'The Comfort Factor'

[Darren Lipper]

Several factors go into an enjoyable, easy to play bass for me. I guess the ultimate goal is to have an instrument that I do not have to think about, will not fight against me, and will inspire me. And of course this is all in the context of playing live, anywhere from 45 min to 4 hours or so...

The first factor is the neck... It must have a nice smooth feel to it, and the strings must be set up nice and consistant... I like each string to kind of meld into the next in terms of feel and sound. Also, a relatively flat neck profile with low action feels great of course.

The second crucial factor is how the bass feels standing up. How does the bass feel at the 1st fret? How does it feel at the 24th fret? In terms of Smith basses, I am BSR all the way... the 1st position standing on the BSR body shape is much easier on my wrist.

Also important is the weight... again, for my playing style, if a bass is so heavy I can feel it when I play, then it is NOT for me.

Finally, the dynamics of the instrument.... I must be able to play a bass that responds to nuances in playing. Of course there are many other factors to this one, such as the room one is playing in, or the other musicians, the sound system, the size of the room, etc....

So in summary, if the sound in the room is good an balanced, the action is nice and low and even across the neck, and I don't feel any pain in my shoulder or left wrist, I am in bass heaven lol...

[Gareth Hughes]

Aside from string spacing the most important thing for me is being able to comfortable play in first position without bending my wrist too much. I reckon about 70% of my gigging time is spent there so of it gets sore quick I know all about it.

This comfort factor is a variable quantity tho given that what works for me might not for another. I'm a small guy - 5'9", with shortish arms and small hands so what I've found that works best is having the strap button coming over the 12th fret, halfway into the 11th fret. I have the strap hang down vertically, not pulled to my right. Doing this I do lose a little access to the upper frets but that's the trade off, but I reduce the angle in my left wrist.

My basses are J-shaped. When I'm standing I like them to hand just an inch or two to the left of where they would be when I sit.

This set up might not work for giants like Melvin Lee Davis tho as the high frets would be an awkward twist in the other direction.

[Dennis Michaels]

The first time I picked up and played a Ken SMith was in April '06 in Indy at Sam Ash. I played Fender for years. I owned 6 5 strings (Fender/MM and Warwick) and they all felt strange and we won't discuss tone. I picked up the Tiger Maple 5M and fell in love. The balance was perfect, the feel was perfect so after a week of brow beating of the sales I made my deal. I guess for me I can't find a flaw. I would love to try a classic shaped Smith tho'. One day I will but for me the current design I haven't found room for improvement. Also, I picked this bass up from Sam Ash at 5 O'clock on a Friday and had it in the pit of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" that night at 8. This is the first time a bass has felt like a friend in 2 hours.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Dennis Michaels

I would love to try a classic shaped Smith tho'. One day I will but for me the current design I haven't found room for improvement.

Dennis, the BSR Body design is my fave too.

I have a few older "BT" body shapes. They do not balance as well as the BSR on a strap. They are neck heavier (metaphorically speaking) due to shorter upper horn). Is this a problem for me? Hell no! Their great for sitting, but if you are standing, simply rest your forearm on the upper body-wing to help balance it out. In fact, one of my favorite Smith's is my '92 BT5 (Zebra).

I always say: If it feels, plays, and sounds great, but it's heavy or doesn't balance well......ask me if I care!

P.S. By the way.....I have a 212XLT (8) on the way!

[Dennis Michaels]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Dennis, the BSR Body design is my fave too.

I have a few older "BT" body shapes. They do not balance as well as the BSR on a strap. They are neck heavier (metaphorically speaking) due to shorter upper horn). Is this a problem for me? Hell no! Their great for sitting, but if you are standing, simply rest your forearm on the upper body-wing to help balance it out. In fact, one of my favorite Smith's is my '92 BT5 (Zebra).

I always say: If it feels, plays, and sounds great, but it's heavy or doesn't balance well......ask me if I care!

P.S. By the way.....I have a 212XLT (8) on the way!

Very cool... you should here 2 of them....lol

[Albert Smith]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Dennis, the BSR Body design is my fave too.

I have a few older "BT" body shapes. They do not balance as well as the BSR on a strap. They are neck heavier (metaphorically speaking) due to shorter upper horn). Is this a problem for me? Hell no! Their great for sitting, but if you are standing, simply rest your forearm on the upper body-wing to help balance it out. In fact, one of my favorite Smith's is my '92 BT5 (Zebra).

I always say: If it feels, plays, and sounds great, but it's heavy or doesn't balance well......ask me if I care!

P.S. By the way.....I have a 212XLT (8) on the way!

The two of you are really making it hard for me, after reading that Tim's about to pick up a new Eden cab, I'm really tempted to trade my Ampeg rig up to a Eden rig.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Albert Smith

The two of you are really making it hard for me, after reading that Tim's about to pick up a new Eden cab, I'm really tempted to trade my Ampeg rig up to a Eden rig.

Al, just do it! You will be thanking both Dennis and me. I promise.

Just make sure and get the right set-up. I'm sure Dennis or myself will be available to point you to that right set-up if needed. You won't look back.

[Roberto Zecchinelli]

Hallo Everyone, Hallo Ken!
About comfort factor I did a small modification to my bass you may consider to introduce to Smith Basses, I think it's a very good thing:
When I first strapped on my bass I felt something was different as playing sit.
I realized that the strap lock is upside the center of the bass. that makes the position of the bass less comfortable because the bass can't be parallel to the body but watches a bit up. this is bad for left wrist.
so My luthier and I moved the straplock lower, exactly simmetrically respect to the old straplock. now the bass feels much better , I can play easier because of a better left hand position and doesn't hurts my ribs anymore.
I'll fill the old hole with another straplock piece.
I think this would be a very usefull upgrade on Smith Basses with almost no effort.
Hope this helps, I can post some picture if someone is interested.
Thank you, Roberto