Vinny Fodera would probably agree.
I'm aware of his involvement at the time. I'm not getting involved with any controversy of who designed what and when, though!
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Why do people not like Ken Smith basses.
- Thread starter iwearpumas
- Start date
I'm aware of his involvement at the time. I'm not getting involved with any controversy of who designed what and when, though!
Having owned both Alembic and Ken Smith, occasionaly at the same time, I can say that there are a couple similarities, but I think a Ken Smith / Alembic comparison is going to net fewer similarities than, say...a Fender / Lakland comparison.
Similarities:
- Large bodies (all Ken Smiths, some Alembics)
- Crown shaped headstock (all KS, some Alembic...Alembic was first)
- Telltale laminations on neck thru models. They aren't the only ones who do this, but both do it more often than not on neck thrus.
Differences:
- Just about everything else
I really like Ken Smith strings. I stopped buying them after I'd inquired about the lengths of the strings (I was trying to find strings to fit a bass that had very particular needs) and Ken's reply was really curt and not at all helpful. Oh well - on to the next company!
Ken Smith basses are really nice instruments. Like many have said, Smith basses have a definite sound. Well made and consistent. I have owned a few Smith basses and have bee impressed with each one... However, he convinced me, that I didn't want another. Had a bass damaged in shipping. Basically, one of the controls was broken. Called him and asked if I could buy the pot alone. Said I needed to ship the bass to him for repair. Mentioned to him that I didn't want to ship the bass. Actually, said, I would buy the preamp and take my chances. He refused and insisted I ship the bass in for repair and THEN he would determine what needed to be done from there.
After a 20 minute conversation, I got tired of fighting with somebody who is insisting, I spend money for services I don't need. Turns out a local shop actually had Smith parts in the shop. Spent $40 total and was done in 20 minutes!
After a 20 minute conversation, I got tired of fighting with somebody who is insisting, I spend money for services I don't need. Turns out a local shop actually had Smith parts in the shop. Spent $40 total and was done in 20 minutes!
Dear fellow TB members and Moderator,
I really find the title of this thread desgusting.
In fact, if some smart ass (who maybe never touched a high end Smith bass in his life) likes or not Ken Smith' personality, his site, his jeans or whatever dirty gossip running around, should not be allowed as thread on this site.
I belive that TB is about what we like about basses, about playing basses and learning new things about basses, and not about killing the image of one of the greatest bass builder in US and in the world.
We should be really proud to live today among the greatest bass luthiers and bass makers ever, so no need to spread unjustified venom on them.
Some like him or not, Ken Smith is one of the very best, so I believe it could be more convenient to thank him for creating these magnificent basses and recognizing that he was an early pioneer in opening 30 ago new fresh roads for the modern bass.
Thank you for trying to remede this.
Best regards
I really find the title of this thread desgusting.
In fact, if some smart ass (who maybe never touched a high end Smith bass in his life) likes or not Ken Smith' personality, his site, his jeans or whatever dirty gossip running around, should not be allowed as thread on this site.
I belive that TB is about what we like about basses, about playing basses and learning new things about basses, and not about killing the image of one of the greatest bass builder in US and in the world.
We should be really proud to live today among the greatest bass luthiers and bass makers ever, so no need to spread unjustified venom on them.
Some like him or not, Ken Smith is one of the very best, so I believe it could be more convenient to thank him for creating these magnificent basses and recognizing that he was an early pioneer in opening 30 ago new fresh roads for the modern bass.
Thank you for trying to remede this.
Best regards
Ken's here!
Same thought and I just about spit V8 on the computer screen.
spade2you said:
I know for sure Ken lurks about even though he was banned. So do a lot of other illustrious banned members like Sterling Ball and Jeff Berlin. It kinda makes it even more enjoyable. People can make remarks and they can't do anything about it. Ken's personality aside. He still builds a quality instrument regardless of rather you like the looks, sound, design etc etc.
That he does. Perhaps I've worked with musicians and surgeons too long, but I really don't care either way about his personality. It's a fringe benefit that my choice of luthiers are nice guys. If I wanted a bass bad enough, I could put up with a lot.
What were you trying to find out?
I can tell you
I was playing a Status at the time (headed) and was trying to find strings where the taper would sit between the nut and the winding posts. In the end I went with Status Hotwire strings. In any event, I no longer have that bass but thanks for the offer to help!
One of the best basses I've ever heard and played was a fairly inexpensive Smith. Incredible growl, singing sustain, etc. Guy who had it, sold it and ordered a bass that cost 3x more. Worst bass I've ever played. Lifeless and heavy. All the Ken Smith's I have subsequently played have been in between the two quality and tone-wise. Overall, nice enough basses, but Ken Smiths just aren't for me.
rodneyat said:
Not to get off topic. But being relatively new to TB, why did the names you mentioned get banned? Just wondering...
I don't know of one current Alembic bass that looks like a current Ken Smith bass. Pictures?
I would like to personally say that after playing professionally for over 24 years, most of my 36 basses have paid for themselves, using gig money. Which gives them all sentimental value, and many memories from each bass. But......, there are only two that instill pride and satisfaction, and make my creative juices flow, getting me in trouble at times, I might add. Ken's masterpiece creations, and Brian Barrett's Low End Jazz basses, make me wanna be a better player, as well as making me wanna practice , and woodshed more. I have to admit from the second that I strap on a "SMITH" bass, I can't stop smiling inside, and I feel as if I have an obligation to Ken, to live up to the craftsmanship, and attention to detail that he builds into these works of art. I feel like people are expecting more from me, and I owe my best work to Ken , for his contributions to the bass world, and I don't dare leave the house without totally preparing for my gig.What is the price of an object, that makes you a better musician,and a better man? As I have read in Bass Player magazine, upright bassist, Rufus Reid said that everyone should own, at least one high end bass, in their lifetime. Just my two cents!
And, for a player, that's really what it comes down to. It's great you've found some basses that illicit such passion and dedication (not to mention joy) - not all bassists are so lucky!
As far as my comments go...I wasn't thinking of direct 'he stole this *whatever* from the other guy' comparisons, but about similar styling characteristics, most of which malthumb has already listed, along with things like pointy body-ends and such. I also understand that the build/wait time for both is similar (as in - take their time quote and triple it), but I could be wrong there.
I had a Ken Smith bass and didn't like it but someone else did, and they bought it. Obviously some people like the basses and many do not, and that's probably a result of the basses not being middle of the road. As for the guy, my personal opinion is that he is a jerk. YMMV. Given the number of really great guys making great basses and struggling to make a decent living at it, I'll give my business, as little as it may be, to those great guys, not to a jerk.
To me, they played alright, but were uncomfortable to wear. Their overall tone didn't blow me away, either. In my ears, my Cirrus basses performed much better and were more comfortable.
