Different Body shapes (Ken Smith basses)

[Jose Bichoff]

Hello,

I'd like to invite you all to discuss a bit about different body shapes Ken produced since he started making basses in the 70's.
More experienced Smith fans don't have much trouble identifying models but it isn't an easy task for new Smith users. With the help of the old guys and Ken I think we can help who is choosing his/her first bass, either new or used, and hopefully learn a little bit more about Smith history.
So, if you have any questions or want to comment something about Smith body shapes, this is the place. Photos and links are more than welcome, specially old models and rare Smith basses.

Here are the links to the 3 models Ken produces now (Ken, you can correct me if I'm wrong):

BSR model:
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/neckthru/6eg(morado).html

BT model:
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/neckthru/bt5gvintage/bt5gvintage.html

Fusion model:
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/neckthru/f6cw7p.htm


My personal favorite is the BT.


***Remember that this topic is about Ken Smith basses, ONLY, ok?

Best Regards,
Jose

[Bob Faulkner]

My favorite is BSR, but I'd take a fusion without complaint. (I'd take any Smith without complaint!)

My personal favorite:
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/neckthru/elite/4eg_lined_fretless_quilmap.htm

[Joel Pineda]

i really like the BT/vintage shape with the big black headstocks, but would love to get a fusion body style.

[Mike Jenkins]

I'm a fan of the BSR because of it's more modern looks. I like the fusion as well but the BSR gets my #1 vote. I'm not really into vintage so the BT comes in last for me. However, I'll take a smith of any shape.

[Jason Mendelson]

What about the BMT?!?!?!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v461/PerformanceNISMO/Ken%20Smith%20BMT%20Elite%20G%206/IMAG0202.jpg

[Ken Smith]

What about the BMT?!?!?!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v461/PerformanceNISMO/Ken%20Smith%20BMT%20Elite%20G%206/IMAG0202.jpg

The BMT was my first venture of something totally new after the BT which we had been making for about 12 years by then and had evolved along the way. The BSR was made a few years later by mixing the BMT shape with the BT bottom. The Fusion model was a combination of the BSR and the BMT. One model gives birth to another. Like having parents, it takes two, sometimes...

[Anton Hasias]

One model gives birth to another. Like having parents, it takes two, sometimes...

So what's next Ken? Twins?

Best regards

[Jose Bichoff]

Ken,

Are there any differences in shape between Neck-thru and Bolt-on?

Kind regards

[Ken Smith]

Ken,

Are there any differences in shape between Neck-thru and Bolt-on?

Kind regards

The body wings are exactly the same. They either get glued to the neck or the center block which is tapered like the neck. The back heel shaping is different between the two as with the NT, we can carve it heel-less without the bolts in the way. We only make a few bolt-ons now to order. Mostly we make just the NT's.

[jillcarol]

dear Ken,

Are there any differences between fusion and vintage body shape?

thank you

[Ken Smith]

dear Ken,

Are there any differences between fusion and vintage body shape?

thank you

The Vintage is the older BT. The Fusion is a modified BSR shape. Mainly the placement of the BSR wings to the neck slightly offset a bit more and then the bottom curve instead of the point of the BSR (or BT).

[ByungMoo Kim]

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ken-smith-bmt-5-stunning-quilted-maple.1112337/
Is the bass in the link ken smith bmt?
He put it up saying its a 1997 bmt. But i thought it was a bsr shape.

[Ken Smith]

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ken-smith-bmt-5-stunning-quilted-maple.1112337/
Is the bass in the link ken smith bmt?
He put it up saying its a 1997 bmt. But i thought it was a bsr shape.

The last BMT's were the first BSR Elites. If the serial number says BMT, it is a BMT.