Sycamore

[Brian Hewett]

I came across this bass today and saw that it has a sycamore top and back. I've never seen sycamore on a Ken Smith bass before and I don't see it listed in the Woods section of this site. What are the characteristics of this wood?

[franklin peredo]

I call Bass Central last week, to find out what basses they have in stock and they toll me they just got that sycomore bass, i was like what? is the first time i hear that wood, i mean im not into woods or anything, but yeah,... i wonder how it sounds.. i personally think its always better to order from the man himself,.. even if it takes a couple of months its guarantee that i will get something fresh and not something that has been in stock for months and who knows',. maybe years, but nothing really beats trying the instrument before buyin it.

[Ken Smith]

Sycamore is English maple. There is an American Sycamore but that is a totally different species. We got in a few slabs some years back from a Tree that was planted here in the Northeast from an English Sycamore some 200 years ago or so. Once in a while, one gets cut down.

Some pieces look like regular European maple like you see on the back of a Violin. The English variety is often tight even flamed. My Hart Bass has a Back of Sycamore made about the year 1830. It is spectacular.

A few pieces had some wild 'crotch' like grain figure. The piece above looks like a book matched starburst. A first for me.

The color of the English Sycamore is more creamy colored than the American Maples we see.

[Brian Hewett]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Sycamore is English maple. There is an American Sycamore but that is a totally different species. We got in a few slabs some years back from a Tree that was planted here in the Northeast from an English Sycamore some 200 years ago or so. Once in a while, one gets cut down.

Some pieces look like regular European maple like you see on the back of a Violin. The English variety is often tight even flamed. My Hart Bass has a Back of Sycamore made about the year 1830. It is spectacular.

A few pieces had some wild 'crotch' like grain figure. The piece above looks like a book matched starburst. A first for me.

The color of the English Sycamore is more creamy colored than the American Maples we see.

Wow, that's very interesting information.
Thanks Ken!

[frederic vidal]

A pure beauty

what about sound of this wood ken ?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by frederic vidal

A pure beauty

what about sound of this wood ken ?

It's a Maple so it sounds like Maple..

[frederic vidal]

It's logic, thanks

[Christopher Rhodes]

This appears to be one of those Smith Basses that are rare, low production numbers, and will always retain its value - like all Smith Basses.

I do not want another Smith bass, but this one... hum... it is definitely has my consideration for a purchase.

Forum: How can I explain this new bass to my wife? Any ideas?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Christopher Rhodes

This appears to be one of those Smith Basses that are rare, low production numbers, and will always retain its value - like all Smith Basses.

I do not want another Smith bass, but this one... hum... it is definitely has my consideration for a purchase.

Forum: How can I explain this new bass to my wife? Any ideas?

Tell her that the figure in the body top reminds you of the sparkle in her eyes..

The figure in the wood, not her figure..

[Jose Bichoff]

Originally Posted by Brian Hewett

I came across this bass today and saw that it has a sycamore top and back. I've never seen sycamore on a Ken Smith bass before and I don't see it listed in the Woods section of this site. What are the characteristics of this wood?

Brian,

It`s really a very nice bass! Do you know what`s the core wood? It`s just beautiful too.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Jose Bichoff

Brian,

It`s really a very nice bass! Do you know what`s the core wood? It`s just beautiful too.

Look at the pic on the right.. can you see the golden Quilted maple in there?