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The Ken Smith Club, Part 2

#762
Ketbass said:
There’s not much posted there and not easy to navigate but if you ask Ken himself there he’ll probably give you an answer. Also, when you get said answer, post it here. I’m new to the “club” of KS bass owners and don’t know much about things like that, but would love to know. I have the same cryptic markings on my BSR6 FL. Although just playing it not knowing anything about it, other than the previous owner, is blissful enough me.
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I’ll ask Ken and let folks here know what he says.
 
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#763
According to Ken, the code penciled on the headstock is mostly for internal uses. He said the one in the picture I posted before “9-36” meant that it was the 36th bass assembled in September of that year. Apparently, the Smith shop used to make about 40 basses per month. Now, they are only doing a fraction of that, concentrating on the elite neck through models mostly.
 
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#766
deepender said:
Why would you want to do that?
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Many Smith basses come with series/parallel switches already installed. Depending on the specific instrument, I sometimes prefer the series sound over the parallel sound. If a Smith bass does not have the S/P switches, then it is usually wired in parallel mode. I’ve got a bass that does not have the switches, but I would like to hear what it sounds like in series mode. I was considering wiring it in series to see what it sounds like before going through the time and expense of having the switches installed.
 
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#767
Erik Turkman said:
Many Smith basses come with series/parallel switches already installed. Depending on the specific instrument, I sometimes prefer the series sound over the parallel sound. If a Smith bass does not have the S/P switches, then it is usually wired in parallel mode. I’ve got a bass that does not have the switches, but I would like to hear what it sounds like in series mode. I was considering wiring it in series to see what it sounds like before going through the time and expense of having the switches installed.
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I don't see why you couldn't do this, as long as the pickups have all 4 conductors. Being that they weren't designed to change from series to parallel they might not, you'd have to open it up and see.
 
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#768
Reedt2000 said:
I don't see why you couldn't do this, as long as the pickups have all 4 conductors. Being that they weren't designed to change from series to parallel they might not, you'd have to open it up and see.
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I'm sure it can be done. Ken even gave me the wiring diagram. I was just curious if anyone had done it themselves and how it turned out.
 
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#769
Erik Turkman said:
Many Smith basses come with series/parallel switches already installed. Depending on the specific instrument, I sometimes prefer the series sound over the parallel sound. If a Smith bass does not have the S/P switches, then it is usually wired in parallel mode. I’ve got a bass that does not have the switches, but I would like to hear what it sounds like in series mode. I was considering wiring it in series to see what it sounds like before going through the time and expense of having the switches installed.
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Oh, that makes sense.
To my ears, it gets deeper and fuller with less highs.
 
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#770
I am stoked for finding the bass i have been looking for years. 1994 BMT 5
 

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#779
JuanG said:
Got a Black Tiger yesterday. It’s such a gem and the tone is so amazing!!
Do we get numbers here?
View attachment 4343683
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Sweet ride. On the numbers thing, don't quote me but I believe we're going on
first post showing your Ken Smith.
Waiting on reply. Most here aren't
keeping track but proud to be in a
select group. Congrats.
 
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