The Ken Smith Club

[vision]

I asked Ken if he plans to offer a maple fretboard option and his response was "Maple fretboard is inferior to the harder ebony. So no."

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

That makes sense...Ken has very specific design goals as far as the tone he wants for his basses, and ebony is the best freeboard wood for that tone. The thing I've noticed about Smith basses that is unique when compared to other boutique brands like MTD or Fodera for example is the consistency in tone from bass to bass. It almost doesn't matter what top or core you get on a Smith, it's gonna sound like a Smith. That is purposeful because of the specific design goals that he has. Its probably also the reason that he offers certain wood options and not others, whereas some builders have many options and a variety of tones that you can get. Not a good or bad thing, but something to keep in mind. I think maple is a great fretboard wood if that's the tone your looking for. But if you are designing basses with the tone that Smith is known for being in mind, maple isn't gonna get you there.

 

[bottomzone]

As far as I know, Ken only offers Pau Ferro and Ebony fretboards. Either way, the "Smith sound" is still there. I am curious, though, how a Smith with a maple fretboard would sound. I suspect it would still sound like a Smith if that was the only variable.

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

 

[Biga173rd]

It makes sence Ken is a perfectionist when it comes to tone and looks and originality. But dam a smith with a maple board would look sick. I think the tone would still be there that smith sound. But you know what? that's what makes his basses very unique from the other bass makers. Hey Guys thanks for the replies big ups to everyone for there input. The Best Club on TB

 

[bass4worship]

Can I get in, I finally got my dream bass. I waited a long time for this and it more than I expected. As soon as it came I removed the strings and clean the whole bass from top to bottom; install new strings and did a compete setup.

 

[azwhofan]

Congrats! Nice bass!! I still love my Smith today as much as the day i got one.

Can I get in, I finally got my dream bass. I waited a long time for this and it more than I expected. As soon as it came I removed the strings and clean the whole bass from top to bottom; install new strings and did a compete setup.

 

[mindwell]

My first Ken Smith: a 1995 CR-5 with zebrawood top and back, mahogany core, and ebony fretboard. I'm ecstatic. Expectations exceeded. If you could slide a number my way...

 

[kcandme]

I still like it.

Maybe someday I'll get one of those 'Dream Deal' tone monsters...

 

[bassbluestew]

Hi guys,

Your gonna have send one of the numbers over here to Scotland.

I am expecting delivery of a 2005 BSR5GN, quilted maple top beauty in a few days.

Will post more proper pics when it arrives.

I am sooooo excited and just can't wait !!!

Stewart

 

[Danny R.]

Mine!

Here's the picture I've took today.
And a sound clip too.

Any comment will be very appreciated about my play.


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[BillyB_from_LZ]

Hi guys,

Your gonna have send one of the numbers over here to Scotland.

I am expecting delivery of a 2005 BSR5GN, quilted maple top beauty in a few days.

Will post more proper pics when it arrives.

I am sooooo excited and just can't wait !!!

Stewart

Wow!!!

 

[Nenor]

Mine!

I was wondering who would be the lucky one...
Amazing looking bass! Congrats.

 

[bass4worship]

Mine!

Nice playing and you make that Smith sing. What strings are you using?

 

[Danny R.]

That's Young, I bought it from him.
I think he used Ken Smith strings.

Nice playing and you make that Smith sing. What strings are you using?

 

[Shelly]

That's Young, I bought it from him.
I think he used Ken Smith strings.

Yep, looks like the famous purple silk protective material at the headstock end of the string.

 

[bassbluestew]

Thank you BillyB...................I promise I will post some proper pics when I get it.

My youngest daughter, Lucy aged 6, said, "Cool bass Daddy, they even put your initial at the top"!

Stewart

 

[eaflyaway]

This very COOL Burner Hadrien Feraud #10 just arrived to my house today !!

It is really great job. All woods, finish, all touching and setting are the same as KS higher grade model from Ken's factory (burner is bolt on model). Also its sound, first times i went to youtube and yeah, sound great. But when you play this bass with your fingers, you'll know why i really love this bass.

Price is not too high but performance is really hi-end. Highly recommended. Thanks Hajime, Sleek Elite Inc. from Japan for great bass.


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[GrooveDaddy]

This very COOL Burner Hadrien Feraud #10 just arrived to my house today !!

It is really great job. All woods, finish, all touching and setting are the same as KS higher grade model from Ken's factory (burner is bolt on model). Also its sound, first times i went to youtube and yeah, sound great. But when you play this bass with your fingers, you'll know why i really love this bass.

Price is not too high but performance is really hi-end. Highly recommended. Thanks Hajime, Sleek Elite Inc. from Japan for great bass.

Wow! I'm not typically a big fan of the Burner series, but that's really one fine-looking bass . . . congrats.

 

[vstrings]

Very, very nice... congratulations!

 

[sobie18]

Beautiful top!

 

[Nenor]

Hey eaflyaway, incredible looking bass, congrats.

I was playing around today with my BSR5GN and took a little video with a small point-and-shoot camera. Sound quality is pretty poor but you can still hear the voice and presence of this bass. Check it out: