So, How Many Smith's do YOU own?

[Tim Bishop]

Hi All,

Ken thought this might be a great thread to start and I couldn't agree more, so, let's have fun!

I currently own 15 Smith's, but have owned probably 30 within the last couple of years.

I've since sold a few simply because I have friends that wanted to buy one from me (one I was willing to part with that is; and yes, I have sellers remorse on a few of those I've sold!), otherwise, I simply connected (i.e. unmatched feel, sound of woods and/or electronics, etc.) with what I currently have and have not been able to part with them at this time.

So, let's go!....how many Smith's do You own? 1, 2-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13+ ?

[Desmund Nichols]

I only have 1. It is the only bass I need right now.

[Tim Bishop]

Ok: Just to establish some clarification and understanding here:

I did not start this thread to build a platform for "bragging", I simply thought it would be interesting to ignite some discussion related to multiple ownership (if applicable), fascination and love of these basses.

So, just wanted to get that out of the way, just in case my opening message was mis-interpreted. Does that work for everyone???

[Desmund Nichols]

I didnt think you was bragging. If you like buying Smiths basses, thats your thing. I have a lot of basses too. I was just trying to imply that my 1 Smith bass completes me as a musicians. Like i finally found that bass that I dont have to look around for another one. Like im satisfied with it. If you owned 20 Smith basses, more power to you. I have 2 cell phones, so it would be hypocritical for me to try to judge you. Do I need 2 cell phones? No but I wanted 2 so I got 2. But i wasnt trying to get the messasge of your bragging. If i was to ever get another Smith, I would get an Elite edition. Thats my only regret. Not buying an Elite, but oh well. My bass still satisfies me so im straight. I would love to see your collection of Smith basses though.

[Tim Bishop]

Great! Then we are off to a good start. Just need some more input from other Smith players!

[Ken Smith]

I currently own 12 Double Basses (out of about 17 purchase for personal use) that I bought wanting 'something' that the Bass had to offer me at the time or wanting it as 'the' Bass for me at the time of purchase.

Each Bass at the time of purchase was something I either wanted, needed (in my mind) or found an attraction or charm that spoke to me. I know that being in the business I can sell off what I don't want. A couple of them came in on trade and some I bought to sell asap but still did some gigs with them. Two of the newer ones I bought originally for myself in the beginning of my re-entry into playing I had passed on to my two boys. One of them no longer plays Bass at the moment so I have that one back for gigs where an older Bass might get damaged like an outdoor concert or something similar. Still, I have played many a Jazz gig outdoors with my best Basses at the time but could not be relaxed leaving it on stage for even a 2 minute bathroom break.

I also have some DBs I bought just for entry level buyers as my DB business grew so I know what its' like to have a collection.

With the Electric Basses and even before I had my own Bass company, I usually played only one Bass exclusively with the exception of an occasional back-up Bass like one I would leave back stage between shows on a gig or have for students to play on at lessons.

At one time after I started my company I still had an old Bass when that sound was needed and used either my proto-type or the next Bass completed if it was un-sold at the time. I even played 5-string on a few Gigs in the mid '80s before retiring. That was not easy after playing 4-string all my live to suddenly be playing with an R&B singer and reaching for the low 'E' and finding the 'B'!. When I needed the 'B' I knew where it was but the E not being the bottom string was a trip for me. Also, the 'G' was further away and even the 'A' and 'D' were out of place. Not something that was easy for me. Testing them on a bench was way way different than playing them on a gig. The 6-string is something that I never played off the bench and the 7, please no.. Just the test.. ok?

I have seen a lot of Smith Basses float thru Ebay and this means as I was told by a friend of mine that Smith Basses are now collectors items and have reached 'vintage' status in their own time. But, How did this happen with Basses only 10-20 years old? Well, maybe because we don't make a lot of any one model or wood combination and we have made some slight changes over the years. Also, maybe because we build them good to start with and after 10-20 years the low maintenance they have needed has added to their value. Gee, I wish I could buy a car that and after 10 or 20 years only need a few parts fixed or some finish work done rather than the junk yard..

