Getting to know them.......

[Frank Graveyard]

I asked the seller for some additional pictures. The pickups don't have the adjustable pole pieces.
Is there a pre and post period on four string pick ups from Ken Smith basses?

And yes I noticed, that its a fretless.

[Ronen Tat]

I've only seen 6string Smiths with flat pickup covers. Do you know if these are
original?

[Ken Smith]

First, do not buy a bass from Japan unless you live there. That code is a Japan dealers code. It is a BSR4GN, Fretless with Imbuia top and back with mahogany core and maple laminates.

Also, some of these sellers are Fraud, copying pics from other dealers and claiming to have the bass.

Third, they pay more shipping and duty to get the basses there.

You can do better to buy a bass in Europe or even better from USA.

A NEW bass like that from us with Warranty is $5795 plus shipping. I don't know about the takes or Duty but from Japan, you will pay that a well.

Bass is 5295, 5pc body is $200 and lined fretless is $300.

Flat Top pickups are available on all models by special order.

Now, you have all the information. So, the math is, a used bass at 10% off the current full price but, was slightly less when new in 2015.

Be careful.

[Frank Graveyard]

To be honest, I had my doubts about the seller. I guess I was a bit blinded by the beauty of the bass.
This is very valuable information! Thank you very much for your advice Ken!

[Frank Graveyard]

In my quest for a fretless Ken Smith, I only come across fretted 4 string BSR basses.
Is it simply possible to convert a fretted into a fretless? Or is there perhaps a difference in the build between these basses?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Frank Graveyard

In my quest for a fretless Ken Smith, I only come across fretted 4 string BSR basses.
Is it simply possible to convert a fretted into a fretless? Or is there perhaps a difference in the build between these basses?

We make the Fingerboards thicker on the Fretless models to make up for the height of the Frets. If not, the Bridge will be too low and at the wrong angle for the strings at the bridge saddles.

If converting a Bolt-on, then we would make a permanent Shim under the neck at the locket and/or re-pitch the neck for its height.

Frets in a slot help with the string pull resistance so making a thicker fingerboard help add strength that wont be there from the frets pushing the fingerboard back in the slots.

All of this is slight but makes a difference.

We have made Fretless models on 4, 5 and 6-string basses, with and without fret lines.

[Frank Graveyard]

Thanks very much for your replay. Speaking of fretboardthickness, what's the difference in mm?
I found a stunning fretted Ken Smith BSR 4 string White Tiger from 2011. Are there specific types of wood used in the build of a fretless body/neck?