilla]

Looks like somebody bought it to flip it and marked it up +/- 50%.

Ken Smith PAS-II Dove Tail #85252 1985 with Hardcase https://reverb.com/item/46822480?ut...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=46822480

 

[JonPHLl87]

View attachment 4469899

Is this bass available????

 

[hasbeen]

Is this bass available????

It wasn't for sale. I think you're confusing my posting with the OP's.

 

[JonPHLl87]

It wasn't for sale. I think you're confusing my posting with the OP's.

My mistake

 

[gcbake]

It looks like it might be a Vinny Fodera-made bass. Just look at the VW Monarchs, the same dovetail neck set.