Bass Parts

[Michael Wilson]

Ken,

Do you sell all parts for your basses or just the ones on the web site.

Thanks
Mike

[Ken Smith]

Ken,

Do you sell all parts for your basses or just the ones on the web site.

Thanks
Mike

What other parts (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/accessories/Parts/parts_index.htm) are you referring to?

[Michael Wilson]

Input jacks.

Thanks
Mike

[Ken Smith]

Input jacks.

Thanks
Mike

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/accessories/Parts/images/5Kcircuit.jpg
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/accessories/Parts/circuits.htm

[Jason Mendelson]

Ive had to replace the jacks on all my smiths...

gotta make sure to use the L angled 1/4" cables,

durrrrrrrrrrr

[Tim Bishop]

In the 10 + years I've been playing MANY Smith Basses, I've only had to replace one 1/4 jack and I mainly use the straight 1/4 cable ends (Monster Cables I might add). :) That was back in 1999 on my KSA 6. It was simply a bad jack that had a short; had nothing to do with the cable used. Ken sent me a new jack, I replaced it in about 2 minutes, end of story. :rolleyes:

[Jason Mendelson]

It was on my 1996 / 1997 that I purchased originally brand new... and the 1994 that I recently found at guitar center...

They werent like not working or anything,, but they would get touchy sometimes... wasnt horrible... but since 10+ years after I got the basses and I decided to get them professionally set up, I had them replaced at the same time so I dont have to worry...

[Bob Faulkner]

The jack on mine is starting to show signs of giving up when you apply pressure to the cable in a lateral direction. I've always used straight cables, but about 2 months ago swapped over to a 90 degree connector to reduce the stresses inflicted on the jack.

[Tim Bishop]

The jack on mine is starting to show signs of giving up when you apply pressure to the cable in a lateral direction. I've always used straight cables, but about 2 months ago swapped over to a 90 degree connector to reduce the stresses inflicted on the jack.
I'm sure the 90 degree option is better for obvious reasons. I've just always been extra careful with my gear no matter what the circumstances.

[Michael Wilson]

I just need the input jack. Mine has short. Does not pay for me to ship the bass to PA at the cost of $100 bucks for shipping just for the jack.

Mike

[Kirk P Brosius]

Hello all,

I replaced the jack on my circa 2000 BSR5MW (I'm the second owner) soon after purchase. The word on the street is that Monster Cables have a habit of ruining the OEM jacks and I can't say if this happened or not but the jack began to show signs on impending failure.

The jack was a bit costly at $25 plus another $10 for shipping. Spendy? Yes, but necessary. No issues, at all, since a very easy install. I am careful when plugging the same cable (90 degree) and if it takes a dump again? I'll just order another and combine that with a string order, too.

Regards, Kirk

[Tim Bishop]

Hello all,

I replaced the jack on my circa 2000 BSR5MW (I'm the second owner) soon after purchase. The word on the street is that Monster Cables have a habit of ruining the OEM jacks and I can't say if this happened or not but the jack began to show signs on impending failure.

Regards, Kirk
Monster cables, huh? Wow, this is interesting as I've also heard the complaints about Monster Cables used in the Smith Input Jack's and why they are a supposedly a "problem". However, for me: I use Monster Cables and have for years and have never had an issue. The barrel jack's Ken uses are built well IMO.

It would be interesting to know how many Monster Cables used (in the pool of bad press) were straight vs. angled when these jacks failed. I can't help but think the answer would be 'straight' and the cause of the jack failure was due to the straight 1/4 plug taking too many good hits while plugged into the jack.

[Tim Bishop]

I'll just order another and combine that with a string order, too.

Regards, Kirk
Yep, that's the way to go Kirk.

[Robert Kramer]

It would be interesting to know how many Monster Cables used (in the pool of bad press) were straight vs. angled when these jacks failed. I can't help but think the answer would be 'straight' and the cause of the jack failure was due to the straight 1/4 plug taking too many good hits while plugged into the jack.

