Yikes, I'm getting old..
I started the company in Sept.1978 on paper. It wasn't until mid 1979 I had a semi-finished Prototype and the first Basses completed in Jan.1980.
Technically, 9/78 is the start so go figure. I use 1979 as the start as we didn't do much at all in '78. The Proto-type Bass made in '76-'77 was my personal working-Bass so I don't count that as part of the company time wise.
A 30th model? I don't know what I can do as far as anything new or better. We changed the 25th early on to include 7pc neck and body parts.
My plan was to make the 25th model as the end-all Smith (gadget-less) and have a 'Classy' Bass that we can continue to make as our 'benchmark' model as long as the special woods held out in stock. (I should live so long..
)
(Any of you guys seen the Movie 'The Green Mile' with Tom Hanks? That's my curse, for saving up all this wood).
In case you guys are not aware of it, some of the Top woods we are using are older than some members of this Forum. The average is 5-10 years only as a minimum with some pieces being 15-20 years old having been stashed away as my private stock 'hold a gun to my head' wood when it finally gets used. The 25th model was the occasion to 'give the key' to my 'vault' and let any 25th buyer pick or have the best that my eyes have seen not to mention the natural aging the wood has had mainly due to saving up these rare pieces.
30th model? Haven't thought much about new models lately. If I think of something
worth making a model called a 30th, I will mention it.
Note: Unlike the Auto industry (and some others), we don't have to change the shape, color and gadgets each year to attract buyers or to make a good product. In my opinion, we are currently making the best quality Smith Basses we have ever made in our history, hands down!