The Ken Smith Club, Part 2

[Rumblefisher]

Where possible I will opt for graphite rod , as it supposedly will be stiffer than steel and more stability over time.

having said this, I have old fender that has normal steel truss rod that works well so far (touch wood)

thank you. Touch (bass) wood

 

[deepender]

from what i understand all smiths have them, from the beginning, but i could be completely wrong...

That’s what I was thinking.

 

[Rumblefisher]

Hey guys, good evening.

I've looked for a Ken Smith 4 for maybe the last 5 years on the daily...nearly pulled the trigger on a couple of bolt on models but at 5.5K I thought 'I'm gonna buy this and tomorrow a neck through version is gonna pop up and I won't be able to afford it then.'

NOT that the bolt ons are by any means inferior...quite the contrary, they are COMPLEMENTARY to the neck-throughs as you guys know. For me, the quintessential KS is a neck-through model, and if I'm honest it's a neck-through 5. Even Ken Smith said to me 'for every 20 5s I make, I make 1 4.' As much as I want to be proficient at 5s, I'm not in a place where I have the time and focus to dedicate to achieving it.

Which leads us to:

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs. Pristine condition except for, as the seller states, 'a couple of small wear spots in the lacquer' but without any sort of dent/divot in the wood. In short, everything I was looking for. Well, I was really looking for a Black Tiger...this one has a South American Mahogany core and an admittedly beautiful QM top...which is not really my 'vibe' but I wasn't going to let this go because the top was 'too nice.'

I'll type out the story of how this purchase came about. Not that it's that long or exciting, but a story nonetheless. For now, I just wanted to share with you guys the excitement of the find and purchase. Should be arriving in the next week or so, at which time I will absolutely post an unboxing and write a review.

If anyone is looking for a KS4 send me a PM, I've made some acquaintances in my search that might help you.

 

[maakkim]

Hey guys, good evening.

I've looked for a Ken Smith 4 for maybe the last 5 years on the daily...nearly pulled the trigger on a couple of bolt on models but at 5.5K I thought 'I'm gonna buy this and tomorrow a neck through version is gonna pop up and I won't be able to afford it then.'

NOT that the bolt ons are by any means inferior...quite the contrary, they are COMPLEMENTARY to the neck-throughs as you guys know. For me, the quintessential KS is a neck-through model, and if I'm honest it's a neck-through 5. Even Ken Smith said to me 'for every 20 5s I make, I make 1 4.' As much as I want to be proficient at 5s, I'm not in a place where I have the time and focus to dedicate to achieving it.

Which leads us to:

View attachment 5442339

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs. Pristine condition except for, as the seller states, 'a couple of small wear spots in the lacquer' but without any sort of dent/divot in the wood. In short, everything I was looking for. Well, I was really looking for a Black Tiger...this one has a South American Mahogany core and an admittedly beautiful QM top...which is not really my 'vibe' but I wasn't going to let this go because the top was 'too nice.'

I'll type out the story of how this purchase came about. Not that it's that long or exciting, but a story nonetheless. For now, I just wanted to share with you guys the excitement of the find and purchase. Should be arriving in the next week or so, at which time I will absolutely post an unboxing and write a review.

If anyone is looking for a KS4 send me a PM, I've made some acquaintances in my search that might help you.

Congrats! Lovely bass and is certainly a beauty !!!

 

[Nenor]

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs.

Congrats, it's beautiful! I too own a 2011 BSR4 WT which I bought just about 10 years ago and it's been my main instrument since. Two years ago, unexpectedly, got to add another black tiger BT4. These are by far the best basses I'll ever be able to put my hands on. Consider yourself very lucky, and yes, please tell the story.

 

[ModuMan]

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs.
If anyone is looking for a KS4 send me a PM, I've made some acquaintances in my search that might help you.

Grats, I know you've been looking for a while but it seems like you've found something really special - even if you thought you were looking for something else!

I don't suppose your contacts can help with a 5'er?

 

[deepender]

Hey guys, good evening.

I've looked for a Ken Smith 4 for maybe the last 5 years on the daily...nearly pulled the trigger on a couple of bolt on models but at 5.5K I thought 'I'm gonna buy this and tomorrow a neck through version is gonna pop up and I won't be able to afford it then.'

NOT that the bolt ons are by any means inferior...quite the contrary, they are COMPLEMENTARY to the neck-throughs as you guys know. For me, the quintessential KS is a neck-through model, and if I'm honest it's a neck-through 5. Even Ken Smith said to me 'for every 20 5s I make, I make 1 4.' As much as I want to be proficient at 5s, I'm not in a place where I have the time and focus to dedicate to achieving it.

Which leads us to:

View attachment 5442339

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs. Pristine condition except for, as the seller states, 'a couple of small wear spots in the lacquer' but without any sort of dent/divot in the wood. In short, everything I was looking for. Well, I was really looking for a Black Tiger...this one has a South American Mahogany core and an admittedly beautiful QM top...which is not really my 'vibe' but I wasn't going to let this go because the top was 'too nice.'

