Smith Basses

[Ken Smith]

Welcome to the Bass Forum. As time allows I will be putting up a brief history page on how Ken Smith Basses became to be as well as a bit about myself and my 40+ years around Basses and music. For now, read this link from our website for starters. I welcome any questions here concerning Smith Basses.

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/about.html

Feel free to browse the Smith Web pages and ask if you can't find what you are looking for. There may be a link to point you to or just answer your questions straight away.

If you own a Smith, have owned one, played one or are in the market for one down the road, please feel free to start your own thread to discuss the Smith topic of your choice. This will become the main corner of the world for Smith Bass players and enthusiasts to share their experience and learn from others.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the Forum..

[Frank Richards I]

Hey Ken, love the new forum !

I'm playing a '99 BSR6 EG, and I was wondering why you opted against the dual truss rod ? What would the advantages/disadvantages be ?
Also, what do you think of Alembic's adjustable saddle, and have you ever considered it ?
I also wanted to tell you: this bass is the last instrument a bassplayer would ever need !
It's like having an Aston Martin and a Rolls Royce in one. Bass, that is.
You are the Yoda of bass making ...

Thanks, Frank.

[Ken Smith]

We tried two rods in the first few Smith 6s back in the 80s. There is more possibility that a player can hurt or ruin a neck than he can adjust it. The best method we found was a stable even neck with aged multi laminated woods and Graphite reinforced rods with a single doubled truss rod that we have been using from the start.

As far as adjustable Nut (saddle), I see no reason for it if the Nut is made correctly to begin with. Again, the more adjustable parts, the more things can loosen and the more a player can ill-adjust his Bass.

We see this a lot when Basses come in for set-ups. If it's movable, people mess with it!

Glad to hear you are enjoying your Bass.

[Ray Casas]

Finally a smith thread!

[Frank Richards I]

Dear Ken, that makes perfect sense . Everything is so well thought through. Thank you ! Frank.

[Desmund Nichols]

Hey Ken, I noticed that looking at other basses, they are coated with a shiny hard coat. They say it is to protect the wood from dents and scratches. I think the word is shilak (if thats how you spell it [if that is even the word for it]). Is there a reason why your basses dont have that coating? Ive had my bass for only a few months and already i have scratches, from my jewelry, the strap (I once put the bass in the case with the strap on (like I do with my other basses) but I never did that again. One time my pinky nail went over the bass and scratched it. I have an idea for a new case for you. I for one prefer gig bags over hardshell cases for transport, but I notice that you use Levi gig bags (i am the one that ordered the black tiger with the gig bag). But anywho, there is another Levi case that is much thicker and the inside has like a fur like substance to keep the bass safe. I was wondering if I buy that case and send it to you, can you put the Smith patch on it?

[Ken Smith]

Hey Ken, I noticed that looking at other basses, they are coated with a shiny hard coat. They say it is to protect the wood from dents and scratches. I think the word is shilak (if thats how you spell it [if that is even the word for it]). Is there a reason why your basses dont have that coating? Ive had my bass for only a few months and already i have scratches, from my jewelry, the strap (I once put the bass in the case with the strap on (like I do with my other basses) but I never did that again. One time my pinky nail went over the bass and scratched it. I have an idea for a new case for you. I for one prefer gig bags over hardshell cases for transport, but I notice that you use Levi gig bags (i am the one that ordered the black tiger with the gig bag). But anywho, there is another Levi case that is much thicker and the inside has like a fur like substance to keep the bass safe. I was wondering if I buy that case and send it to you, can you put the Smith patch on it?

One or maybe two questions per post would be easier on me..lol

'Shellac' is not what you are referring to. We use Shellac in the oil/varnish process for sealing. We make Basses with two types of finishes BUT Jewelry and sharp objects will scratch anything. Salty or acidic sweat will wear thru car paint so we do our best to give the finish within the budget of the model. Our Elite models are better protected but not from Jewelry or abrasive sweat.

