Ken Smith 20th Anniversary Elite 4 String

[John Adams]

Hi Ken -

I have an opportunity to purchase a 20th Anniversary Elite 4 String (Redwood). I've seen conflicting info on how many were actually made. The numbers vary from 25-35.

How many were made and more specifically, how many of them were 4 strings?

Seller is asking a premium due to rarity. Just want to confirm.

Kind regards.

John

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by John Adams

Hi Ken -

I have an opportunity to purchase a 20th Anniversary Elite 4 String (Redwood). I've seen conflicting info on how many were actually made. The numbers vary from 25-35.

How many were made and more specifically, how many of them were 4 strings?

Seller is asking a premium due to rarity. Just want to confirm.

Kind regards.

John

I would have to dig deep to find out but, 4s were the least made.

[John Adams]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I would have to dig deep to find out but, 4s were the least made.

Thank you Ken. If it's too much trouble no worries.

I noticed on a previous thread, someone else asking about the original text from the old website about these basses. Here it is if you need it (jpeg form).

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Also, while I have you. I string my 89 BT5 Low E to high C. So I normally purchase a set of 4 and special order C strings. Recently my string reseller said they can't fill special orders anymore due to supply chain issues.

Can I still buy the strings directly from you?

Thank you kindly.
John

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by John Adams

Thank you Ken. If it's too much trouble no worries.

I noticed on a previous thread, someone else asking about the original text from the old website about these basses. Here it is if you need it (jpeg form).

[/url]

Also, while I have you. I string my 89 BT5 Low E to high C. So I normally purchase a set of 4 and special order C strings. Recently my string reseller said they can't fill special orders anymore due to supply chain issues.

Can I still buy the strings directly from you?

Thank you kindly.
John

Supply chain issues? In USA? We ship strings every single day. Just call and order direct. No problem here.



On the bass, I know the specs, I just don't remember the number of 4s made in the model.

[Bob Faulkner]

https://web.archive.org/web/19991012...niversary.html


This agrees pretty much with the image you provided.



It does state that only about 30 would be made so I'd tend to believe his claim of rarity, If it's genuine. Maybe you can get the serial number for Ken to confirm.



My custom 4 string fretless BSR4EG has a Hawaiian Koa core which is very rare for Ken Smith basses and I assure you when my heirs divest it the documentation I have with it notes that fact.