Would you change a Smith?

[Tim Bishop]

I thought this would be a very interesting topic. What would you want to see on your dream Smith bass (something that Ken doesn't currently provide), or what changes would you like to see Ken make to his current designs?

For me? I can only think of one thing I would ask Ken to change and while it is a minor one, it would be this:

I'm not certain on the 4-String Smith, however, on the 5's and MD-7's, I would like to see the Truss Rod Cover be redesigned such that the screw holes are positioned such as the 6-String Basses. On the 6's you can easily remove the Truss Rod Cover without de-tuning and moving the strings aside to get to the bottom 2 screws. While I realize it would be a design change to the truss rod cover, it would sure ease the pain of adjusting the neck when necessary.

Other than this, I can't begin to think of any other reason to mess with perfection.


Ok, your turn. Let's hear your input on this.

[Ken Smith]

Tim, I have this same problem. I used to put the TR Cap on after the Bass was strung up and had to take off 2 of the Strings partially. Then I decided that after the Nut was made and Neck tension tested with the set-up Strings I would then drill the holes and put the TR Cap on to hold the Nut in place and put a fresh set of Strings on then.

This is the way we do it now and have been doing for over 10 years at the Bench. I know it's a pain in the butt to pull 2 Strings off the Nut for adjustments but there isn't much room to do it a different way. Some people that need to make adjustments more often just have one screw at the top holding the Cap on. If that works for you then fine. Other than that, the Neck isn't something that should be fooled with except when needed.

[Tim Bishop]

Ahh, I was wondering how you handled this with your final set-ups.

While I agree it can be a PITB, it is a rarity that I would ever need to make a neck adjustment, particularly since I am consistent with the gauge of strings I use. Also, with my basses stored in a humidity controlled environment or even when the basses are stored in their case, I rarely have a need for an adjustment given the stability of your necks.

Ken, while the TR Cap was the only thing I could think of to get this thread jump-started, I do have an idea on what I think would be a simple mod to the TR Cap that would eliminate the need for the bottom 2 screws. Let me know if you are interested in hearing it, that is, if you haven't already thought of it yourself.

[Desmund Nichols]

The only thing I would like to see done is customied Truss Rod covers. I know that the name "Smith" goes there, but I am very weird. I like everything to be mine. If not on the truss rod, like on the back on the electronics cover, I would of liked it say "Made for Desmund Nichols."

[Steve_M]

Assuming its purely a matter of personal preference, in an ideal world I'd like:

• An adjustable nut so I have more control over the set up of the instrument
• 17mm string spacing at bridge
• Slightly wider body on the 5's (I'm a big bloke and I like larger bodied basses.)
• Slightly more durable matt finish (the soft woods on my BSR5-GN takes very minor knocks easily)
• On stage I sometimes miss the upper mid-range bark of the older BT6's so maybe a sweepable mid control or filter?

No dis' meant to Ken and his fine work meant by these comments. Its just personal taste.

What I LOVE is

• the chunky neck profile
• warmth and growl
• sweet treble
• gorgeous woods
• sounds great into the recording desk without need for vast amounts of eq
• supple feel and easy to play
• very forgiving instrument
• very little maintenance needed

[Bob Faulkner]

Ya that is along the lines of one of the customizations I wanted when I was ordering mine. I asked for for an abalone/MoP 'F' inlay at the 12th fret position as that's my last initial.

Ken shot it down.

[Tim Bishop]

Desmund, Steve, and Bob. Thanks for your input!

Keep it comming guys!