On the Cases, we do not use Levi Bags. That is a Bag I designed over 25 years ago. Currently, Levi is the company making them for us. I can't put my 'patch' on their bag. Their 'patch' should work just fine..lol

[Bob Faulkner]

My BSR4EG is over 5 years old and still in good shape. It has a little bit of buckle rash on the back (you have to be looking to see it) and a tiny (almost unnoticeable and didn't remove any material) ding near the jack where I hit it on the case latch one time while putting it away. Other than that there is virtually no other wear on it. My fingernails have contacted it many times with no finish problems at all.

[Jason Mendelson]

Hey Ken! Still love my Smiths!

'96 BMT Elite G 6
'98 BSR Elite G 6 Frettless...

I am afraid I am in need of a new tuning peg for the BMT... Its the one for the "A" string if that matters... Can you email me pricing and how to order?

slapinfunk@gmail.com

[Ken Smith]

Hey Ken! Still love my Smiths!

'96 BMT Elite G 6
'98 BSR Elite G 6 Frettless...

I am afraid I am in need of a new tuning peg for the BMT... Its the one for the "A" string if that matters... Can you email me pricing and how to order?

slapinfunk@gmail.com

Just email us at the office, support@kensmithbasses.com and we can take care of this and any thing else you need like maybe some new Strings or more Polish.

A few years ago, we changed the Tuner handles on the Gears. Now, they look like this (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/nammshow/namm04/images/anniv%28H%29.jpg). If you want to change them all out to match, no problem. They are all in stock. Drop me a line..

[Jason Mendelson]

Just email us at the office, support@kensmithbasses.com and we can take care of this and any thing else you need like maybe some new Strings or more Polish.

A few years ago, we changed the Tuner handles on the Gears. Now, they look like this (http://www.kensmithbasses.com/nammshow/namm04/images/anniv%28H%29.jpg). If you want to change them all out to match, no problem. They are all in stock. Drop me a line..


Hrmmm..... really not sure which I like better! I think I would prefer to keep them lookin all original... It is functional, just harder to turn.. Slightly bent so the rubber bushing between the washers squeezed out :-/

Im going to think about this one..

[Tim Bishop]

Also, what do you think of Alembic's adjustable saddle, and have you ever considered it ?

Thanks, Frank.

This is a no-brainer......

IMO, Alembics' bridge is too difficult to work with. The allen wrench adjustable saddles can be very difficult to reach/adjust with the strings in the way. Also, you cannot adjust each individual saddle up or down. You have to either raise or lower either end of the bridge. Not good! It's nice you can dis-assemble Alembic's bridge to clean the brass, but who wants to do that? Also, inserting strings can be a total PITA! Ah, one more thing: If you like using Taper Core Strings, guess what, you may have a problem with Alembic's bridge!

Bottom line, Ken has a better bridge, hands down! Besides being very easy to work and idiot proof; with Ken's bridge, you have the ability to adjust each individual saddle up or down as well as forwards or backwards. Oh, and lets not forget the ease of installing the strings, whether they are Taper Cores or Other!

Tim B.

[Tim Bishop]

Also, what do you think of Alembic's adjustable saddle, and have you ever considered it ?

Thanks, Frank.

Ahh, I see now you meant Nut, not Saddle......

I think Alembic should have expended as much thought on the design of their complicated non-user friendly bridge as they did on their Nut.

See my comments above on their bridge.

[Roy Diza]

Hi Ken,

If I'm not misaken, you were very instrumental in Vinny Fodera's start in luthiery. I can see material choices such as an aluminum control cavity, and truss rod cover are used in both your line and Fodera's line. It would be interesting, for me at least, a design joint venture, or if you will, a limited edition of Ken Smith/ Fodera built basses. I'm just curious to know your thoughts about that.

