Aloha from Palma de Mallorca, Spain
 

Aloha from the calm island, Mallorca in the Mediterranean sea, on the east side of Spain. I have been a Ken Smith bass lover for more than 10 years, since I saw that old John Patitucci video... what a bass. I remember watching this video...sooo many times. ;)

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/1MEiLguhkLw/default.jpg http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/wsQdxQwGr2w/default.jpg

Now I have the chance, for once in my life to purchase one of the beauties made by Mr. Smith :rolleyes:

Maybe this is not the exact place for asking this, but i'm on a hurry and I want to identify this bass as soon as possible, and your help would be very appreciated:

It was made in 1997, and it's all I know... so please, help me!

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3678/dsc1342w.jpg

Thank you and keep playin´ :)

Joseph

Are you wanting to buy this bass?

Can you post a pic of the complete back side of this bass?

Here's my take: Looks like Kens MS series bass, however, I don't think he made the MS Series in 1997.

Anyway, looks like MS Series, solid maple body wings, probably a 3pc maple neck (can't tell without seeing the back), pau ferro fingerboard for sure, Smith humbucker P/U's. Given you stated it's a 1997 model, it would have the 9v pre-amp with the 3-band EQ.

I cannot tell from the pic, however, the machine heads look like they are gold. If this is true, then either the bridge or the machine heads have been changed out from the original hardware. If the machine heads are chrome, like the bridge in the picture, then it's probably the original hardware.

Do you know why the truss rod cover is off? Do you know if the truss rod is fully functional?

At any rate, if the bass is in full un-altered working order, as it was originally designed, and you are interested in buying it, I don't think you would be disappointed. However, if you have a chance to see this bass AND play it in your hands, I would suggest doing so. Also, take the time to ensure the truss rod works as it should, neck is straight and the electronics are what you would expect to see in this bass.

Other than that, good luck!

Other than the model uncertainty, I feel good about the information I provided you, however, in the end Ken would be the best source for identifying this bass. If you can provide him with the serial number, he may be able to help you better.

The Model..
 

This is a BSR6M model bolt-on bass in Tiger maple with quilt maple centerblock. It is the lowest cost bass we make in a 6-string. This is the NEW model here.

In 1997, the basses had a single battery, 9v system. Today it has 2 batteries in parallel (18v) for longer life and some other added circuit features. The price 12 years ago for the 6M model was much much lower than it is today by maybe half in price give or take. When buying used, take in to consideration the condition and estimated cost to refurbish it entirely before even considering comparing it to the price of a new mode, new updated specs and features and new warranty. With used basses, there is no warranty or close comparison to the value of a new un-used bass.

Well...
 

$2,501.00 USD (used) for that particular model is on the high side. Not knowing the overall condition, functionality, originality, etc., makes it difficult to price accurately. However, if the bass is in tip-top-condition, I'd offer in the neighborhood of $2,000.00 USD. Part of your pricing issue will most likely be realted to where you are located. With Smith basses hard to find where you live, you may have to pay a bit more.

Good luck either way!

Yes, you are totally right. Here in Spain or even in Europe it's very hard to find Smith basses, so I think it's a fair price for this 6-string bassic model. Thank you for you words, won't be forgotten

;)

Something new Joseph ?

Ça va Frederic

Well, I'm still considering... ;)

hola joseph !

You can find some KSB in Madrid at http://www.zerodbs.com/stock_bajos.html