NBD 95 Ken Smith BT-5

[kerrycares]

I picked this up from a fellow TB and I really dig the look of the old Ken Smith with the neck stripes running the entire length of the back.
Bass needed a thorough cleaning and a dose of the Secret Sauce wax.
The bass came with chrome strap buttons ( which I immediately replaced) and black hardware and I plan to update it with the classic Smith gold bling.
The 9v Preamp is powerful and it’s now set up to play at low action after a near miss with a damaged truss rod nut.
The original tear drop HSC makes it a keeper!

 

[Kmrumedy]

Congrats. Older BT's are stellar basses. 1989 BT-5 owner here. You should post this one in the Ken Smith Club. I'm sure the fellas would love to see it.

 

[Lackey]

Super cool! Somehow I've still never played a Smith...

 

[TrevorG]

Jealous. Looks great. How much does it weigh?

 

[kerrycares]

Congrats. Older BT's are stellar basses. 1989 BT-5 owner here. You should post this one in the Ken Smith Club. I'm sure the fellas would love to see it.

Done , I’d like to swap out the black hardware for some gold bling!

 

[kerrycares]

Jealous. Looks great. How much does it weigh?

9.1 lbs

 

[kerrycares]

Congrats. Older BT's are stellar basses. 1989 BT-5 owner here. You should post this one in the Ken Smith Club. I'm sure the fellas would love to see it.

My faves are the CR 5 and wide neck Black Tiger 5

 

[TrevorG]

9.1 lbs

Way lighter than I was expecting! Never heard a KS I didn't love the sound of. Wouldn't mind finding something like that myself.

 

[Mastodon2]

1991 BT5 owner here, these basses are timeless and will always look, feel and sound superb.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

View attachment 4006805 View attachment 4006806 View attachment 4006807 View attachment 4006808 View attachment 4006809 View attachment 4006810 View attachment 4006805 I picked this up from a fellow TB and I really dig the look of the old Ken Smith with the neck stripes running the entire length of the back.
Bass needed a thorough cleaning and a dose of the Secret Sauce wax.
The bass came with chrome strap buttons ( which I immediately replaced) and black hardware and I plan to update it with the classic Smith gold bling.
The 9v Preamp is powerful and it’s now set up to play at low action after a near miss with a damaged truss rod nut.
The original tear drop HSC makes it a keeper!

Classic!

 

[telecopy]

View attachment 4006805 View attachment 4006806 View attachment 4006807 View attachment 4006808 View attachment 4006809 View attachment 4006810 View attachment 4006805 I picked this up from a fellow TB and I really dig the look of the old Ken Smith with the neck stripes running the entire length of the back.
Bass needed a thorough cleaning and a dose of the Secret Sauce wax.
The bass came with chrome strap buttons ( which I immediately replaced) and black hardware and I plan to update it with the classic Smith gold bling.
The 9v Preamp is powerful and it’s now set up to play at low action after a near miss with a damaged truss rod nut.
The original tear drop HSC makes it a keeper!

I've never seen the nut close up. What's goin on there?

 

[kerrycares]

I've never seen the nut close up. What's goin on there?

Standard sculptured brass nut.

 

[telecopy]

Standard sculptured brass nut.

Oh, I've never seen that. Thanks.

 

[Killing Floor]

Nice, enjoy!

 

[India_Sierra]

Gorgeous! The BT is the true Ken Smith shape for me, it's just so elegant and classic.

 

[Nenor]

Done , I’d like to swap out the black hardware for some gold bling!

While you're at it I recommend checking out Gotoh Res-O-Lite GB350. They're direct replacement and about 30% lighter. I have them on my BSR5GN. You'll get a lighter bass with better balance. Maybe the only upgrade on otherwise perfect bass, IMHO.

 

[bordinco90]

It seems like Ken Smith basses just stand the test of time. Everyone that I see is about 25 to 35 years old and still look fantastic! Congrats on the NBD!

 

[nilorius]

Nice, interesting would be play with it.

 

[bongostealth]

Man o man... I LOVE these Ken Smiths!! Congratulations!

 

[wraub]

Trad or not, I actually like the black hardware on there, it works with the pickups imo.

...but, not mine. Enjoy.