Roy

[Ken Smith]

Hi Ken,

If I'm not misaken, you were very instrumental in Vinny Fodera's start in luthiery. I can see material choices such as an aluminum control cavity, and truss rod cover are used in both your line and Fodera's line. It would be interesting, for me at least, a design joint venture, or if you will, a limited edition of Ken Smith/ Fodera built basses. I'm just curious to know your thoughts about that.

Roy

Which question are you referring to up here?

I am NOT interested in any type of collaboration with any maker out there and have had the offer in the past but turned it down. Too many 'Cooks' in the kitchen!

Anything Fodera had in similar components is because he may have followed me, not having sources of his own at first. In some ways, not many though, he has grown away from that BUT if I should come out with something new one day, he and all the other 'Sheep' will be right behind me.

In short there are less leaders than followers. My reference above is that there are more Sheep than Sheep Herders if you know what I mean.

The Dovetail joint 'a la Gibson' was Vinnie's idea to save money and make a cheaper model sometime in 1980-'81. When I moved out to PA my main woodworker/Foreman mentioned that with good tooling like we had just developed and over time since 1985 (when we moved out to PA) that making a Neck-Thru is actually less work and a better model to make than a Glue-in Neck. We made Dovetails in PA as well from 1985 to about 1988. Then we went 100% neck-Thrus for awhile.

In 1989 I copied myself in Japan at the Morris Factory and made a beautiful Bolt-on line called the 'Burner Series'. With only 4 and 5-string models in the line we tried to now copy the 'Burner' this time and make a 6-string model. This was the start of the CR Line or as it was called internally then, a BT Bolt-on (BTBO). We made a change from the Burner with pitching the Neck itself to get some angle from the body. Later on in 1991, I made the tapered Center block so it would look Neck-thruish.

When ever we come out with something, someone is bound to copy it whether it be Peavey, Yamaha, Fodera, Tobias or even Fender. We cannot control this and anyone can buy wood and glue it together and put parts in them.

The question is, can they make a superior performance Musical Instrument that even Violin/Double Bass makers will admire from a craft standpoint and will musicians with the desire and ability to 'pay' for the best available be knocking on 'your' door?

A good Bass will sell itself to one who knows what he is holding. No salesman in the world can polish a 'turd' that good and make the sale.

One other thing to look at is the economics in Boutique Bass making. Here are a few things to be aware of when shopping;

1) Is your builder established and insured so your money is safe?

2) Are his instruments out there long enough to have a track record on reliability?

3) Does he drive an expensive Car or have a Luxury life style that you might be paying for rather than the Bass itself?

4) Is the Builder paying expensive Rent that you are paying for and not just the Bass?

5) Is he using stock parts with only a custom twist that a dozen other makers use making it a carcass builder only or is it a complete individual instrument?

6) Do Pro's actually buy his Bass or do they get them for Free so that you will pay for their Bass when you buy yours?

7) Does he treat the average 'joe'/'jane' buyer with the same build-time schedule he might give to some 'star' player?

8) Does he make you put a large percentage down and make you wait more than the estimated time or just a fair lower percentage deposit?

9) Does he promise to make it faster if you pay more upfront?

10) Is he consistent in the quality, pricing, delivery and general business dealings?

11) Can you reach 'him' on the phone or just a secretary or assistant?

12) Can you visit the shop to pick woods or look at your Bass in progress?

13) Do they/him seem to be away, not available or on Vacation many of the times you call to get answers?

14) Do they return your calls when they are not there or take your call when you call back?

15) Do you loose sleep at night worrying about your Bass being delivered or your deposit money?

16) Does it seem to be a parts-Bass made by another company with a Screw Driver, Fret File and Electronic Tuner being the main tools used to 'MAKE' your Bass when you visit the shop for a Tour?

17) When you visit or see a Tour on-line, do you see Boxes of Bodies and Necks as if they were shipped there and not made there?

18) Do they have a stock of aged Lumber to actually Make your Bass or just Body and Neck Blanks as if the parts were cut and supplied in that form?

19) Did the maker/designer ever actually play the Bass before building so he knows what language you speak?

