Pre-amp pic please - Ken's Corner (Bass Forums Sponsored By KSB)

Gerry Sivers · #1 07-06-2009, 10:11 PM

Hello everyone, I just got my bass and I need a little help. I found a receipt in the case for replacement pots. This made me wonder if I have the original pre-amp. I can't seem to upload a pic because I keep getting an error message. Can someone give me a link or show me what this pre-amp is supposed to look like?

Tim Bishop · #2 07-06-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

Hello everyone, I just got my bass and I need a little help. I found a receipt in the case for replacement pots. This made me wonder if I have the original pre-amp. I can't seem to upload a pic because I keep getting an error message. Can someone give me a link or show me what this pre-amp is supposed to look like?

Can you send the pic to me via email from this forum?

Tim Bishop · #3 07-06-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

Hello everyone, I just got my bass and I need a little help. I found a receipt in the case for replacement pots. This made me wonder if I have the original pre-amp. I can't seem to upload a pic because I keep getting an error message. Can someone give me a link or show me what this pre-amp is supposed to look like?

Also, tell me again the model and year of the bass and is it with or without S/P switches?

Tim Bishop · #4 07-06-2009, 11:18 PM

Ahh, is it a BSR5MW? Year 1998?

Tim Bishop · #5 07-06-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Ahh, is it a BSR5MW? Year 1998?

If so, it would look like this:

Ken Smith · #6 07-06-2009, 11:23 PM

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/access...s/circuits.htm

This one; http://www.kensmithbasses.com/access.../5Kcircuit.jpg

Gerry Sivers · #7 07-07-2009, 01:01 AM

Thank you both so much! That's just what I was looking for. Matches perfectly!
I spoke to the seller again and he told me that he ordered replacement Smith pots and had them professionally installed. He left the receipt in the interest of full disclosure. It seems to be working fine but man is it dirty!
I usually clean my basses with lemon oil and then wax. Somehow, I don't think that's what Ken would do but the bass is so dry, I'll have to think of something.
This is my first Ken Smith bass and I'm very impressed with the build quality. It arrived after 8 days on the road from California to Jersey. Before I even opened the case, I could feel the heat coming off of it. When I opened it and grabbed the bass, it was not warm but Hot to the touch! When it cooled down, I checked the neck and it was still straight. I know guys that destroyed their basses after forgetting them in a hot car for 1 day. I don't have to tell anyone here what a well made instrument this is.
It came strung with La Bella light gauge tapered strings but not for long. I'll be getting some DR Lo riders for now until I get it cleaned up and properly outfitted with Smith strings.
The only issue, aside from the filth, is one of the tiny height adjustment saddle allen screws is missing. If anyone knows what size that is, it would be helpful. I'm a carpenter, so I know not to try to force one in from one of my old basses.
Tone-wise, it's simply a Monster! This is the best bolt on bass I've ever heard and it handles better than a lot of NTs I've held. I will not be sending it in for S/P switches any time soon because I can dial in anything I want already.
1998 BSR5MW, a most welcome addition!

Tim Bishop · #8 07-07-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

It arrived after 8 days on the road from California to Jersey. Before I even opened the case, I could feel the heat coming off of it. When I opened it and grabbed the bass, it was not warm but Hot to the touch! When it cooled down, I checked the neck and it was still straight. 8 days? Damn, did he ship it pony-express? What method of shipping was used? No telling how long it sat in a hot truck.

It came strung with La Bella light gauge tapered strings but not for long. I'll be getting some DR Lo riders for now until I get it cleaned up and properly outfitted with Smith strings. I would highly recommend using the Smith Medium Taper Cores with this bass. You will need to re-set it up accordingly and for you.

The only issue, aside from the filth, is one of the tiny height adjustment saddle allen screws is missing. If anyone knows what size that is, it would be helpful. I'm a carpenter, so I know not to try to force one in from one of my old basses. When you order your strings from Ken, I'm sure he can also help you with a replacement for your saddle.

Tone-wise, it's simply a Monster! This is the best bolt on bass I've ever heard and it handles better than a lot of NTs I've held. I will not be sending it in for S/P switches any time soon because I can dial in anything I want already. You think it's good now. Just wait until you get it set up with the right set of strings and set up for your playing style.

1998 BSR5MW, a most welcome addition!

Glad to hear it finally made it too you.

Wow, 8 days?

Tim Bishop · #9 07-07-2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

It seems to be working fine but man is it dirty!
I usually clean my basses with lemon oil and then wax.

I'm still uncertain which model bass you have, but, if the bass is a 5MW than it has the oil finish and you will want to use the Smith Classic Wax Polish. Just make certain you know what finish you have.

For Smith Basses: If the bass has a gloss finish, use the Smith Pro Formula Polish. If it's has the oil finish, use the Smith Classic Wax Polish.

You can get the polish and polish cloth directly from Ken. I've used them both: Good stuff!

Tim Bishop · #10 07-07-2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

For Smith Basses: If the bass has a gloss finish, use the Smith Pro Formula Polish. If it's has the oil finish, use the Smith Classic Wax Polish. You can get this directly from Ken.

Here's the link for the polish:

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/access...ithpolish.html

Tim Bishop · #11 07-07-2009, 01:23 AM

Here's the link for the strings:

\http://www.kensmithbasses.com/String...undWoundsMulti

Tim Bishop · #12 07-07-2009, 01:33 AM

Here's Ken Smith Basses contact info:

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/email/email.html

Gerry Sivers · #13 07-07-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

I'm still uncertain which model bass you have, but, if the bass is a 5MW than it has the oil finish and you will want to use the Smith Classic Wax Polish. Just make certain you know what finish you have.

For Smith Basses: If the bass has a gloss finish, use the Smith Pro Formula Polish. If it's has the oil finish, use the Smith Classic Wax Polish.

You can get the polish and polish cloth directly from Ken. I've used them both: Good stuff!

The customer service on this forum is second to none!

I believe it has /had an oil finish and will place my order asap!
Lol, it was supposed to come Ups 4 day ground and was re scheduled probably because of the holiday. I will continue trying to post a pic. I may have to shrink it first like I see many of you guys doing.

Tim Bishop · #14 07-07-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

I believe it has / had an oil finish and will place my order asap!

Again, just make sure you know which before you order the polish. You don't want to use Smith Pro Formula Polish on an oil finish!

Tim Bishop · #15 07-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

I will continue trying to post a pic. I may have to shrink it first like I see many of you guys doing.

No "shrinking" necessary. If the pic filetype is .jpg, just upload it using the 'attachment' icon (looks like a paper-clip) of your post.

Tim Bishop · #16 07-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Here's the thread Mike Smith provided that will help you with uploading your pics. Click on the following URL and scroll to first post of thread:

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showt...=9654#post9654

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