After 3 years of not having a Smith, I again own one/ Oh Happy days!

[Roy Diza]

I just picked this up today via trade. I had to sacrifice my beloved F****a Emp Elite 5, which has lived in my closet for the past year. I'll miss that beauty, but I miss having a Smith more. In addition, I had three other nice basses added to the trade plus a real cool amp, which I won't mention. I have to say it was win/win on both sides of the trade. Here it is, 2002 BSREG 5:

[Bob Faulkner]

very nice!

[Roy Diza]

Need your opinion fellow KS forum members. I'm thinking about getting another Smith. It's an older one built in 1994. It appears to be a BT model with the older head stock. Here's a pic. Can you guys tell me what exact model this is? and will this be different enough from my BSREG5 to justify owning one?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Roy Diza

....Can you guys tell me what exact model this is? ....

It looks like a 'BT' model with the 2-Band Pre. Can't tell you much more as the pic doesn't show enough detail.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Roy Diza

....and will this be different enough from my BSREG5 to justify owning one?

One thing for sure, the 'BT' models, with the shorter upper horn, will not balance as well on a strap as the BSR's. Another thing that is different: The 2-Band EQ on that 'BT' includes Treble and Bass Tone Controls (no Mid), so, most likely the 'BT' will sound a bit warmer than your 'BSR'. The 'BSR' Pre has Bass, Mid, and Treble Tone Controls. Personally, I have both and love them both for different reasons.

[Roy Diza]

Tim, thanks time for posting. I decided to back out. The seller was not too cooperative. I asked him what the woods were, and the model, then answered me that he had no idea. Could you tell what wood the fingerboard is? It looks to be morado and not ebony which would mean it's not an elite model. He also refused to provide additional pics. Too weird, great price though at $2,600.00.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Roy Diza

Tim, thanks time for posting. I decided to back out. The seller was not too cooperative. I asked him what the woods were, and the model, then answered me that he had no idea. Could you tell what wood the fingerboard is? It looks to be morado and not ebony which would mean it's not an elite model. He also refused to provide additional pics. Too weird, great price though at $2,600.00.

Given the sellers response and lack of knowledge of the bass, I'd back out too. Wise decision. While the fingerboard does look like a light redish color in the pic, it could very well be Pau Ferro (I don't think Ken had begun making the Elite (EG) models in '94). The top looks like it could be morado based on the pic and looks like a BT5G to me.

A few years ago I had two virtually identical BT5G's. One a '92 and one a '94. Both zebra top and back, mahogany core w/walnut laminate. The only difference was one had a Pau Ferro fretboard and the other had a very nice figured ebony fretboard. I kept the '92 with the ebony fretboard.