My 1st Smith PJ bass

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by lowbbass

Hi Ken,

I am about to receive my 1st PJ Smith. I am very excited to say the least. The serial number is 85209. It has a walnut top and back with snowflake inlays and a maple core. I have a couple of questions for you in regards to this bass. First, how many of these instruments with this pickup configuration were produced? Second, were the pickups designed by you or did you have someone else make the pickups for you? I have included 3 pictures of this bass. Thanks for your time. I would love to hear from anyone else who might have one of these basses.

James

That is from the first batch of Basses we made in PA. in 1985 when we moved the operation out here. You have the 9th or 10th of the first batch of.. I forget how many, sorry. The #s started at 200 or 201. Your Bass is #209. The first 199 or sop Basses were made in NY. On the PJs, not many. A few in NY and a few in PA. A few JJs as well mixed in there. We settled on the current soapbar pickups for all Smith Basses as seen now on our instruments. The pickups were a similar design to the soapbars but in a P or J housing. Less wire and magnets but the same principal for tone.