I'll type out the story of how this purchase came about. Not that it's that long or exciting, but a story nonetheless. For now, I just wanted to share with you guys the excitement of the find and purchase. Should be arriving in the next week or so, at which time I will absolutely post an unboxing and write a review.

If anyone is looking for a KS4 send me a PM, I've made some acquaintances in my search that might help you.

Very nice.

 

[jebmd]

What are you folks using for gig bags? My 6M doesn’t fit very well in my favorite bag, a Protec Contego.

 

[deepender]

What are you folks using for gig bags? My 6M doesn’t fit very well in my favorite bag, a Protec Contego.

No gig bag for mine.
I use the case.

 

[jebmd]

No gig bag for mine.
I use the case.

I get that, I’m just getting tired of dragging it around.

 

[deepender]

I get that, I’m just getting tired of dragging it around.

Yup.
I’ve got a Gator case for my Mikro. That thing feels like a feather.

 

[Erik Turkman]

What are you folks using for gig bags? My 6M doesn’t fit very well in my favorite bag, a Protec Contego.

I’ve used:
Mono M80
Reunion Blues Continental Voyager
Ken Smith Bass Gig Bag

My favorite is the M80 (not the Vertigo).

 

[Rumblefisher]

Congrats, it's beautiful! I too own a 2011 BSR4 WT which I bought just about 10 years ago and it's been my main instrument since. Two years ago, unexpectedly, got to add another black tiger BT4. These are by far the best basses I'll ever be able to put my hands on. Consider yourself very lucky, and yes, please tell the story.

View attachment 5442451

amazing. Out of curiosity, do you have a preference in body type since you have them both to compare?

 

[Nenor]

Standing, on a strap the BSR is more comfortable for me, sitting down they feel equally great but different. BSR is 8.5lbs, BT a bit more. Sound wise both are amazing. The BT has more of that signature Smith tone. I do like the look of the BT shape better. Can't point out a favorite, happy to have both.

 

[Rumblefisher]

Hey guys, good evening.

I've looked for a Ken Smith 4 for maybe the last 5 years on the daily...nearly pulled the trigger on a couple of bolt on models but at 5.5K I thought 'I'm gonna buy this and tomorrow a neck through version is gonna pop up and I won't be able to afford it then.'

NOT that the bolt ons are by any means inferior...quite the contrary, they are COMPLEMENTARY to the neck-throughs as you guys know. For me, the quintessential KS is a neck-through model, and if I'm honest it's a neck-through 5. Even Ken Smith said to me 'for every 20 5s I make, I make 1 4.' As much as I want to be proficient at 5s, I'm not in a place where I have the time and focus to dedicate to achieving it.

Which leads us to:

View attachment 5442339

2011 BSR4 Elite G Exhibition Grade Figured Maple. 8.6 lbs. Pristine condition except for, as the seller states, 'a couple of small wear spots in the lacquer' but without any sort of dent/divot in the wood. In short, everything I was looking for. Well, I was really looking for a Black Tiger...this one has a South American Mahogany core and an admittedly beautiful QM top...which is not really my 'vibe' but I wasn't going to let this go because the top was 'too nice.'

I'll type out the story of how this purchase came about. Not that it's that long or exciting, but a story nonetheless. For now, I just wanted to share with you guys the excitement of the find and purchase. Should be arriving in the next week or so, at which time I will absolutely post an unboxing and write a review.

If anyone is looking for a KS4 send me a PM, I've made some acquaintances in my search that might help you.

more photos…

 

[bassmike2010]

What are you folks using for gig bags? My 6M doesn’t fit very well in my favorite bag, a Protec Contego.

Music Area AA31 - EB - BLK. All the boxes checked.
Structural strength/ protection and extra storage.

 

[Kmrumedy]

more photos…

Absolutely beautiful. I've been searching for a KS 4 string too for a long time. If you ever decide to sell this one, please let me know.

 

[deepender]

more photos…

Sweet

 

[iwearpumas]

Standing, on a strap the BSR is more comfortable for me, sitting down they feel equally great but different. BSR is 8.5lbs, BT a bit more. Sound wise both are amazing. The BT has more of that signature Smith tone. I do like the look of the BT shape better. Can't point out a favorite, happy to have both.

I wonder what makes the difference in tone between a BSR and a BT.

 

[Nenor]

I wonder what makes the difference in tone between a BSR and a BT.

I don't believe it has anything to do with body shape, more likely wood type/density. I checked the weight again: BSR is 8lbs 10oz, BT is 9lbs 6oz. For better comparison I'd have to put on both the same type of fresh new strings. It could also be just my imagination.
On to the necks, there is a difference which I measured and confirmed. The BT neck is narrower from the nut all the way down the body and generally feels faster. It's subtle but noticeable. Nothing to do with the body, just the way these necks were hand-carved.