Does mahogany behave like other woods when it comes to weight/density?

[Michael McNally]

Say like ash, where a lighter ash body will equal more punch and a heavy ash body would provide more deep bass and snap...does mahogany follow the same rules in a Smith bass?

[Ken Smith]

I do not agree with your first statement to begin with.

What kind of Mahogany and used where and how on a bass?

With multi layer wood construction like on Smith basses, the answers are not as easy as on 1-piece factory body and neck basses.

So, for a Smith bass, what is your question on woods and what model are you looking at so I can apply an answer to your question?

Specifics make all the difference.

Generalizations do not have specific answers.

[Michael McNally]

I was looking at the BSR5EG model with a top and back of imbuia and a mahogany core. I was wondering if the weight of the mahogany would make a difference in the sound of the upper mids, which I like to hear in a bass, ie mid growl.

I like bass tones with thick lows, some upper mid punch but smooth highs.

[Ken Smith]

The top will produce most of the sound, not the core. It's what the strings reflect off of. Also, we have the finish. The Elite model Lacquer will sound different than the Oil Varnish finish of the GN and then you have the 5pc body over 3 pc and the sawn contrasting laminates in the 5pc Elite.

[Michael McNally]

Thanks, this info is really very helpful.

[Michael McNally]

Would you say the lacquer would have more effect on tone than the number of laminates?

[Ken Smith]

Would you say the lacquer would have more effect on tone than the number of laminates?

?? Depends on where the Stars and Moon are that day! (:

[Michael McNally]

:eek:

Well that's it...I guess I'm going to have to consult with my star chart to look for any upcoming planetary conjunctions.

I'll keep you posted, of course.

[Ken Smith]

:eek:

Well that's it...I guess I'm going to have to consult with my star chart to look for any upcoming planetary conjunctions.

I'll keep you posted, of course.

Too many variables to answer that last question. Laq is brighter and more Lams is brighter. How much of each?, varies!

[Michael McNally]

Thanks again.

[Michael McNally]

Just a followup Ken, do you guys still stock the lighter coloured mahogany like the one on the far left?

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mahoganybodycores.jpg

[Ken Smith]

Just a followup Ken, do you guys still stock the lighter coloured mahogany like the one on the far left?

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mahoganybodycores.jpg


Not sure how old that pics is but for the last 15-20 years, all the Mahogany we have used has been the African variety. As with all core stock, the color is random. Some light, some medium, some dark. We try to make the woods contrast as much as possible but in that pic, it could be mixed species. Too long ago to remember. Sorry..
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/wood-species/mahogany/