Sycamore

[Brian Hewett]

I came across this bass today and saw that it has a sycamore top and back. I've never seen sycamore on a Ken Smith bass before and I don't see it listed in the Woods section of this site. What are the characteristics of this wood?

http://www.smithbassforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1558&stc=1&d=1272491431

[franklin peredo]

I call Bass Central last week, to find out what basses they have in stock and they toll me they just got that sycomore bass, i was like what? is the first time i hear that wood, i mean im not into woods or anything, but yeah,... i wonder how it sounds.. i personally think its always better to order from the man himself,.. even if it takes a couple of months its guarantee that i will get something fresh and not something that has been in stock for months and who knows',. maybe years, but nothing really beats trying the instrument before buyin it.

[Ken Smith]

Sycamore is English maple. There is an American Sycamore but that is a totally different species. We got in a few slabs some years back from a Tree that was planted here in the Northeast from an English Sycamore some 200 years ago or so. Once in a while, one gets cut down.

Some pieces look like regular European maple like you see on the back of a Violin. The English variety is often tight even flamed. My Hart Bass has a Back of Sycamore made about the year 1830. It is spectacular.

A few pieces had some wild 'crotch' like grain figure. The piece above looks like a book matched starburst. A first for me.

The color of the English Sycamore is more creamy colored than the American Maples we see.

[Brian Hewett]

Sycamore is English maple. There is an American Sycamore but that is a totally different species. We got in a few slabs some years back from a Tree that was planted here in the Northeast from an English Sycamore some 200 years ago or so. Once in a while, one gets cut down.

Some pieces look like regular European maple like you see on the back of a Violin. The English variety is often tight even flamed. My Hart Bass has a Back of Sycamore made about the year 1830. It is spectacular.

A few pieces had some wild 'crotch' like grain figure. The piece above looks like a book matched starburst. A first for me.

The color of the English Sycamore is more creamy colored than the American Maples we see.

Wow, that's very interesting information.
Thanks Ken!

[frederic vidal]

A pure beauty :eek:

what about sound of this wood ken ?

[Ken Smith]

A pure beauty :eek:

what about sound of this wood ken ?

It's a Maple so it sounds like Maple.. :cool:

[frederic vidal]

It's logic, thanks :)

[Christopher Rhodes]

This appears to be one of those Smith Basses that are rare, low production numbers, and will always retain its value - like all Smith Basses.

I do not want another Smith bass, but this one... hum... it is definitely has my consideration for a purchase.

Forum: How can I explain this new bass to my wife? Any ideas?

[Ken Smith]

This appears to be one of those Smith Basses that are rare, low production numbers, and will always retain its value - like all Smith Basses.

I do not want another Smith bass, but this one... hum... it is definitely has my consideration for a purchase.

Forum: How can I explain this new bass to my wife? Any ideas?

Tell her that the figure in the body top reminds you of the sparkle in her eyes..;)

The figure in the wood, not her figure..:eek:

[Jose Bichoff]

I came across this bass today and saw that it has a sycamore top and back. I've never seen sycamore on a Ken Smith bass before and I don't see it listed in the Woods section of this site. What are the characteristics of this wood?

Brian,

It`s really a very nice bass! Do you know what`s the core wood? It`s just beautiful too.

[Ken Smith]

Brian,

It`s really a very nice bass! Do you know what`s the core wood? It`s just beautiful too.

Look at the pic on the right.. can you see the golden Quilted maple in there?