what is the difference from a older BSR5GN to a new one
 

Is there any difference between a BSR5GN from 1991 and a BSR5GN from now. Beside the Preamp?

Difference?
 

The 18V Pre-amp with the DIP Switches AND S/P Switches in the newer models would be the main difference.

yes..
 

The finish is now a bit different than before and in my opinion, improved. Also, the dark feature stripes in the Neck and Heel Cap lamination are now Shedua instead of Bubinga. More of a different look than sound but I think it will work at least as well if not better.

So the three differences are;
1-Circuit
2-Finish
3-Neck feature wood

'91....No....
 

Otto, the bass John has that you are interested is not a '91. It is a 2001 model 5GN.

'91...Not....
 

Ken, the 5GN Otto is interested in is John Rogers. It is a 2001 model. Did you assume he meant the date was 2001 when you ID'd your "differences"?

John's 5GN Link......
 

Here's John's bass and link from his Forum post. He includes a pics link of his 5GN:

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=1298

?
 

All is still different that I mentioned. 1991 was the BT/old Laq and 2001 was the GN/Oil Varnish. New models are upgraded.

Have you made any size changes over the years in relation to neck width? For example, would a new BT6 neck have the same
dimensions as an 1990 or older BT6?

well..
 

Width specs have not been changed specifically but when we make new jigs to replace the old ones things somehow come out slightly different but not that be easily measured.

As far as depth measurements go this can and has changed from time to time as well as bass to bass. These basses are all hand carved. The machines only cut away the bulk of the material. Then they are carved, shaped and sanded by hand. No two basses come out exactly alike.

In my opinion, I feel that the current basses we make at any given time are always the best they have been. Why do any less, ever?

Did you sell your bass?:(

Who's bass; what bass? This thread is about "..the difference from a older BSR5GN to a new one". Maybe you meant Otto's 5GN he has listed for sale on another thread?

This one?
 

Hey Ernest, if you are referring to Otto's bass for sale on the Used Smith Basses section of the Forum, here it is. Looks like it may still be available; at least for now.

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showt...6775#post16775

neck construction too?

newer ones, the back of the neck has a cover piece of wood...

older ones dont...

but really older ones have the cover... but those are really old...

Heep Cap..
 

I call that 'cover' you refer to as the 'laminated Heel Cap'. It is done in two pieces. The outer piece is figured maple and the inner piece is to match the features of the neck, Bubinga up until last year when we switched to Shedua.

The other difference there is also the headstock is flipped over with a scarf joint rather then cutting it all out of one fat long block.

To get to the point here, the new way is really the old way, the way we made them in New York from 1979-1985. We are back to roots since 1996 BUT we had quite a few neck billets (blanks?) left in the rack that took a few years to cycle thru.

The current/original way allows us to control the 'bend' direction of the wood grain as far as how the neck as a whole is 'breathing'.