Keith Horn

[Christopher Rhodes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h5NcLtHkHg

Keith Horne "Bass Ball"

Here is a performance from one of the world's premier bassist's, Keith Horne. Here he is performing his own composition, "Bass Ball", with the Cameron Jazz Orchestra, circa 1995.

[ED LOZANO]

What a gentleman your are Christopher, I have watched this video 20 times and I never get tired of looking at it. I believe Mr. Horne's roots are from country and western music, as are mine. That is why I am so amazed at his soloing capabilities. Appreciate the help in posting this video. I always enjoy hearing an instrument being played as it was intended to be played.

[Christopher Rhodes]

I agree. He solos are amazing. I think he sounds better on the Smith than the others. Maybe I am bias towards a Smith bass. Smiths excel at fingerstyle technique IMO.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Christopher Rhodes

Smiths excel at fingerstyle technique IMO.

I would agree. Not only finger-style but slap as well. I know for me it's about the feel first. Using the Smith Medium Taper Core Strings help towards hitting those 16th and 32nd note chops. I like the resiliency, snap-back feel, and tightness in tone you can achieve with these strings up and down the neck.

[Christopher Rhodes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmjZToHAIhE
Chick Corea Electic Band - King Cockroach; featuring John Patitucci on Bass.

Please note all the fingerstyle bass playing on the Smith, while the slap, crackle, pop stuff is done another bass. Mr. Horn demonstrated that both can be done on a Smith - however in this video - it is done using two different basses.

I suppose he desired a different type of tone for the slap (thump) section of the song.

[Ken Smith]

Melvin Davis does it all, finger, slap and then some on all his Smith basses, 4, 5, 6 and 7 strings of which I have seen him play them all live.

Some people say they can't slap an 18mm 6-string. Melvin is bigger than the average person with fingers to match and he doesn't seem to have any problems at all.

Anyone here ever see him play the 7 on the Chaka Kahn DVD?

[Christopher Rhodes]

I use my Smith's, 6 and 7 string basses, for both finger-style and slap. In the youtube (Driven) clip in my signature area - I slap the 7 string bass 95%. So Smith basses can do both - and do them well.

I merely was stating that, in my opinion - Smith Basses excel at finger-style.

I am playing my 6 string now. Slapping, tapping etc;. When I play fingerstyle - it's another level for me, personally. Other basses can get close, but not the same as Smith is - for me. It just feels good an sounds so clear.

Everyone should "buy" a new Smith and compare for yourself

OK - that's my two cents...