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What happened to Ken Smith basses?

SanDiegoHarry

SanDiegoHarry

Inactive
Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2008
17,143
9,104
San Diego, CA
#1
not all that long ago (~10 years?), Ken Smith basses were *it* - - these days, I haven't seen them in stores, on stage or hardly any mention on TB...

I know they had a very distinct sound... it is that this has just gone out of fashion? :hmm:
 
#4
You will never see Smiths in stores (if you by stores you mean GC and Sam Ash). As for out of fashion? Great tone never goes out of fashion. Check out gospel and Contemporary Jazz... you will see them regularly. Yes, Smiths are still around and kickin' big booty... I play one!
 
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#6
Okay, when I said "Stores" I mean *not* places like GC - but they were at LA Bass Exchange, Bass Alone, etc...

And what about their "budget" line - the "Burner" basses - anyone play one of those?

AND... Why the gospel world? I have noticed that too - but I don't quite get it... Why would that one distinct type of music call for a certain brand of bass?
 
#7
brentonkim said:
KEN SMITH BASSES USED TO BE IN STORES?
woah.
that's awesome. haha
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T-MOST said:
You will never see Smiths in stores (if you by stores you mean GC and Sam Ash).
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Did Smith change their distribution model sometime in the last decade or so? Because you most certainly used to see Smith basses in stores like Sam Ash; in fact, the Sam Ash on 48th Street in Manhattan used to have 3 or 4 on the floor at all times. And the very first place I ever saw a Smith bass was in the display window of Manny's (also on 48th Street).
 
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#9
BigOldHarry said:
Okay, when I said "Stores" I mean *not* places like GC - but they were at LA Bass Exchange, Bass Alone, etc...

And what about their "budget" line - the "Burner" basses - anyone play one of those?

AND... Why the gospel world? I have noticed that too - but I don't quite get it... Why would that one distinct type of music call for a certain brand of bass?
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Smiths are known for having a very distinct tone, modern and hi-fi, which is a sought after tone for bass in gospel. The B string must be HUGE and CLEAR, which is what the Smith basses give you. They're also very beautiful looking basses and gospel is all about looking good, especially on Sunday!
 
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#13
Hoover said:
Did Smith change their distribution model sometime in the last decade or so? Because you most certainly used to see Smith basses in stores like Sam Ash; in fact, the Sam Ash on 48th Street in Manhattan used to have 3 or 4 on the floor at all times. And the very first place I ever saw a Smith bass was in the display window of Manny's (also on 48th Street).
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I grew up in NYC and practically lived on "music row". I would see a Smith "every now and then" at Sam Ash but I wouldn't say regularly. However, 25-30 years ago Sam Ash was a different place too. It was "THE" place to go for pros and amatures alike. so, maybe you are right.
 
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#14
I found a well loved CR5 in a pawn shop that played like butter. Bought it for 750 bucks. After a set up that thing roars and is one of my best playing basses. It has an old three knob preamp and it has an aggressive yet articulate voice that is almost "rock hi-fi".
 
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#15
BigOldHarry said:
Okay, they are still made, still sold... but my point is that it seems to me that there was a time when *everyone* wanted one... I know I sure did...

Of course, there a many more choices now than there was even 10 years ago...
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Smiths, MTD, Sadowsky, Fender, Fodera, Roscoe, Jerzy Drozd, Warwick etc... were all "the next hot bass to have" at some point. But, When the dust settles those who really appreciate a bass (whatever brand) for bass' sake stick with them. Everyone else moves on to "the next Hot bass to have". :bassist:
 
#18
Atlanta Bass Gallery almost always has a Smith or two in stock. My go to bass is a Smith BT5G. It is by far the best playing and best sounding bass I have ever owned; and with over 30 years of playing and trading I've owned quite a few. I regularly play gospel and jazz; but I also play rock, country or whatever is called for. In fact I'm downsizing my collection of basses to a couple of Smiths. On the rare times I need a "vintage or traditional" tone, an SX jazz works just fine.
 
#20
It's also good to remember that these days there are a lot more options when it comes to really high end boutique basses. These days there are so many builders to choose from while the market is still somewhat small..

That said, Ken Smiths are the only boutique bass that I've tried that I'd really wan't to own these days. The very distinct tone and over the top, ridiculous coffee table looks just do it for me.
 

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