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Old 12-23-2013, 11:01 PM
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Danny Hernandez Danny Hernandez is offline
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Question Fusion Elite wood combination

So it's about that time to start working on the purchase. This time I want to go all out and get something really special. Thinking of going with a Fusion Elite 6 Eboy Top, Walnut Back, Tiger maple core.

My questions is currently owning an BSR6EG Flamed Quilted Maple top & back, western maple core. Will the the walnut and Eboy top make a significant difference in sound from my current setup since basically they will have the same core? Or should I go with a different core?

By the way would like to thank KSB staff for making my dream come true! There are no words for how impressed I am with the high quality of craftsmanship involved in making this instrument. There's not a single flaw with the finished product! The neck dimensions are just perfect and I don't have big hands, it's a very fast neck and very playable specially in the sweet spot. I was concerned with the weight and overall size of the bass but it's just perfect we'll balanced. The sound is just amazing KSB sound and am sure as it ages it will get even better...

I think I got a little of topic but ....

Would like to get some feed back from you guys....

Thanks...
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Old 12-24-2013, 12:56 AM
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Ken Smith Ken Smith is offline
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Cool the core..

I hope others tune in with their ideas and opinions a swell on the core but I just wanted to give my 2c after just reading this.

I think that looks and sound (each for different reasons) Walnut is usually the best core with an Ebony top. In my opinion, the sound between laminated bodies on tehse basses (because of the thickness we use) mainly comes from the Top, not the core. The core might 'flavor' the top in one way or another helping the inherent tone of the Top or conflicting with it but it will not dominate it.

On the looks factor, the Top, back and Core is all from dark woods and the Maple laminates offset the layers the best. With a Maple core with the Ebony-Walnut T/B set, we would use mahogany for the laminates. Less of as contrast.

On the Tone, Maple absorbs more and Walnut reflects more, Core, top, Back or whatever. With the Ebony Top, you don't want to soften an already deep short toned response wood. The Walnut lets the mids of the Ebony ring out more rather than suppress them.

Now, here are a few things to think about in case you are questioning my ears or experience in sound of these woods. The most simple test I have done to show someone in the past is with a piece of maple and walnut about the same dimensions. Then, drop them on a cement floor, one at a time. The sound of the woods will speak for themselves. Apart from that, I have handled well over 6,000 Smith basses of various woods. Having somewhat of a memory (lol on the somewhat), I rely on what I hear. It helps to have been a professional musician and bassist for 20 years as well as work with double basses that do not rely on amplification for the reproduction of sound.

Now, if you tell me you want the bass to be deep and smooth sounding as opposed to bringing out the audible mids, then yes, the Maple core of one of the varieties would be the choice. As far as Mahogany core goes, it seems to be more of a passive component with the more then double the density top wood used. With Top woods that are softer like Quilted Maple or even Tiger Maple or Walnut, the Mahogany is closer in properties for the mixing of tone.

We have probably used all three basic core woods (various types of maple's, walnut's, mahogany's) with almost every type of top/back that we have offered over the years. This includes 3, 5 and 7pc laminated wings.

There was a period of time when most all basses had mahogany cores. With that, I was able to judge the tones of the various top woods being that all the other parts of the bass were the same species, neck and fingerboard woods included.
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Old 12-24-2013, 10:52 AM
Desmund Nichols Desmund Nichols is offline
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As an owner of 3 Smith basses, I will say that the bass will sound completely different than your first one. It will have a more heavier low end.
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Old 12-25-2013, 02:51 PM
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Default The Core

Thanks Ken for your clear clarification. I have looked online for some reference pictures of the side view of what it would look like dark Ebony top with Walnut back and core and the contracting laminates but have not been able to find such...

Could any of you post any pictures?

Thanks and Marry Christmas!
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Old 12-25-2013, 05:06 PM
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Lightbulb pics..

Quote:
Originally Posted by Danny Hernandez View Post
Thanks Ken for your clear clarification. I have looked online for some reference pictures of the side view of what it would look like dark Ebony top with Walnut back and core and the contracting laminates but have not been able to find such...

Could any of you post any pictures?

Thanks and Marry Christmas!
Most of the pics on the website are old. I think that combination or dark tops and core with light laminated post-date the website BUT, I found a pic that is the direct opposite, light tops and core with dark laminates. So, until I can find something to show, look at this in the mean time and just imagine the opposite. http://www.kensmithbasses.com/woodpa...sternmaple.htm
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Old 12-25-2013, 05:23 PM
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Arrow more pics..

In progress pics..

The bass on top here.

Unfinished body wings here, bottom of left pile.

Here's a bass here as well.

And several more I got off the KSB FB page;

pic/walnut-walnut, pic/cocobolo-walnut, pic/ebony-walnut, pic/ebony-walnut.

So, these are a few non-intended examples of a walnut core between dark tops/backs with maple laminates accenting the sandwich.
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