20) Is he in business 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or more years with a reputation of making consistent Basses?

My fingers are getting tired as well as my mind so I will stop here BUT add to this 'watch list' for Bass buyers to help one make an educated decision with your hard earned money.

[Bob Faulkner]

How do you really feel about it Ken?

[Tim Bishop]

How do you really feel about it Ken?


You gotta love Ken's cut-thru-the-BS and get to the bottom line approach. Reminds me of me! I can appreciate that and could not agree with Ken more!

Anyone out there reading what Ken just stated: Your getting truth and some solid advice. Absorb wisely. ;)

[Roy Diza]

And how! Ken is a true trailblazer, unlike these next generation hip hop, so called boutique luthiers. I'm looking forward to see his next innovations.

[Tim Bishop]

It may be hard to top the current line-up.

[Martin Duarte]

Hi,

Your reply was exactly why I bought a Ken Smith over the other countless options in the market. There are very good luthiers going around, but many don't cover many of the aspects you mentioned.

Thanks again,

Martin

[Tim Bishop]

Hi,



Your reply was exactly why I bought a Ken Smith over the other countless options in the market. There are very good luthiers going around, but many don't cover many of the aspects you mentioned.

Thanks again,

Martin



Martin, just FYI: When you initiate a reply, like "Ken's response" that you are replying to, always click on the "Quote" button first of that initial respondent. That way, everyone will know what your reply is related to. Make sense? :)

[Michael Harrison Jr.]

Was looking at the website Ken, gotta say I've fallen in love with that (BSR)4TNE fretless. That is an amazing looking bass. If I ever get to a point where I can really afford to get into the handmade bass market...that is at the top of my list right now.

[Björn Wictor]

Here's an un-educated question... :)
What does the different model abbreviations (BSR, BT, CR etc.) stand for?

[Ken Smith]

Here's an un-educated question... :)
What does the different model abbreviations (BSR, BT, CR etc.) stand for?

I will go last..:D

[Björn Wictor]

Oh, the suspense! :D

[Tim Bishop]

Ok, I'll start....

BMT - Bass, Midrange, Treble.
CR - Chuck Rainey.

[Jason Mendelson]

good question I have no idea!

[Björn Wictor]

No guesses at least? :D

[Jason Mendelson]

Ive been thinking of this and I have no idea...

its really been kickin my ass!

Come on Ken, let us know!

BMT
BSR
BT

AHHHH!!!!

[Keiichi Miyamoto]

BT; Bass and Treble
CR; Chuck Rainey
BMT; Bass, Mid, and Treble
BSR; Body Shape Revised
Fusion; Fusion of BSR and BMT

Maybe...

[Ken Smith]

BT; Bass and Treble
CR; Chuck Rainey
BMT; Bass, Mid, and Treble
BSR; Body Shape Revised
Fusion; Fusion of BSR and BMT

Maybe...

VERY very close.. As I recall, the BSR and the CR had slightly different names from what you've posted.

On the CR, Chuck Rainey's name was NEVER used in any form of marketing, advertisement or catalog. As a matter of fact, the first group of 28 Basses and the only group made were designed and completed before Chuck and I ever spoke about it. The 'C.R.' initials actually has another name but was only mentioned 'in-house'. When we mentioned the Chuck Rainey name there after we had to tell the Dealers who Chuck Rainey was. Some Bass players knew him but most didn't including the Dealers who seemed to need most of the educating. It was after Chuck was named a Smith Endorser that several other companies started approaching him. I guess they figured that if I thought he was worth endorsing then they would go after him as well. This has happened with us with other Smith players that were approached by companies but usually unsuccessfully on their part. The Necks and Bodies were made as universal fit like a production. The only problem was that some Necks would only fit 'some' of the Bodies. I had to personally match up the Fits back in the NYC Office/Shop where all the Set-ups were done until mid-1995 when we moved the entire operation out to PA.

