Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Me and my Ken Smith that I bought new in 1989.
Not sure what that means, but I have a good idea.
Don't you have that power in your own hands?
I had one - 5-string. Awesome bass. Only sold it during one of my "going back to 4-string" fits. I think the Smith pickups/preamp are tailor-made for fretless.
My Smith 6 in action on a web-streamed show. The first ever live SciFi show. Great bass, I bought it specifically for this project. Is for sale now though as I'm having a headless Fodera 6 made (because I'm nuts 
).
).
I can only imagine. Kinda wish I could kick this “fretless bug” lol. I don’t even play the one I have now and REALLY wish it was something else.
My 5-string
Ken Smith - Burner 5 by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr
I ordered my first Smith today!
I'm pretty excited but it's used & coming from GC so I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic cause I've been burned before. From researching I think it's a BSR5P. Bolt-on, quilted maple 3-piece top and back with a dark core that is most likely mahogany? Headstock has a quilted maple overlay and there are no mini toggle switches. It has some playing wear but the guy at GC claims it has it's original electronics and there are no structural issues. I should have done a screen grab so I could post a pic. I've always wanted one and I've got a Warwick SSI 5 I've been thinking about selling so when this one showed up I decided to take a shot (the 45 day return policy means I can't get burned and 6 months no interest gives me a chance to shift the Warwick
)
I'll put up pics when it gets here
I'm pretty excited but it's used & coming from GC so I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic cause I've been burned before. From researching I think it's a BSR5P. Bolt-on, quilted maple 3-piece top and back with a dark core that is most likely mahogany? Headstock has a quilted maple overlay and there are no mini toggle switches. It has some playing wear but the guy at GC claims it has it's original electronics and there are no structural issues. I should have done a screen grab so I could post a pic. I've always wanted one and I've got a Warwick SSI 5 I've been thinking about selling so when this one showed up I decided to take a shot (the 45 day return policy means I can't get burned and 6 months no interest gives me a chance to shift the Warwick
)I'll put up pics when it gets here
Last edited:
Ok, so here it is. It's a 1998 BSR5P. It has been played and it doesn't look like the finish was cared for. There are divots in the top by the PUs and some wear through the finish from an arm. Happily the electronics look tottaly stock. There is an adjustment inside on the mid range knob which I assume is a frequency adjustment? (I haven't messed with It yet). It plays decent as is but new strings and a tweak should improve that.
I see smith makes a wax/polish, anyone have any insight to if that will restore any if the original luster? I realize of course it won't replace thin or missing finish, just wondering if it will shine a little more.
It sounds great, I'm taking it out on a gig tonight which will be the first I hear it in a mix. The tuners are no-name and black. As long as I end up keeping it they will get replaced. I've still got 44 days to return if I want but initial impressions are good.
The neck as it is setup now has just the tiniest amount of relief. I'm gonna put the Smith stainless, taper-wound strings on it (love those strings, been putting em on my Warwicks for years) and then adjust accordingly.
This bass has been around the block but I'm happy to have ended up with it. I'll make sure it is well cared for. I was actively looking for a Smith with some wear so I'm not afraid to take it out and gig it.
Oh and it came with AWFUL stickers on the fretboard which I immediately removed then cleaned and conditioned the wood!
I see smith makes a wax/polish, anyone have any insight to if that will restore any if the original luster? I realize of course it won't replace thin or missing finish, just wondering if it will shine a little more.
It sounds great, I'm taking it out on a gig tonight which will be the first I hear it in a mix. The tuners are no-name and black. As long as I end up keeping it they will get replaced. I've still got 44 days to return if I want but initial impressions are good.
The neck as it is setup now has just the tiniest amount of relief. I'm gonna put the Smith stainless, taper-wound strings on it (love those strings, been putting em on my Warwicks for years) and then adjust accordingly.
This bass has been around the block but I'm happy to have ended up with it. I'll make sure it is well cared for. I was actively looking for a Smith with some wear so I'm not afraid to take it out and gig it.
Oh and it came with AWFUL stickers on the fretboard which I immediately removed then cleaned and conditioned the wood!
Last edited:
Congratulations, it’s beautiful! Excellent call removing those awful fretboard stickers.
I have Smith basses and have used his polish on the basses. The polish will add shine and sparkle to the bass, as well as give it a nice scent .
Latest posts
-
-
-
Post a funnier picture than the one above - Parallel Universe Edition
- Latest: BassicJazzy
-