So to Tim and all the other collectors and customers, thanks for the support.:)

[Tim Bishop]

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to share this Ken. Very interesting.

[Bill Bernhard]

I have just one Smith right now. I have a '97 BSR5M, and I love this bass. Prior to this one I had a '85 BT4 set neck, passive. Played the heck out of that one, it was my only freeted bass from '86 to 2004, when I switched to 5 string. Hindsight being what it is, I wish I could have kept that bass and added the BSR5M, but I REALLY wanted a 5 or 6 string with active electronics. One thing about the '85 BT, that I think is a telling tale of the Smith Basses. I went to buy a new bass, I knew very little about Smith basses back then. I spent hours trying out everything they had, Alembic, Steinberger, Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, etc. I ended up picking the best sounding and playing bass they had, even though at the time it had little name recognition (to me). That ended up being the best purchase I've made.

Bill

[Bob Faulkner]

I have just 1 Smith. Mainly because they cost a lot and my days of plentiful cash have gone by.

I have a total of 3 basses; a Lotus I bought used in '92 that I learned on, and will be buried with, an Ibanez I bought in '94 because while I love the Lotus for sentimental reasons, it plays like 3 month old crap, and my Smith. Obviously the other basses are garbage compared to the Smith, in both build quality and play quality. I replaced the P pickups in the Ibanez with some Duncan quarter pounders so it actually has some decent tone to it though.

I'm going to buy a beater 5 string fretless in the next few months to have a fretless instrument to practice on without having to worry about the finish. Once I'm proficient on 5 strings I'll buy a Smith 5 fretless for serious playing. I love playing 4 string, and will pretty much stick to that most of the time, but on some songs I'll need to go lower than E and I hate detuning to get there.

No bass I've ever played comes close to feeling as good as a Smith.

[Albert Smith]

I currently own Three "Smith Basses" a WBT5 EG, a CR4MW and a CR6 6 that Ken is currently repairing the neck on, I got it off of ebay.

[Tim Bishop]

Albert, would love to see your BT5G and read a description on it.

[Tim Bishop]

All,

Please see the Poll at the beginning of this Thread and Vote!

Tim B.

:cool:

[Jason Mendelson]

3 if the KSD Proto-J's count...

BMTE6G
BSRE6G (Frettless)
KSDP60J (Frettless)

[Albert Smith]

Albert, would love to see your BT5G and read a description on it.


WBT5 EG Elite Model

Made in the year 2001

Wide Model with 19mm Spacing
Body Style BT5


http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2253/wbt5egbodybackpr3.jpghttp://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5221/wbt5egbodyfrontzi4.jpg



http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6210/wbt5eglengthuh9.jpg

[Tim Bishop]

Now that is some pure sweetness! Thanks Albert!

[Bob Faulkner]

what woods are used in that body? that laminate contrast is awesome..

[Albert Smith]

Exhibition Grade Figured Walnut

[Tim Bishop]

Albert, on your BT5EG, what is the body core and laminate used?

[Steve_M]

I have three BSR-GN's (5 fretted, 5 fretless and 6 fretted) which are already shown here:

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=28&page=3

[Tim Bishop]

Very nice Steve! Beautiful basses.

[Albert Smith]

Tim, Honestly I'm really not sure, I would have to ask Ken himself on that one. Ken could you help me out here?

[Ken Smith]

Tim, Honestly I'm really not sure, I would have to ask Ken himself on that one. Ken could you help me out here?

If you're asking the Core question it looks dark like Walnut. Probably Peruvian Walnut we used back then but some better side shots close-up would help me better.

[Tim Bishop]

Could that be a Bubinga Lam?