CR = Crunch Resonator ... CR is so much easier to say and if Chuck Rainey was playing one (2 actually) then why not 'dub' it the Chuck Rainey model? Actually, he had nothing to do with the inception of the Smith Bolt-on Bass. The first initials thought of were actually B.T.B.O.. meaning B.T. (Bass Treble like the BT model) Bolt-On.. B.T. Bolt-On..

The BSR is also close. Body Shape Re-designed. 'Revised' is a possibility but just not the 'exact' word we chose.

Something tells me you had some help with your answers. ;)

Good Job either way..

[Jason Mendelson]

Very creative ;)

As long as they are still the best basses made they can be called what ever you want :D

But BMT is my favorite flavor, Bit Meaty and Tasty!

But when it comes down to it they are cool names...

[Bob Faulkner]

BSR all the way man.. I love that top horn.. If there was not a BSR option, I quite possibly wouldn't own a Smith right now..

[Keiichi Miyamoto]

Mr.Ken Smith >Something tells me you had some help with your answers.

Yes.Yes.Yes.
A friend of mine. He helps me all the things regarding Smith Bass.
And He supports many many bass players in Japan. Many, many.
:-)

[Ken Smith]

Mr.Ken Smith >Something tells me you had some help with your answers.

Yes.Yes.Yes.
A friend of mine. He helps me all the things regarding Smith Bass.
And He supports many many bass players in Japan. Many, many.
:-)


HAJIMEeeeeeeee!;)

If there is one person in the world to answer questions about my History, Hajime would be at the top of the list..

Wakarimasta..

[Björn Wictor]

Ah, thanks Ken, now I can sleep peacefully at night again! :D

Now, there's one more question:

"Custom"...

I own a BT5-custom. What does "custom" mean in this case? Something tells me it's not "custom ordered"...

Thanks a mil!

[Ken Smith]

Ah, thanks Ken, now I can sleep peacefully at night again! :D

Now, there's one more question:

"Custom"...

I own a BT5-custom. What does "custom" mean in this case? Something tells me it's not "custom ordered"...

Thanks a mil!

Just a name. Standard, Deluxe, Custom.. denotes level of features and cost, not Quality. Quality is the same in out Basses just less or more features and work done.

[Björn Wictor]

Thank you.

[Richard Hall]

We tried two rods in the first few Smith 6s back in the 80s. There is more possibility that a player can hurt or ruin a neck than he can adjust it. The best method we found was a stable even neck with aged multi laminated woods and Graphite reinforced rods with a single doubled truss rod that we have been using from the start.

As far as adjustable Nut (saddle), I see no reason for it if the Nut is made correctly to begin with. Again, the more adjustable parts, the more things can loosen and the more a player can ill-adjust his Bass.

We see this a lot when Basses come in for set-ups. If it's movable, people mess with it!

Glad to hear you are enjoying your Bass. Ken, you mentioned the words 'stable' and 'even' in describing the qualities of a good bass neck. Could you go into detail? It seems to me, particularily with a 6 string, that two truss rods would be a neccessity given the extra tension of six bass strings.

[Ken Smith]

Ken, you mentioned the words 'stable' and 'even' in describing the qualities of a good bass neck. Could you go into detail? It seems to me, particularly with a 6 string, that two truss rods would be a necessity given the extra tension of six bass strings.

Two Rods? :eek:

If the string pull is even and the Neck has even stability across it's width then it should pull forward and back evenly. Adjustment from the center is just fine.

Two Rods can cause more trouble than they can solve. Just a slight mis-adjustment and over time the Neck will twist and maybe stay that way. NOT a good thing in my book. If the Neck needs two rods then something is wrong. We only use 1 Rod in the 7s as well. Not a single problem has been reported in over 15 years since we made our first 7-string for Melvin Davis.

The way I designed my 6-String Bass Necks and the way we make them in the Shop, have not have any problems that point to any changes needed as far as structure goes. The Smith Necks in general from day 'one' after almost 30 years going now have proven themselves by just 'being'. It is very rare that we hear about Neck problems concerning our Basses under normal usage.

