The Ken Smith Club

[azwhofan]

@iwearpumas -> thanks!

 

[hasbeen]

One more

wow...stunnig

 

[Danny R.]

Can anyone describe the difference in tone in a Walnut core, and a Maple core?

I have a Black Tiger 5er (Maple core), a BMT Elite (Fusion shape, 7 PC body and neck, Walnut core, 5A flamed Maple top). I also have a Fusion MS (Maple core and Cocobolo top) and a CR5 (all maple). I experimented a little bit, I put DR Hi-Beams and D'addarios on all my basses and played them flat. The ones with the Maple core sounded a tad brighter but it was very subtle, to my ears they sounded virtually the same, YMMV etc.
No bass sounds/cuts like a Smith, I have 3 Foderas and I prefer the Smith sound!!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

For a moment I had a 3rd Ken Smith BSR6GN with a Flame Maple top and back w/ Walnut core. Comparing it to my Ken Smith BMT6EG w/ Mahogany core & flame maple top...

This was like 4 years ago now, but if I remember correctly the BMT was a bit snappier and more responsive.

I have a Rock Maple core in my BSR6EG fretless w/ Lacewood top. But can't really compare fretless w/ fretted instruments.

 

[Danny R.]

That BMT looks a lot like mine!

Bad pics!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Stunning top on your BMT5EG!

There was a time I had a BMT5EG as well!

Mine was not as hot as yours:

Currently I only have the BMT6EG and BSR6EG Fretless. I purchased these new when I was younger... Can not part with them:

 

[Danny R.]

Nice!!!

Are those aftermarket switches on the BMT?

 

[Damian Coccio]

I have a Black Tiger 5er (Maple core), a BMT Elite (Fusion shape, 7 PC body and neck, Walnut core, 5A flamed Maple top). I also have a Fusion MS (Maple core and Cocobolo top) and a CR5 (all maple). I experimented a little bit, I put DR Hi-Beams and D'addarios on all my basses and played them flat. The ones with the Maple core sounded a tad brighter but it was very subtle, to my ears they sounded virtually the same, YMMV etc.
No bass sounds/cuts like a Smith, I have 3 Foderas and I prefer the Smith sound!!

Kens pickup spacing and design produces a super unique focus to the tone. If you ever use a high c tuning its really special. Bell like chirpy notes that only a smith has as most of you already know. I have my 3rd smith, a 5 Wte tuned e to c. It's amazing.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Nice!!!

Are those aftermarket switches on the BMT?

I am not 100% sure what the previous owner did to that. I found it on the wall at a GC and had to walk out with it.

No idea what has happened to it... Sold it on ebay over 3 years ago and got scammed

 

[Damian Coccio]

I am not 100% sure what the previous owner did to that. I found it on the wall at a GC and had to walk out with it.

No idea what has happened to it... Sold it on ebay over 3 years ago and got scammed

Wow that's a great find in a Gc. My local Gc is full of ... Well the low end of the the quality spectrum.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Yeah I couldn't believe it...

Would still love a KS 5er...

 

[Danny R.]

Kens pickup spacing and design produces a super unique focus to the tone. If you ever use a high c tuning its really special. Bell like chirpy notes that only a smith has as most of you already know. I have my 3rd smith, a 5 Wte tuned e to c. It's amazing.

That's a great idea! I'll try that.
Thanks for the tip!

 

[Danny R.]

I am not 100% sure what the previous owner did to that. I found it on the wall at a GC and had to walk out with it.

No idea what has happened to it... Sold it on ebay over 3 years ago and got scammed

Sorry to hear that..
That's why I do all my sales/trades in TB, I refuse to use eBay....

 

[Joelc73]

Still looking for a 19mm 5 string neck thru Smith. If anyone knows of one that's for sale, please let me know.

 

[Nenor]

I've got nuwavedc's old 6er. It's the most incredible bass I've ever had. If I was in the US I'd try to replace it with a 5er with the same specs. I bought it with the intention of moving mainly to 6 but that hasn't happened. It's a waste letting it spend so much time in the case. Nevertheless I really enjoy the piano like sustain and endless ringing notes. It's crystal clear with very strong low mids. Killlller B string.

 

[Damian Coccio]

I've got nuwavedc's old 6er. It's the most incredible bass I've ever had. If I was in the US I'd try to replace it with a 5er with the same specs. I bought it with the intention of moving mainly to 6 but that hasn't happened. It's a waste letting it spend so much time in the case. Nevertheless I really enjoy the piano like sustain and endless ringing notes. It's crystal clear with very strong low mids. Killlller B string.

Oh I miss the tone on that bass. I had the same issue switching to a six. My 5er sounds great too but note exactly the same. I used that 6 on most of my old recordings, the material is somewhat crude, but the tone comes through on a few of them Invalid Link Removed

 

[Damian Coccio]

Still looking for a 19mm 5 string neck thru Smith. If anyone knows of one that's for sale, please let me know.

I think there is a 5 wte in the classifieds, that's what I have now, bought here on tb.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Sorry to hear that..
That's why I do all my sales/trades in TB, I refuse to use eBay....

Yeah, there were no bites on TB so sold on ebay... never doing that again!

 

[Joelc73]

I think there is a 5 wte in the classifieds, that's what I have now, bought here on tb.

You don't have the link by any chance do you? I just looked and can't find it.

 

[Damian Coccio]

You don't have the link by any chance do you? I just looked and can't find it.

Looks like you found it. Hard to tell from the pics if its 19mm though. I should have read your post more clearly about wanting a 19; It's a vintage body too. Not terribly helpful, sorry about that.

Maybe Pm tim bishop he's got a few basses for sale not on tb.