[Albert Smith]

Albert, on your BT5EG, what is the body core and laminate used?
I'm going to take some new shots when I get off work today so' I'll post them later on tonight, after Praise and Worship rehearsal. Hopefully Ken will be able to identify them with a better shot.
Al. :rolleyes:

[Tim Bishop]

I'm going to take some new shots when I get off work today so' I'll post them later on tonight, after Praise and Worship rehearsal. Hopefully Ken will be able to identify them with a better shot.
Al. :rolleyes:


Yes, get a shot with the body angled such that you can see the lams clearly.

[Albert Smith]

If you're asking the Core question it looks dark like Walnut. Probably Peruvian Walnut we used back then but some better side shots close-up would help me better.

Ok Ken help me out here, What type of core wood is used in my bass?

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/151/40974726nu2.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3256/25655576kf5.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9303/26662628zs2.jpg

[Ronson Hall]

Ok Ken help me out here, What type of core wood is used in my bass?

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/151/40974726nu2.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3256/25655576kf5.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9303/26662628zs2.jpg


Al, that is a very good-looking instrument! How fortunate you are! My hands are beginning to itch! :p

I continue to count down the days...

[Tim Bishop]

Al, that is a very good-looking instrument! How fortunate you are! My hands are beginning to itch! :p

I continue to count down the days...


Based on the photo's, that would be a dark Walnut Core. Also based on the photo's, I would say Mahogany Lams. Due to the darkness of the photo's, there's an outside chance the Lams could be Maple but slightly yellowed with age? I'll stick with Mahogany Lams. ;)

[Albert Smith]

Looks like a Walnut Core to me with Mahogany Lams. ;)

Thanks for the kudos on my baby, lets se if the master confirms your findings Tim. Oh Ken where art thou?:eek:

[Bob Faulkner]

I tend to think walnut as well. It's just so dark, and I know Ken doesn't use Ebony for core stock..

It's even quite dark for walnut. It'll be interesting to see what Ken's take is on it.

While we're on the topic; Ken, do you have files on every bass you've made by serial number that details original owner, woods used, style, etc?

[Ken Smith]

I can see the color in the Pics but not the grain. If the grain is open similar to mahogany then I would say it's 'Peruvian Walnut' which we used back when that Bass was made.

[Albert Smith]

I can see the color in the Pics but not the grain. If the grain is open similar to mahogany then I would say it's 'Peruvian Walnut' which we used back when that Bass was made.

Thanks Ken for your feedback, I guess the only way I'll know for sure is to supply you with the serial number. Either way it is a work of art, even spidey wants a "Smith" he's swinging over to the shop to cop a Anniversary Edition as we speak.:cool:

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4056/spmanflyoa4.gif

[Tim Bishop]

Thanks Ken for your feedback, I guess the only way I'll know for sure is to supply you with the serial number. Either way it is a work of art, even spidey wants a "Smith" he's swinging over to the shop to cop a Anniversary Edition as we speak.:cool:



http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4056/spmanflyoa4.gif


Go for it Albert, you won't be disappointed! ;)

[Christopher Rhodes]

The 6 String is 1993 BMT Elite G - Born in May 1993

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993body.jpg
http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993fullback.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993back.jpg

The 7 String is 2001 MD 7 - Born in July 2001

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001body.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001fullback.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001headstock.jpg


I hope you enjoyed these photos. -cr

[Tim Bishop]

The 6 String is 1993 BMT Elite G - Born in May 1993

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993body.jpg
http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993fullback.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/1993back.jpg

The 7 String is 2001 MD 7 - Born in July 2001

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001body.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001fullback.jpg

http://www.crjazz.com/gear/2001headstock.jpg


I hope you enjoyed these photos. -cr


Great photo's of 2 beauties, Also, great wood choices. Thanks Christopher! ;)

[BobWankowski]

Wow, some beautiful instruments above.:eek:

2 for me for now. A fretted '97 BSR6G and a Lined Fretless '95 CR6G.
(See avatar)

[Tim Bishop]

All,

Remember, this is the "So, How Many Smith's Do YOU Own" thread. Go to the beginning of the thread and see the poll, then, cast your vote. :cool:


Tim B.