Just Ordered New Bsr Gn 5 String Bass

[Willie Williams]

The wait is going to be tough. It is cool that I can order just what I want. On the other 3 I bought what they had available not really knowing the ins and outs of the different models. The 6 string I just sold was an "M" model which from what I understand is more of an entry level bass. What saved me was it had an exotic cocobolo top which added value to it when selling it. That is why I am not taking any chances this time.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Willie Williams

The wait is going to be tough. It is cool that I can order just what I want. On the other 3 I bought what they had available not really knowing the ins and outs of the different models. The 6 string I just sold was an "M" model which from what I understand is more of an entry level bass. What saved me was it had an exotic cocobolo top which added value to it when selling it. That is why I am not taking any chances this time.

Cocobolo, Maple, and Walnut are probably my favorite combinations of woods used in a bass.

Among others, I have a 5EG: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple Lams, and Walnut core. A BMT6 7&7: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple and Walnut Lams, with Tiger Maple Core. Without hesitation, I would say these are my favorite wood combo's of all my Smiths.

The wait will be worth it, I promise!

[Ronson Hall]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Cocobolo, Maple, and Walnut are probably my favorite combinations of woods used in a bass.

Among others, I have a 5EG: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple Lams, and Walnut core. A BMT6 7&7: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple and Walnut Lams, with Tiger Maple Core. Without hesitation, I would say these are my favorite wood combo's of all my Smiths.

The wait will be worth it, I promise!

Tim, I'd like to "chime in" here for a moment:

While I believe that there is a marked difference in a neck-thru versus a bolt-on necked Ken Smith bass, and with all due respect to Willie (glad to meet you, Willie!), I'm going to have to say that I don't believe I just finished paying literally thousands of dollars for an "entry-level" Ken Smith!!

Of course, I'm certainly no expert (yet) on Ken Smith basses; however, my BSR5MW Cocobolo top and back beauty with its Tiger Maple core sounds, in a word...great!!! It may not have a "neck-thru" sound or sophistication, but..."entry-level?" I think not!!

I think some other adjectives may be more appropriate!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Ronson Hall

Tim, I'd like to "chime in" here for a moment:

While I believe that there is a marked difference in a neck-thru versus a bolt-on necked Ken Smith bass, and with all due respect to Willie (glad to meet you, Willie!), I'm going to have to say that I don't believe I just finished paying literally thousands of dollars for an "entry-level" Ken Smith!!

Of course, I'm certainly no expert (yet) on Ken Smith basses; however, my BSR5MW Cocobolo top and back beauty with its Tiger Maple core sounds, in a word...great!!! It may not have a "neck-thru" sound or sophistication, but..."entry-level?" I think not!!

I think some other adjectives may be more appropriate!

Ronson, I'm sorry, where did you see the words "entry-level" written in my post, or any of my posts for that matter? The $'s you spend are relative to the model purchased.

One day when you spend a few more $'s on a neck-thru (and I suspect you will......remember, I'm first in line in your Will......), you will better understand where I am coming from. In the mean-time, enjoy what you have (as I'm sure you will... ) because $ for $ there's nothing better on the market!

[Ronson Hall]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Cocobolo, Maple, and Walnut are probably my favorite combinations of woods used in a bass.

Among others, I have a 5EG: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple Lams, and Walnut core. A BMT6 7&7: Cocobolo Top and Back, Tiger Maple and Walnut Lams, with Tiger Maple Core. Without hesitation, I would say these are my favorite wood combo's of all my Smiths.

The wait will be worth it, I promise!

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Ronson, I'm sorry, where did you see the words "entry-level" written in my post, or any of my posts for that matter? The $'s you spend are relative to the model purchased.

One day when you spend a few more $'s on a neck-thru (and I suspect you will......remember, I'm first in line in your Will......), you will better understand where I am coming from. In the mean-time, enjoy what you have (as I'm sure you will... ) because $ for $ there's nothing better on the market!

No, Tim. You didn't post it - Willie did, and you responded to that particular post!

