Smith Soaps vs. J's ... opinions?

[Tom Albano]

Hello, Im currently looking for a Smith Bass, I am looking hard at the BSR J models, I have owned a BSR-MW with soapbars and it was not working out for me, I loved the bass, the feel...etc. I guess I need that J type of tone or some thing like. Maybe its a single coil thing, Being able to dial back to the bridge for that tight articulate/warmth.

I was hoping to find out the difference in sound between the soapbars and the J type pickups. Are there any sound samples you could point me to?

And yes I do own a Jazz bass but want the Smith refinements, I am looking forward to coming back.... perhaps a Burner?

thanks in advance
- Tom

[Greg Lorisco]

I think the Jazz set up is a light clear sound, but lacks the fullness of soaps.

But, with the KS electronics I think you can dial in any sound you like.


http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models...r5jmodel2.html

[Tom Albano]

Originally Posted by Greg Lorisco

I think the Jazz set up is a light clear sound, but lacks the fullness of soaps.

But, with the KS electronics I think you can dial in any sound you like.


http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models...r5jmodel2.html

Thanks Greg yes thats the model... I have my eye on one and plan on going to try it out.... I assume you meant "tight" not "light" ?

I very much want a tight bridge type tone this may be a good fit.
- T

[Greg Lorisco]

Originally Posted by Tom Albano

Thanks Greg yes thats the model... I have my eye on one and plan on going to try it out.... I assume you meant "tight" not "light" ?

I very much want a tight bridge type tone this may be a good fit.
- T

I actualy meant "light". To my ear the Jazz bass sound lacks some of the fullness and roundness of soaps. That may be different on a KS?

[Tom Albano]

Originally Posted by Greg Lorisco

I actualy meant "light". To my ear the Jazz bass sound lacks some of the fullness and roundness of soaps. That may be different on a KS?

Thanks .... I had an MW with soaps briefly. I still feel like I should have gave the bass a "better" chance, the tone did not work out very well for me back then, Im giving it another go with the J's though... maybe the lightness you are talking about is what I was missing with the soaps....

anyway....
- T

[Greg Lorisco]

Originally Posted by Tom Albano

Thanks .... I had an MW with soaps briefly. I still feel like I should have gave the bass a "better" chance, the tone did not work out very well for me back then, Im giving it another go with the J's though... maybe the lightness you are talking about is what I was missing with the soaps....

anyway....
- T

What was bad about the tone or what tone were you looking for?

So many variables with tone; wood, neck, pickups, strings, etc. So it could have been something other than the pickups.