I use Monster Cable without issue. I think its more of a dimensional issue. the inside diameter (I.D.) of the jack and the outside diameter(O.D.) of the plug are too close in tolerance. Used carefully, no trouble but when the union is stressed that's where the problems occur.

[Tim Bishop]

I use Monster Cable without issue. I think its more of a dimensional issue. the inside diameter (I.D.) of the jack and the outside diameter(O.D.) of the plug are too close in tolerance. Used carefully, no trouble but when the union is stressed that's where the problems occur.
Yep; exactly.

[Michael Wilson]

Monster Cable has always been a problem with my Smith basses, not sure why but every Smith bass i have owned [10] has had a problem at some point with that cable. I think i will just go ahead and send it to ken and let him do a full blown work up while he has it. Get what i pay for;)

Mike

[Ken Smith]

Monster Cable has always been a problem with my Smith basses, not sure why but every Smith bass i have owned [10] has had a problem at some point with that cable. I think i will just go ahead and send it to ken and let him do a full blown work up while he has it. Get what i pay for;)

Mike

There is nothing I can do to fix the Monster Cable problem. By their own admission, they use what they call a type '2' plug. That seems to be the problem. Any normal cable is fine in my opinion. The Monster is only good when the jack is worn and needs a tighter fit. Using this cable early on will strip the inner spring of the barrel jack.

Remedy! But several extra Jacks from us and use any super duper claimed cable you like. It wont make you play better but you might feel good spending a lot of money on a cable with tons of advertising.:p

I have never used Monster other than once at a trade show and then they gave me a bunch for free for all the 100s of Jacks they killed. Still, I don't use one. I will use anything but a Monster unless it's all that's available. I take 2 cables with me and neither is a Monster.

[Tim Bishop]

I guess Robert and I are the fortunate few :). Works for me :rolleyes:.

[Michael Wilson]

Bravo Ken!!!

That cable is and always will be a input Killer!! i though it was the input jacks that were bad, but low and behold it was the monster. NEVER AGAIN in my Smith basses. Ken thanks for the new input jack, sooooooooooo easy to install, works great.

Mike

[Tim Bishop]

I have never used Monster other than once at a trade show and then they gave me a bunch for free for all the 100s of Jacks they killed. Still, I don't use one. I will use anything but a Monster unless it's all that's available. I take 2 cables with me and neither is a Monster.
So, Ken, is it fair to assume you don't like Monster cables, lol, :D.

[Michael Wilson]

What other parts (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/accessories/Parts/parts_index.htm) are you referring to? Ken, can i buy that gold truss rod cover without the 25th on it, just the Smith name. I love that cover for my BT6EG.

Mike

[Ken Smith]

Ken, can i buy that gold truss rod cover without the 25th on it, just the Smith name. I love that cover for my BT6EG.

Mike

We make what we make for the Basses and thats's it. The plain gold TR cap has not been made in over 2 decades. Go to a Jeweler and get one made on your own. I don't mind.. I think Al Turner did that because I didn't make the gold one he has on her BSR 6 Zebra.

[Michael Wilson]

Ok well do. Will send you a picture when its done.

Thanks
Michael

[Ken Smith]

Ok well do. Will send you a picture when its done.

Thanks
Michael

:).. ok, best of luck with it.. Don't forget our Royalty. Have the Jeweler contact us for a contract and payment info..;)

[Michael Wilson]

Hey Smith Brothers, check out this custom truss rod cover for my BTEG6.

[Michael Wilson]

Hey Ken, i will do better than the contract. I will play your bass and no other bass, so all can hear and buy. At over 100 gigs a year and word of mouth, you will make soooo much more than you could ever get from a contract. Lol....

Mike

[Ronson Hall]

That looks very, very nice! Mike, you may have started something here!

[Keir Riggs]

I'll say!!!!! That is definitly a thing of beauty Mike!!!

[Michael Wilson]

Thanks guys. Its a brass pce dipped in gold. Cost about 35 bucks to have made. Really shines!!!! takes my bass to a new level. You should look into one.