'Stable' and 'Even' are words by definition that relate to my method of construction.

[Tim Bishop]

+1 Ken. ;)

[Jens Westerinen]

VERY very close.. As I recall, the BSR and the CR had slightly different names from what you've posted.

On the CR, Chuck Rainey's name was NEVER used in any form of marketing, advertisement or catalog. As a matter of fact, the first group of 28 Basses and the only group made were designed and completed before Chuck and I ever spoke about it. The 'C.R.' initials actually has another name but was only mentioned 'in-house'. When we mentioned the Chuck Rainey name there after we had to tell the Dealers who Chuck Rainey was. Some Bass players knew him but most didn't including the Dealers who seemed to need most of the educating. It was after Chuck was named a Smith Endorser than several other companies started approaching him. I guess the figured that if I thought he was worth endorsing then they would go after him as well. This has happened with us with other Smith players that were approached by companies but usually unsuccessfully on their part. The Necks and Bodies were made as universal fit like a production. The only problem was that some Necks would only fit 'some' of the Bodies. I had to personally match up the Fits back in the NYC Office/Shop where all the Set-ups were done until mid-1995 when we moved the entire operation out to PA.

CR = Crunch Resonator ... CR is so much easier to say and if Chuck Rainey was playing one (2 actually) then why not 'dub' it the Chuck Rainey model? Actually, he had nothing to do with the inception of the Smith Bolt-on Bass. The first initials thought of were actually B.T.B.O.. meaning B.T. (Bass Treble like the BT model) Bolt-On.. B.T. Bolt-On..

The BSR is also close. Body Shape Re-designed. 'Revised' is a possibility but just not the 'exact' word we chose.

Something tells me you had some help with your answers. ;)

Good Job either way..

When did the first BSR leave your shop, Ken? What year?
Saw a BSR that claimed to have been made -95 but never seen one that old.

[Ken Smith]

When did the first BSR leave your shop, Ken? What year?
Saw a BSR that claimed to have been made -95 but never seen one that old.

I would like to see that bass. My records show 1996 as the start of the actual BSR but there were a few models we made leading up to it between the BMT, BT and the BSR that were one-off models in progress.

[danilo ninkovic]

Hello Mr. Smith
I have a Ken Smith bass which is more than 10 year old, but I am not the first owner. Someone before has took off the label inside the back plate..so I thought maybe it would be better to engrave the date of production and other data inside the back plate,,and maybe your signature as a sign that you adjust each bass you personally.

[Ken Smith]

Hello Mr. Smith
I have a Ken Smith bass which is more than 10 year old, but I am not the first owner. Someone before has took off the label inside the back plate..so I thought maybe it would be better to engrave the date of production and other data inside the back plate,,and maybe your signature as a sign that you adjust each bass you personally.

The serial number WAS stamped into the end of the fingerboard. If the bass was re-fretted then it might have been sanded off if the fingerboard was re-leveled. The fact that you have neither the number nor the Label leads me to suspect this as a stolen bass at one point. There is no other reason to remove these valuable markings.

Some years ago a bass came into the shop with neither markings. I have other hidden marks on the bass and was able to identify the bass, when it was made and who 'we' originally sold it to which was then a dealer in Europe. The bass was never reported stolen to us so we had no legal right to hold it and just repaired it and returned it. I think we might have re-stamped the number into the bass and put a new label in it with the original date.

I would have to have your bass in my hands to do this, and the doors closed as I look for the hidden marks. Secret stuff, you understand..:eek::eek:

[Jens Westerinen]

I would like to see that bass. My records show 1996 as the start of the actual BSR but there were a few models we made leading up to it between the BMT, BT and the BSR that were one-off models in progress.

Sorry but don't have a pic of it and haven't been able to acquire the serial number yet.

About another thing. For how long have S/P-switches been an option?

