The Ken Smith Club, Part 2

[gwangi]

Does anybody know the build time for a new Ken Smith now that it back in Ken's hands and has anybody recently received a new build now that it's back in Ken's hands and do they like it?

 

[LowB-90]

Stoked got a 6 string smith heading my way.
Not really a 6 string player but I’ll give it a go.

 

[deepender]

View attachment 5233729 Stoked got a 6 string smith heading my way.
Not really a 6 string player but I’ll give it a go.

Outstanding

 

[MMiller28]

View attachment 5233729 Stoked got a 6 string smith heading my way.
Not really a 6 string player but I’ll give it a go.

I have the exact same bass in a 5. You'll be extremely happy!

 

[Nenor]

I don’t think that’s an MS, which usually has solid wings. Based on the quality of the figure in the maple top and back, plus having what looks like a mahogany core, that’s probably a higher grade instrument, something like an EG. However, the body shape looks more like a BMT. I don’t know what exactly that is, but determining the exact model would better help estimate current value. Getting the serial number should help.

Any neck-through Smith with a 3 piece neck would be an MS. It could be highly upgraded but it's an MS - as long as it's not 5 piece neck. BMT refers to body shape, not model grade.

 

[Nenor]

BMT refers to body shape, not model grade.

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, BMT refers to the specific model with 7X7 layers of wood, neck and body.
This MS has the fusion body shape.

 

[frankie5string]

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, BMT refers to the specific model with 7X7 layers of wood, neck and body.
This MS has the fusion body shape.

I’ve always heard “BMT” used by Ken to refer to the most recent version of the 9/18V preamp.

 

[Nenor]

I’ve always heard “BMT” used by Ken to refer to the most recent version of the 9/18V preamp.

Yes, that's correct. BMT is bass/mid/treble in reference to the pre-amp AND a model name as well. It's all very confusing. For instance, BT is bass/treble but also the vintage body shape. CR is the bolt on version of BT and stands for crunch resonator, but most refer it as Chuck Rainey.

There you go...

 

[Erik Turkman]

I am looking at a Ken Smith BSRMS5 in good condition, I think the seller is asking too much. I need a recommendation what a bass like this is actually worth.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ken-smith-ms-5-major-price-drop.1614328/

This looks like the same bass, which sold recently here on TB. It was identified as an MS Fusion in this ad. Based on the responses under the listing, it looks like another TB member has owned it in the past. It might be worth reaching out to previous owners to get more background info.

 

[otto B]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ken-smith-ms-5-major-price-drop.1614328/

This looks like the same bass, which sold recently here on TB. It was identified as an MS Fusion in this ad. Based on the responses under the listing, it looks like another TB member has owned it in the past. It might be worth reaching out to previous owners to get more background info.

Wow good find, thank you.

 

[Rawpower]

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, BMT refers to the specific model with 7X7 layers of wood, neck and body.
This MS has the fusion body shape.

I saw a few bsr with 7 piece neck. Are those consider rare? Seems like most bsr I see nowadays are either 3 or 5 piece neck.

 

[Nenor]

I saw a few bsr with 7 piece neck. Are those consider rare? Seems like most bsr I see nowadays are either 3 or 5 piece neck.

7 piece neck is indeed rare and usually found on BMT or upgraded EG models, or TNE(elite). GN/TN/WT models usually have 5 piece neck and 3 or 5 piece wings, either BSR or BT body shape. All that is true for pre Brubaker instruments.

 

[Rawpower]

Hi guys, I would like to check with the gurus here. Is the Smith in the picture below is a bmt bolt on model? Also, why is the PU has no adjustable poles pieces?

 

[Chris Chong]

Just got this from a trade, s/n 915425. Is this a burner custom 5?

 

[Chris Chong]

Preamp circuit board on a ‘91 Burner. That white colour material to protect the circuit board?

 

[deepender]

Preamp circuit board on a ‘91 Burner. That white colour material to protect the circuit board?

View attachment 5253660 View attachment 5253661

I’ve never seen inside a Burner, so I really couldn’t say. It looks way different from my 2017 Black Tiger.

 

[Nenor]

Ken has referred in the past to the MIJ Burner line as a Smith copy. A bit strange as the "copy" was manufactured under the company's name, going through the US shop to the market. As it turned out the basses came out better than he intended them to be, at least this is my impression. Early models, like this one, had a MIJ preamp that was suppose to mimic the original. They started using the US preamp on all Burners around 92-93. Around that time they also started shipping morado boards to Japan for all basses. Before that it was Indian rosewood.

 

[KenSmithFan]

Long time lurker, new kid on the block. I just bought a Ken Smith Bass, can anyone decipher what this means - 5MS, BSR 5MS from 2001.

I got the year 2001, model BSR, 5 string.

Thanks!

 

[Les Fret]

Just got this from a trade, s/n 915425. Is this a burner custom 5?

View attachment 5251414
View attachment 5251412
View attachment 5251413

I think this a Burner 5 Artist. I have the same one with 6 strings. Great bass!!

 

[frankie5string]

Long time lurker, new kid on the block. I just bought a Ken Smith Bass, can anyone decipher what this means - 5MS, BSR 5MS from 2001.

I got the year 2001, model BSR, 5 string.

Thanks!

View attachment 5352254 View attachment 5352255

Something tells me 5MS means 5 string, Maple three piece neck, and rosewood board.
You could email the factory with the serial number and they'll tell you all about your bass.