The Ken Smith Club, Part 2

[TolerancEJ]

I think I must have the worst timing when it comes to selecting my next bass. In January, I decided to go ahead with a new US Spector and shortly after learned about Stuart Spector's retirement, Korg purchase, etc.

The one I was considering next year would have been a Ken Smith.

 

[ped]

I don't understand why people care what Ken's personality is - as far as I'm concerned my interest in Ken starts and ends with his basses. He could be a mass murderer for all I care. His basses are brilliant.

 

[Luigir]

I think I must have the worst timing when it comes to selecting my next bass. In January, I decided to go ahead with a new US Spector and shortly after learned about Stuart Spector's retirement, Korg purchase, etc.

The one I was considering next year would have been a Ken Smith.

Be careful in wishing basses my friend. It seems you have powers.

 

[deepender]

Well fellas Mr.Ken is shifting production over to Kevin Brubakers shop.
This is from the Ken smith Facebook page.

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Perkasie, PA.

Ken Smith Basses and Kevin Brubaker (Founder of Brubaker Guitars) are proud to announce that production of Ken Smith USA basses has been shifted to Brubaker Guitars out of Baltimore, MD.

Ken will, as always, handle the initial wood selection as well all final assembly, inspection and setup.

Both Ken and Kevin are exited about this New arrangement. Ken says, “2019, our 40th year starts a new era of Ken Smith Basses!."

Brubaker began making instruments in 1989. Ken Smith Basses launched its first bass 1979, a decade prior.

Both companies have built instruments that have been used all over the world.

Later this year there will be an announced Smith-Baker Hybrid Model. Stayed tuned for further updates.”

Ironically, my last purchase decision was between a Brubaker and a Ken Smith.

Great news.

Can't help but think that this will be great for both of them.

Best wishes and anxiously awaiting the new models. Kevin is a master with exotic finishes and interesting carving, which could make things real interesting.

Will there still be Brubakers and Smiths, along with the new hybrid?

 

[zortation]

Hope the guys at KS get to move in, I mean they should considering the volume of work they do.

 

[SturmUndDrang]

Much love to everyone on Talkbass today and much love to Melvin Davis and his excellent playing.

 

[zortation]

Loving the Bensonisms...wow.

Here's something really beautiful too...

 

[deepender]

I am really hoping for different options such as a maple fingerboard, different pre and pickup options.

Wow. I don't know how to feel about that.

We gush about the stand alone "Ken Smith" sound and style, and then hope for a different sound and style.

I think, for me, I'll look for those things in other basses (if and when I want them) and hope the "Ken Smith" sound stays pretty much in a class all its own.

 

[zortation]

Just out of curiosity has anyone tried to contact Ken Smith Basses recently, like in the last month or so?

 

[darkbass]

Ken is open for business!

 

[TolerancEJ]

Just out of curiosity has anyone tried to contact Ken Smith Basses recently, like in the last month or so?

He’s active on Facebook

 

[darkbass]

Come check out the new era of Smith Basses at the Gerald Veasley Show next weekend. This guy Marcus Miller is going to be there. I hear he’s pretty good.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Reedt2000]

Loving the tone of my BSR5P tonight. This is my 3rd gig with it and I've got it setup, a new set of smith stainless strings on it, and I've pretty much fully adjusted to the feel of playing it (spacing is wider than my Warwick which has been my number 1 for quite a while).

I finally understand that "piano" bass tone. Clear and balanced, slightly growly and every time I play 2 and 3 note chords they are sweet and not dissonant at all. Totally glad I scooped this one up!

 

[deepender]

Loving the tone of my BSR5P tonight. This is my 3rd gig with it and I've got it setup, a new set of smith stainless strings on it, and I've pretty much fully adjusted to the feel of playing it (spacing is wider than my Warwick which has been my number 1 for quite a while).

I finally understand that "piano" bass tone. Clear and balanced, slightly growly and every time I play 2 and 3 note chords they are sweet and not dissonant at all. Totally glad I scooped this one up!
View attachment 3351136

Yep.

You're hooked.

Congrats.

 

[deepender]

This morning’s office.

 

[LowB-90]

Anybody think the ken smith production will slow down? There was a guy on Facebook saying he tried to put a down payment on a 6 string smith and they wouldn’t take it?
They told him he would have to wait 3 months and wouldn’t take the down payment.
Humm??

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I didn't see that post... Do you know the details about it? There was a time a few months ago where that would be a true statement. Again, don't know the full story...

 

[LowB-90]

Anybod

I didn't see that post... Do you know the details about it? There was a time a few months ago where that would be a true statement. Again, don't know the full story...

Yea just something I saw on Facebook.
Who knows if it’s true.

 

[LowB-90]

Only other thing is the “In-Stock” page is gone from the smith website.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I'll bring this up and see what I can find out.