Ken Smith Basses Tone Making!!

[SongJinYoung]

Hi Ken!!
First, I'm very sorry for my poor english cause I'm not native speaker!!

I have played 3 Kensmith basses about 3years

My first one was BT Elite Neckthru model in 1996
I got the bass from used market in my country!!
But I couldn't make some sound of strut designed bass(like Jazz style)
Playing Finger Picking, It was not a big problem!!
But playing slap style, the sound is too fat
I was unequal to the bass, so I selled it
I had played about 4 month

My second one was BSR-JG 5string model in 2004
Swamp ash Wing, Walnut center block, Morado Finger board
It had punch and fat tone
Playing Finger Picking or slap style, It's sound was good
But my first one was more great finger sound!!

And I thought about that!!
The one has BSR-J slap sound and BT elite Finger sound

So I ordered my third one 9month ago (request Bassnw.com)

And now, I have played the one about 3 month
BRS4MW
Maccasar Ebony Top
Tiger maple center block and core
Walnut back
5 Piece neck
S/P switch

It was greatful sound that I want
Now, I have problemes about tone making

In my country, The reference sound in studio is the Vintage Fender sound
They say that
"Kensmith's sound is great for R&B, Funk, Soul!! That's the one of the greatest basses, But in my country want difficult one!!"

But, I can't agree about that
I know great one of playing Ken smith bass In my country
(He (a.k.a grooveshin) has BSRTNE 5 and BSRTNF 5)
He sad to me
"If you are in USA west!!, That's no problem I called bass track "the Smith Zone" in west coast style music, But in korea you need to learn about Smith bass tone making!!"

I use My bass in Factory setting(never used DIP switch)
I use Providence B202 cable, EDEN Navigator preamp, Mackie 1402pro vlz Mixer

IF anyone have good knowhow about my problem
Please teach me about that!!
about adjust 3-band EQ or DIP switch

If I have more Punch slap style tone, Is it good to buy another amp like EA iamp of SWR

Thanks for read!!

Jin From Korea!!

[Bob Faulkner]

Smith basses have a tone you typically won't find in most other basses. Having said that, the versatility of the EQ on Smith basses is incredible. I've been able to dial in so many different tones it's scary. I will say that I've been unable to get a "Fender" tone out of it. That, in my opinion, is a good thing. I generally dislike Fenders and their sound. If I wanted a Fender tone I would be playing a Fender. Nothing irritates me more than people trying to force a Fender tone as the definition of bass tone.. It may be for some people, but it's not my idea of bass tone.

[Steve_M]

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

Nothing irritates me more than people trying to force a Fender tone as the definition of bass tone.. It may be for some people, but it's not my idea of bass tone.

+1

Many basses I've tried have been equal to Fenders in terms of being heard in the mix. I've yet to own a Fender myself - came close recently but ended up with a far more superior and better sounding instrument than the flawed creations from Fullerton in the 70's.

[SongJinYoung]

Thanks Bob and Steve, You point it!!
I ordered the Navigator Jazz bass made by ESP
It's expensive jazz bass

And I save my $$ for another SM bass!!, BSR EG or TNE
Thanks a lot

[Paul Phillips]

Wow!! Bob mighty strong words you say about Fender my friend!, I have been playing Smith basses for over 12 years now and i think they are Beautiful instruments and sound just as beautiful!.But I do think Fender does have a " Bass sound" !!!!, After all don`t we owe Leo a little more respect for getting us where we are now!! ELECTRIC!!!!!

[Bob Faulkner]

Ford made the Model T. And I'm grateful for the advance he gave mankind. But, that doesn't mean I want to drive one or drive a car that performs like one.