The Ken Smith Club

[TapyTap]

Wish I knew where my old friend was who had a 5 string ken smith converted to a 6 string. It was too awesome.

That sounds interesting. I bet it would be great for fingerstyle and chordal playing! EADGCF tuning would be excellent!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

It was BEADGC like a standard 6 string. String spacing was really tight, but he had an interesting technique where he would pick and then pop with his middle finger. I almost purchased it from him as my first Ken Smith but ended up ordering my BMT. Was so effortless to play...

 

[TapyTap]

What was the width at the nut end? I'm guessing the bridge spacing was about 14mm on string centers.

 

[Nenor]

I'v asked before but maybe there'll be new input - has anyone tried installing the Roland GK-3B pickup on their Ken Smith? Seems like there isn't enough space between the bridge & b/pickup.

 

[iwearpumas]

I bought the MIDI stuff, but I didn't want to drill holes in three bass, nor did I want to use adhesive tape. So I just gave all that stuff away.

 

[iwearpumas]

I notice other bass builders will build the bass with the MIDI built into it. I wonder if Ken will too.

 

[Nenor]

I doubt that he will.
I will not drill holes in my bass but I'm not worried about taping the pickup. This bass has been my main instrument for almost 4 years now and I intend to use it forever. It should serve my needs... I don't care for the resale value.
The only problem is the midi pickup. Did you check if it fits between the bridge and b/pickup?

 

[iwearpumas]

I dont think it does. I never tried to because I never bought the actual pickup, I bought everything else and realized that I wasn't willing to do the next step. But I have seen the pickup in person because my friend has one on his Tobias bass. I seriously doubt it will fit.

 

[iwearpumas]

If it does fit, there will be no room for movement. It looks like it will be a squeeze in there. I am actually looking at pictures of my bass now, and I realize that there is no room.

 

[Nenor]

I got to admit it's quite a setback. I really want the Roland midi system but I will not switch to another bass. It took me too many years to find what's best for me.

 

[iwearpumas]

I was disappointed too.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

Not a member, but I was just talking to another TB-er about this pickup, and saw these latest posts. You would know better, but are you sure it wouldn't fit? The GK-3 is only 9mm high by 8mm deep (Roland doesn't have the same specs available for the 3B, but it appears the same). I can see that it would be tight, but...

Edit/Disclaimer: Fwiw, the pickup was offered as part of a trade that I'm not interested in making, but it might be posted for sale here soon, and I may benefit if he does sell it.

 

[Nenor]

Thanks for the info. The pickup wire comes out at the middle of the pickup and needs more space. I have 11mm gap on my Smith. That is probably not enough.

 

[iwearpumas]

Im only assuming by appearance.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

Gah! My mistake. The wire on the 3 comes out of the end; I should have looked more carefully at the 3B.
Sorry for the crash, gang.

 

[tminus10]

Hi all. Got my first Ken Smith today. its a '11 BSR4WT walnut core and I love it. Absolutely amazing. I cant believe that this thread is still on part one after almost 6 years.

I find this bass very versatile and super easy to play. Ive never been happier with a bass.

 

[D1G]

Nice bass, congrats!

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Beautiful 4 banger! I've always wanted a 4 string Smith! Enjoy that beauty!

 

[basschanges]

Hi guys,

I picked up my third Smith today and decided to get a number.

As you have guessed, I love Smith Basses. There are different basses, but none better than a Smith.

The new one is the black tiger vintage 6 on the right. The other two are a cocobolo BMT 7X7, and the collectors edition 5/8 7x5 with tiger maple top.

 

[JTonBass]

Recently started using my beautiful Smith again, after playing only 5 strings for a long time. Awesome sounding and looking piece of art.