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Sire vs KSD proto J

Chad Bennett

Chad Bennett

Feb 1, 2015
259
239
48
Richmond VA
#1
I'm looking at getting a $500 below jazz clone 5 string as a backup (needs to be active). Does anyone have playing time on the Sire and a Proto J to compare? I'm open to other brands as well if any fit the bill. I want to like the KSD, but I have to believe there is a reason they never really caught on?
 
#6
Chad Bennett said:
I'm looking at getting a $500 below jazz clone 5 string as a backup (needs to be active). Does anyone have playing time on the Sire and a Proto J to compare? I'm open to other brands as well if any fit the bill. I want to like the KSD, but I have to believe there is a reason they never really caught on?[/QUOTE

I like my KSD. But that is because when I got it, I already had the idea in mind that it would be a project bass. The build is great (great fret job, straight neck, good tone would, etc.), but the electronics and bridge left a lot to be desired. So I changed the the preamp to Sadowsky. I put in Delano pickups. I also put on a hipshot A Style bridge that allowed me to adjust the string spacing to fit Delano poles. So now I have a really incredible bass that I customized. My next move is to get hipshot tuning machines. Now as far as the Sire Basses, I have heard them and they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Great build, greet electronics, and great look for not a lot of money. If i had to choose between the 2 it would be Sire. But my plan is to get a Sire as a backup since I have customized my workhorse KSD.
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#7
I like my KSD. But that is because when I got it, I already had the idea in mind that it would be a project bass. The build is great (great fret job, straight neck, good tone would, etc.), but the electronics and bridge left a lot to be desired. So I changed the the preamp to Sadowsky. I put in Delano pickups. I also put on a hipshot A Style bridge that allowed me to adjust the string spacing to fit Delano poles. So now I have a really incredible bass that I customized. My next move is to get hipshot tuning machines. Now as far as the Sire Basses, I have heard them and they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Great build, greet electronics, and great look for not a lot of money. If i had to choose between the 2 it would be Sire. But my plan is to get a Sire as a backup since I have customized my workhorse KSD.
 
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#9
DWBass said:
Not true. Ken Smith is being paid for the use of his name on the product. He does not build nor support the instruments and he will tell you that at the drop of a hat! The photos of him on their website are misleading.
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Thanks for the clarification - what an odd arrangement. I was going to post that I wouldn't necessarily expect Sire to be competitive with anything associated with Ken Smith, but in this case, then... ...let us know, ok?
 
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#10
mmbongo said:
Wasn't Ken Smith involved with KSD when they first came out or did I just assume that? I know he's not involved now.
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I think he QC'd them briefly to make sure they were up to par and for him to approve the use of his name on the product. That was a long time ago. He won't touch them now though when it comes to issues and problems.
 
#12
I just ordered a Fretless proto j. Arrives tomorrow. My one concern is the shape of the ebanol finger board. Is it even & smooth? If it requires a redressing I will claim it is defective.

My active electronics are externalized, no worries about a cheap preamp as long it can be defeated.

Can't find Sire's ANYWHERE. Marcus Miller's new endorsement. Do they have a goid jazz bass for $500? Fretless too?
 
#13
lovethegrowl said:
I just ordered a Fretless proto j. Arrives tomorrow. My one concern is the shape of the ebanol finger board. Is it even & smooth? If it requires a redressing I will claim it is defective.

My active electronics are externalized, no worries about a cheap preamp as long it can be defeated.

Can't find Sire's ANYWHERE. Marcus Miller's new endorsement. Do they have a goid jazz bass for $500? Fretless too?
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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#14
No fretless!

I did a thread about KSD basses & can't find it. I want to ween myself from luthiers. I never agsin want to buy a bass that requires a finger board dressing cuz it wasn't done right at the factory.
 
#15
DWBass said:
Not true. Ken Smith is being paid for the use of his name on the product. He does not build nor support the instruments and he will tell you that at the drop of a hat! The photos of him on their website are misleading.
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hmmm disagree... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
kensmithbasses.com/KSD/KSDdefault.htm
Recreating the magic from the 60's and 70's, the KSD Proto-J series were designed in conjunction with Ken Smith. Drawing on his many years of experience as a studio professional in New York City and as a world class Luthier, Ken Smith designed and refined the Proto-J series to meet the demands of professional and amatuer bassists around the world. Incorporated in the KSDs are many of the features found on the Smith Handmade Basses that are familiar and recognizable to many bassists.
 
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#16
/\/\3phist0 said:
hmmm disagree... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
kensmithbasses.com/KSD/KSDdefault.htm
Recreating the magic from the 60's and 70's, the KSD Proto-J series were designed in conjunction with Ken Smith. Drawing on his many years of experience as a studio professional in New York City and as a world class Luthier, Ken Smith designed and refined the Proto-J series to meet the demands of professional and amatuer bassists around the world. Incorporated in the KSDs are many of the features found on the Smith Handmade Basses that are familiar and recognizable to many bassists.
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That's marketing. Yeah he helped design the product but he does not build them nor support the product like his own basses. There was a thread on this years ago in which he participated, IIRC. Or it could on his own forum.
 
#17
DWBass said:
That's marketing. Yeah he helped design the product but he does not build them nor support the product like his own basses. There was a thread on this years ago in which he participated, IIRC. Or it could on his own forum.
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Note this is from HIS website. He supports the effort with more than licensing his name. Nonetheless they are his "squiers" subcontractors that he has little to no control over. It is more akin to "Tobias" aka gibson.
 
#18
Chad Bennett said:
I'm looking at getting a $500 below jazz clone 5 string as a backup (needs to be active). Does anyone have playing time on the Sire and a Proto J to compare? I'm open to other brands as well if any fit the bill. I want to like the KSD, but I have to believe there is a reason they never really caught on?
Click to expand...
Have you looked at bassmods.com?
 
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#20
Lo end PUNCH said:
Order a Sire, you won't find one used. They are the top of the food chain. My Carvins don't even touch it sound wise. You won't be disappointed. Fretless and Lefty's are in the works too
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Unless Sire really pulled out something magical, I don't think someone like Fodera is going to have their "top of the food chain" status threatened by a $299 bass. JMO
 
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