And while I agree with you in general, I have to take the position that the neck-through basses have a "different" and specialized timbre and tonal feel, but not necessarily different to the point that distinguishes a bolt-on instrument as an "entry-level" instrument (Willie's description, not yours).

In fact, for the sake of friendly argument, it may be a safe assumption to say that there might be some folks out there who - dare I say it - prefer the sound of a bolt-on Ken Smith to a neck-thru, for whatever reason (now, you KNOW I don't know from personal experience yet, but...)

For Example: There could be some distinct tonal qualities in a BSR Pro Series Bass (bolt-on with graphite inlaid bars) that really is desirable with some player, no?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Ronson Hall

No, Tim. You didn't post it - Willie did, and you responded to that particular post!

Ahh, I see said the blind man!

And while I agree with you in general, I have to take the position that the neck-through basses have a "different" and specialized timbre and tonal feel, but not necessarily different to the point that distinguishes a bolt-on instrument as an "entry-level" instrument (Willie's description, not yours).

I'm sure Willie meant "entry-level" price-wise.

In fact, for the sake of friendly argument, it may be a safe assumption to say that there might be some folks out there who - dare I say it - prefer the sound of a bolt-on Ken Smith to a neck-thru, for whatever reason (now, you KNOW I don't know from personal experience yet, but...)

Well, I would agree there are those out there that haven't played a neck-thru yet. And yes, you don't know yet, but you will! Don't forget: B (that's B as in Bishop) comes before S (S as in Smith).

For Example: There could be some distinct tonal qualities in a BSR Pro Series Bass (bolt-on with graphite inlaid bars) that really is desirable with some player, no?

Ummm, well, alrighty then. When you get your first neck-thru, let's re-visit.

[Ken Smith]

Entry Level into the Smith handmade models would be in this order;

J, J-MW, M, MW and then the P b4 getting into the NTs. So the MW is quite a bit up the ladder model-wise and has all the NT features except the Graphite and the NT itself. EB FB and other options are often added to Ms and MWs as well. If we never made more than the MW they would sill have a place on the Map in the Boutique Bass world. Many other Boutique makers ONLY Make BOs. We are one that offers both with all the high-end features many of which we introduced or developed over the last 28+ years.

[Willie Williams]

Originally Posted by Ronson Hall

Tim, I'd like to "chime in" here for a moment:

While I believe that there is a marked difference in a neck-thru versus a bolt-on necked Ken Smith bass, and with all due respect to Willie (glad to meet you, Willie!), I'm going to have to say that I don't believe I just finished paying literally thousands of dollars for an "entry-level" Ken Smith!!

Of course, I'm certainly no expert (yet) on Ken Smith basses; however, my BSR5MW Cocobolo top and back beauty with its Tiger Maple core sounds, in a word...great!!! It may not have a "neck-thru" sound or sophistication, but..."entry-level?" I think not!!

I think some other adjectives may be more appropriate!

Let me clarify what I meant. When I said entry level I was saying entry level in the Ken Smith line, and not entry level in the bass world. In the bass community BY NO MEANS WILL ANY KEN SMITH BASS BE CONSIDERED ENTRY LEVEL, but within the Ken Smith line most of the basses cost more. I was mainly saying that I would not have sold or traded a higher end model on a lower priced one if I had known more about the different models.

[Ronson Hall]

Originally Posted by Willie Williams

Let me clarify what I meant. When I said entry level I was saying entry level in the Ken Smith line, and not entry level in the bass world. In the bass community BY NO MEANS WILL ANY KEN SMITH BASS BE CONSIDERED ENTRY LEVEL, but within the Ken Smith line most of the basses cost more. I was mainly saying that I would not have sold or traded a higher end model on a lower priced one if I had known more about the different models.

I hear you, Willie. Point taken!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Willie Williams

Let me clarify what I meant. When I said entry level I was saying entry level in the Ken Smith line, and not entry level in the bass world. In the bass community BY NO MEANS WILL ANY KEN SMITH BASS BE CONSIDERED ENTRY LEVEL, but within the Ken Smith line most of the basses cost more. I was mainly saying that I would not have sold or traded a higher end model on a lower priced one if I had known more about the different models.

Well said Willie.