[Ken Smith]

Sorry but don't have a pic of it and haven't been able to acquire the serial number yet.

About another thing. For how long have S/P-switches been an option?

Since about the early 1990's. They first became standard on the BMT models but were optional at first. Same with the EG, TN and GN models. First offered as an option and then became standard as the demand grew.

[Jens Westerinen]

Thank you very much for your quick reply!

[Jens Westerinen]

You gotta love Ken's cut-thru-the-BS and get to the bottom line approach.

I didn't quite get it at first since I was a bit unused to it but now I couldn't appreciate it more.
He says what's needs to be said.
Thank you Ken for all the knowledge you share.
Hope I'll be able to swing by the shop one day and shake hands with the man who's given me these tools to use when I do what I love to do.
With a KS bass it's me who sets the limits, not the bass. It makes me better and has a sound better then any. There's not a bass on the market that gives you what a KS does at its price. The looks of one doesn't hurt you either. :)
Thanks again.

[danilo ninkovic]

I see that you are thinking of all possibilities.
It is hard to find any objection.

[Frederick Schurger]

I've just read thru this thread, and I suspect Ken will give us a simple and amazing answer to my question here. I'm the proud owner of a CR-5G (I'll post a pic and serial number a little later) and in my playings, I've decided that my next bass will be a 6-string fretless. I've been trying out other basses just to see what else is out there, but the 6-string fretless basses aren't readily available in Central IL at most shops. But I did happen across one recently that only had one pickup near the bridge. And looking around online, I've seen that trend more and more. But not on the Smith basses.

So my question to Ken is simply, is there some benefit in doing that (single pick-up only near the bridge), or is it just a fad?

BTW, the more I look, the more I know I'll be getting a Smith 6-string fretless when I make the move.

Frederick

[Jason Mendelson]

I have a BSR6EG fretless and it is absolutly amazing.

You want a neck and bridge pickup.

You can get so many different tones out of the smith fretless and you can use only the bridge pick up if you want.

If this will help you, I did this little vid showing the different sounds with the electronics on different settings....

The single pick up design imho limits the sounds you can get from the instrument. But some of those also have a piezo pickup.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzWDl-mB030

[Ken Smith]

I've just read thru this thread, and I suspect Ken will give us a simple and amazing answer to my question here. I'm the proud owner of a CR-5G (I'll post a pic and serial number a little later) and in my playings, I've decided that my next bass will be a 6-string fretless. I've been trying out other basses just to see what else is out there, but the 6-string fretless basses aren't readily available in Central IL at most shops. But I did happen across one recently that only had one pickup near the bridge. And looking around online, I've seen that trend more and more. But not on the Smith basses.

So my question to Ken is simply, is there some benefit in doing that (single pick-up only near the bridge), or is it just a fad?

BTW, the more I look, the more I know I'll be getting a Smith 6-string fretless when I make the move.

Frederick

One pickup at the bridge sames money. Less one pickup, routing, blend/balance control and some screws, springs and wiring.

That's what you save!

What you loose more importantly is the sound of the front pickup and the ability to blend the two of them. :cool:

I have no idea why whomever made that bass. Our first basses had just one pickup because someone talked me into it. Shortly after I was back on track with 2 pickups in every bass.

I have two sayings;

One I heard years ago, "the blind leading the blind". No offense intended here at all to people that are actually blind.

The other I heard when fishing one day and asked why all the boats scooted over to another spot with a splash in the water, "one fool draws many".

So, just because someone does something for what ever reason, doesn't mean you have to follow. ;)

[Cristian De La Torre]

Mr Ken

I recently bought a new BSR5TN this one didn't came with the registration form, where can I go to register my new bass

[Ken Smith]

Mr Ken

I recently bought a new BSR5TN this one didn't came with the registration form, where can I go to register my new bass


Email me. Only new basses to the first owner comes with a warranty. Used basses do not. If new, contact your dealer. Everything was in the case when it was sold.