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Guitar Center, I went in shopping for a five string. I could not leave without this bass, it is smoking!
I played it a few weeks ago. Really nice bass, the electronics were scratchy they cleaned them up for you?
Good luck with it.
One of the screws on the knobs was loose. it gave the bass the impression the pot itself was loose or damaged I had them check it out, as well the volume was a little scratchy but it has gone away with use. Bass functions perfectly.
Thanks!
Awesome! Is it an 1985-86? Looks like Vinny might have had a hand in building this one. It has the dovetail joint. Just beautiful.
This is an 85, It certainly seems like a strong possibility, but Smith mentions that dovetails were still made for a short time in PA as well after the move
I have a general question about Ken Smith body shapes. I can clearly identify the NV, with shorter body horns. What is the difference between a BSR and Fusion body shape? I tried looked around the Ken Smith website but cannot readily see the difference.
The lower bout on the fusion is extended out more. Its the Smith take on an "offset" J-style body.
Just curious, does anyone here have a bass with a cherry core or body wings and if so how do you describe the sound?
I'm looking to buy a 6 string Ken Smith in the near future, but I'm unsure what model to go for.
At the moment there are several interesting listings nearby. There are several mid 2000's BSR6's I'm looking at, but there's also a 1989 BT6 for sale (with the added bonus of being built in my year of birth).
I've already played a '08 BSR Elite, that I liked very much, both in soudn and playability. Could anyone enlighten me on the main differences in sound/playability between the newer Smiths and the older models?
I know the old Smiths have a 2-band preamp and no pickup switches, so they are probably a bit more limited in sound-shaping.
At the moment there are several interesting listings nearby. There are several mid 2000's BSR6's I'm looking at, but there's also a 1989 BT6 for sale (with the added bonus of being built in my year of birth).
I've already played a '08 BSR Elite, that I liked very much, both in soudn and playability. Could anyone enlighten me on the main differences in sound/playability between the newer Smiths and the older models?
I know the old Smiths have a 2-band preamp and no pickup switches, so they are probably a bit more limited in sound-shaping.
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If you have a chance to purchase an 89 BT jump on it!! The older vintage shape with the black oversized headstock with the 2 band EQ are very desirable. In many Smith fans opinion the best basses he made. They tend to have some neck dive. Ken said they were designed to be played seated. Preamp is not limiting once you play with it for a while. Smith's are incredibly responsive to right hand position so you can change tone dramatically with hand movement rather than always twisting knobs like on some other basses. The old BT's of this era are special - they have soul!
Club, I played my Smith BT Vintage in Church Service today. I usually have to ask my wife about how the bass I played sounded in service (I have several and I'm really trying to down size and keep the ones with the better voice(s)). Well, after the musicians sit for the sermon, I get a text message from my wife, 'That bass is talking this morning 
!'
Seems every time I think I should let the Ken Smith go, I play it and get a contrary response!!
No doubt these basses have their own special voice unlike other basses.
!'Seems every time I think I should let the Ken Smith go, I play it and get a contrary response!!
No doubt these basses have their own special voice unlike other basses.
We need more pics. I'm jonesing for a KS and need something to help me through today.
Okay, so this is the Smith Vintage 5'er I played this morning with its 4'' Italia strap!
I'd take that one to Church. Or any place she wants to go. +1 4" Italia.
She can handle just about any playing situation! 
