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Why do people not like Ken Smith basses.
- Thread starter iwearpumas
- Start date
Some players don't like Smith basses because they just don't fit thieir needs/wants in a bass guitar-Nothing wrong with that; that's why there are always options, and plenty of great ones at that!
I spoke briefly with Ken Smith at NAMM, then followed up on the phone about one of his basses I was interested in. He was patient, courteous, and a pleasure to talk with, and he CERTAINLY knows his stuff-He's a real innovator, and has been building high-end instruments for quite some time.
Personally- I think his basses are some of the best around, stunning builds; there are some real knock-outs that I've seen on TB. I'm jealous!
I spoke briefly with Ken Smith at NAMM, then followed up on the phone about one of his basses I was interested in. He was patient, courteous, and a pleasure to talk with, and he CERTAINLY knows his stuff-He's a real innovator, and has been building high-end instruments for quite some time.
Personally- I think his basses are some of the best around, stunning builds; there are some real knock-outs that I've seen on TB. I'm jealous!
It's hard to know how to respond to such a broad, unnuanced question as this - other than to challenge the premise...
MM
It's hard to know how to respond to such a broad, unnuanced question as this - other than to challenge the premise...
MM
^Yes, I question the premise as well. I'm personally addicted to Ken Smith basses. They have what I feel is the perfect tone and playability for a bass guitar.
I've only owned 6 string Smiths, but I got a chance to play a bolt on 4 string at the Bass Club Chicago last week. Bass was absolutely perfect. ()
I've also never seen such a variance of interpersonal experiences with one person. Some people say he's gregarious and others think he's very abrasive. I've spoken with him on the phone some and he hasn't been truly mean at all. He's short and to the point, with a thick New York accent. That's my whole family.
I gassed for a Smith for a long time, I was finally able to purchase a used CR5. While I loved the neck and the sound I couldn't get used to the body shape, it was not comfortable for me to play standing, after I sold it I read that it was designed to be played sitting down.. Oh well.
I didnt know people didnt like Ken Smith. I grew up in a Gospel background and everybody who can afford a Smith, plays a Smith. they get a little heavy, but thats my only beef. i would that 7 string if I had $7k to spare.
I use to have a Black Tiger 6, I sold it for those resons :
Too heavy, and never could get the neck in a perfect shape (as I like)
Also feel a little lack in the bottom.
Also, after one year and one month, I noticed that the bridge get some rust.
I asked if the warranty could work, Ken said no, to late from 1 month.
I was realy desapointed by this CS .
Regarding the price I was expecting a better CS.
So for me, this brand is not anymore on my list.
On the positive side, they sound great and have a really personal ton, that no other brand can bring.
Also really easy to play.
I would say the buid and finish are good.
I found maybe there was too much space around the pups.
Too heavy, and never could get the neck in a perfect shape (as I like)
Also feel a little lack in the bottom.
Also, after one year and one month, I noticed that the bridge get some rust.
I asked if the warranty could work, Ken said no, to late from 1 month.
I was realy desapointed by this CS .
Regarding the price I was expecting a better CS.
So for me, this brand is not anymore on my list.
On the positive side, they sound great and have a really personal ton, that no other brand can bring.
Also really easy to play.
I would say the buid and finish are good.
I found maybe there was too much space around the pups.
I like the tone of the Ken Smith's I've heard.
I prefer the aesthetics of the older shorter horned KSmiths like the Chuck Rainey ones.
Don't know if I'd ever buy one as they're currently superfluous to my bass stable.
I do have a BTpre in a home build Fretless which is pleasant enough and very simple to use.
I prefer the aesthetics of the older shorter horned KSmiths like the Chuck Rainey ones.
Don't know if I'd ever buy one as they're currently superfluous to my bass stable.
I do have a BTpre in a home build Fretless which is pleasant enough and very simple to use.
I don't like them because I find the look boring and they seem to all be active basses, and I don't really do the active thing.
I don't think they're bad basses, they're just not the basses for me.
I don't think they're bad basses, they're just not the basses for me.
You lucky dog. I only have one Smith. Sometimes i play it a lot and other times it sort of sits (lately it's been sitting). It just depends on what music I'm into at the time.
But I will say this: EVERY time I dig out the Smith and play it again I'm always AMAZED at just how awesome a bass it is! I'm not a huge fan of the wide flat body shape, but there is simply no doubt about how amazing the bass is to play.
The first time i picked one up i HATED it. it was 5000$ so I figured it would be great. It felt too tight, too trebbley, kinda hard to play.
But then i found a good deal on a used one, and after a weeks adjustment I LOVED it, and now no other bass will do. I have played literally hundreds (at least a hundred) rying to replace it, and the Smith's have something other basses don't. I think it must be mostly the wood, and the wide thin neck.
What makes Smith Basses stand apart for me are the harmonics. i play 6 string, slap some, jaco tweak some, and fill a lot with harmonics. Smith basses are like pianos. Warwick is a close second as far as off the rack basses go.
And every interaction i have had with Mr Smith has been great, he reated me resspectfully, and even once climbed off of a wood pile to take a phone call.
I can't afford to replace it, maybe mine was special, so I'm making my own, thanks to you guys here, now I have at least most of an idea how. Cannot wait to get started!
But then i found a good deal on a used one, and after a weeks adjustment I LOVED it, and now no other bass will do. I have played literally hundreds (at least a hundred) rying to replace it, and the Smith's have something other basses don't. I think it must be mostly the wood, and the wide thin neck.
What makes Smith Basses stand apart for me are the harmonics. i play 6 string, slap some, jaco tweak some, and fill a lot with harmonics. Smith basses are like pianos. Warwick is a close second as far as off the rack basses go.
And every interaction i have had with Mr Smith has been great, he reated me resspectfully, and even once climbed off of a wood pile to take a phone call.
I can't afford to replace it, maybe mine was special, so I'm making my own, thanks to you guys here, now I have at least most of an idea how. Cannot wait to get started!
Mine is a 4 strings burner from 98': best bass i had. Awesome to play, best neck i played, and i dig the tone.
8,15 lbs: lightest bass i had too.
8,15 lbs: lightest bass i had too.
About 10 years ago I had an older Smith 6 string. It was heavy(getting close to 11lbs), but the tone was ridiculous. If I had it now I would never sell it. Growly, and clear sounding. A perfect bass for the studio. They may not be for everyone, but I know I like them!
I think Ken Smith's are beautiful,and they play great I just don't dig the sound. I like the traditional jazz sound in a custom package.(Fodera,Kenneth Lawrence,Celinder etc.) If the custom Smith's had a more traditional sound I would consider one. Just my opinion.