Mike

[Tim Bishop]

I've got one on my 25th. Doesn't help me play any better, but it does look nice. :rolleyes:

[Michael Wilson]

Tim B.??????????????????????????????:eek::eek:

[Jason Mendelson]

Oh that's an idea... I have good connections with jewlers... I can see about getting some made and do a group buy?

[Tim Bishop]

I've got one on my 25th. Doesn't help me play any better, but it does look nice. :rolleyes:

Tim B.??????????????????????????????:eek::eek:
Allow me to clarify: My 25th. Ann. already has the gold plated truss rod cover on it as Ken uses on that model. I did not go to a jeweler and have one made. The one Ken uses looks great as it is. :)

[Tim Bishop]

Oh that's an idea... I have good connections with jewlers... I can see about getting some made and do a group buy?
Very nice touch and it does look great. :)

[Michael Wilson]

Allow me to clarify: My 25th. Ann. already has the gold plated truss rod cover on it as Ken uses on that model. I did not go to a jeweler and have one made. The one Ken uses looks great as it is. :)
Tim, i totally understand,but if your not lucky enough to own a 25th and you want to take your Smith to another level look wise, this is the way to go. Adds a very nice look when the lights hits your bass on stage.

Mike

[Tim Bishop]

Yep, I understand. It does look nice.

[Michael Wilson]

Oh that's an idea... I have good connections with jewlers... I can see about getting some made and do a group buy?

Hey Jason thats a great idea. Let me know how you make out. I may know some people that might want to join in.

Mike

[Jason Mendelson]

Its not gonna happen... sorry

[Ken Smith]

Ok, listen up fellas.. If you want to go and diamond stud your Calvin Klein's then have fun, you bought them. BUT, if you do it and then re-sell the CKs with your custom work on it then it's trademark infringement.

For Smith Basses, the only ones that come with Gold TR covers are the 25th models, period. You want gold, get it on your own, I couldn't care less BUT, do not make a business out of it. Them's fightin' words..:mad:

[Michael Wilson]

Not worth fighting over. Its a nice touch for the very high price that i paid for my bass and i am real happy with the new cover. Every Smith bass that i own will have that cover, to nice to let go.


Mike

[Michael Wilson]

Ok, listen up fellas.. If you want to go and diamond stud your Calvin Klein's then have fun, you bought them. BUT, if you do it and then re-sell the CKs with your custom work on it then it's trademark infringement.

For Smith Basses, the only ones that come with Gold TR covers are the 25th models, period. You want gold, get it on your own, I couldn't care less BUT, do not make a business out of it. Them's fightin' words..:mad:

Ken,

i would not worry about infringement. I dont think anyone going to open a Smith truss rod store and make a living off of selling truss rods with the Smith logo on it. We just wanted to add a nice touch to a very nice bass, No More, No Less and share.

Mike

[Ken Smith]

Ken,

i would not worry about infringement. I dont think anyone going to open a Smith truss rod store and make a living off of selling truss rods with the Smith logo on it. We just wanted to add a nice touch to a very nice bass, No More, No Less and share.

Mike

A person having one made by their Jeweler for personal use is not a problem.

A person having them made to sell to others is an infringement.

I am glad to see how much people love their Smith Bass but making any kind of business selling original looking parts is an infringement.

[Michael Wilson]

Ok, listen up fellas.. If you want to go and diamond stud your Calvin Klein's then have fun, you bought them. BUT, if you do it and then re-sell the CKs with your custom work on it then it's trademark infringement.

For Smith Basses, the only ones that come with Gold TR covers are the 25th models, period. You want gold, get it on your own, I couldn't care less BUT, do not make a business out of it. Them's fightin' words..:mad:

Ken,

Can you at lease say it looks nice!! it really does enhance the look of your product, and as we all know or should know looks sell as well as sound.

Mike

[Ken Smith]

Ken,

Can you at lease say it looks nice!! it really does enhance the look of your product, and as we all know or should know looks sell as well as sound.

Mike

It looks nice..:)

[Michael Wilson]

I knew you had it in you.

Thanks

Mike