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I need some help. I am in the process of buying a used 2018 Ken Smith 5 string bass from the person that purchase this bass from this store, but I am confused because the store called BSR5GN but also called it White Tiger, but the serial number is #6856TVP18 doesn't make sense. Can someone help to to understand why this bass has a weird serial number. Is this a Pre-Brubaker built?
Pre Owned 2018 Ken Smith BSR 5GN 5-String Bass White Tiger With OHSC — Truetone Music
I need some help. I am in the process of buying a used 2018 Ken Smith 5 string bass from the person that purchase this bass from this store, but I am confused because the store called BSR5GN but also called it White Tiger, but the serial number is #6856TVP18 doesn't make sense. Can someone help to to understand why this bass has a weird serial number. Is this a Pre-Brubaker built?
Pre Owned 2018 Ken Smith BSR 5GN 5-String Bass White Tiger With OHSC — Truetone Music
I can understand why you might feel confused.
The letter 'P' in the serial number indicates the use of high-quality 4A grade wood.
The 5P model typically features a neck made with graphite, ensuring it is indeed a graphite neck.
However, it remains uncertain whether Ken intended to craft this particular instrument as the White Tiger model.
Regarding the Smith bass you own, manufactured in 2018, it should be from a time when they hadn't yet formed a partnership with Bru Baker.
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I received the full serial number and its: 5GN6856TVP18, its not a white tiger its a GN. I had own several KS basses and I have never see the letters TVP on a serial number.
GN = mahogany core (not walnut)
T = tiger maple top & back (probably)
V = 5 piece body wings
P = presentation grade top
I once owned an FVP and I think the F stood for "figured maple". Ken used all kinds of letter combinations, sometimes even made mistakes... It doesn't really matter. The basses are phenomenon and this one looks awesome.
Have used... And I hope will continue for many years to come. Had to correct this.
I talked with Ken about the lettering, here is what TVP stands for: TVP T=Tiger Maple, V=5-pc body, P=Presentation grade, even though it's a GN it not Mahoghany core it is a Walnut core. Whoever order this bass made it to be the same specs as the White tiger specs but in a GN model.
Did you buy it? If so, can you post a closeup pic of the core wood? I'm still not convinced it's walnut. It doesn't make sense that Ken would built a WT model, than name it GN just because the customer preferred that on the serial. It also doesn't make sense on the customer side, IMO. It IS possible however he made a mistake while stamping the serial.
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GN = neck through, 5 piece neck, 3 or 5 piece wings, oil finish -- with any wood combination other than maple/walnut (those are WT/TN). All neck-through's from the past 30 years have graphite bars in the neck.
You are correct the seller showed the bag with the writing, and it says mahogany. The previous shop that was selling it had it advertise as walnut.
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Did my first gig with the CR. Using the bridge pickup and some EQ I got the perfect Chili Peppers tone.
Bass is perfectly balanced, and the neck is great. This bass plays itself!
Bass is perfectly balanced, and the neck is great. This bass plays itself!
Nice.
I’ve always thought that a Smith bass stood out visually on stage, but the band’s apparel makes it kinda look tame. Great pic.
Macho Man, Roddy Piper, and… referee Fred Durst??
Wish I could’ve seen this show, awesome stuff!
Here’s my one and only Smith - CR6G. I always liked the neck-thru’s more until I played this one … super punchy.
