Brilliant, just plain brilliant. Many people may be unaware of the fact that Ken Smith is a KILLER bassist! He played with Horace Silver, and was replaced by Stanley Clarke when he moved on. He was one of the most called for session bassists of the 70’s & 80’s in NY. He’s a top-shelf double bassist who’s played with both classical orchestras & jazz ensembles. With all due respect to everyone that had builds any instruments; Mr. Smith might be one of the few that understands bass instruments as a working player & builder. I’s be willing to bet that most working bass players would not want to exclusively use a bass that they built themselves. Kudos Mr. Smith!
It is an honor and a privilege to be able to own and open the case each time I play Ken's pieces of art. For years I had the money to buy a Smith bass, but felt unworthy of the reputation associated with these basses, Finally through 25 years of paying my dues, and reaching an intermediate level, I proudly own a neck-thru and bolt-on Smith basses. I have instructed my Son never to sell these basses after I leave, and to always keep them in the family regardless of whether my grandsons' take up an interest in music or not. Thank you Ken for creating an instrument that instills pride and creativity every time I play! Your voice is so good to hear on UA-cam, and long overdue. Hoping you can find time in your busy bass production to keep the videos coming, Respectfully, ED !
Ever since I saw Al Turner playing one of your 5 string basses at Earl Klugh's weekend jam many years ago, I made a pledge to recommit to my bass playing. Now that I am retired, since 2013, I invested in a 6 string bubinga topped model in 2017, and have concentrated on jazz ensembles, and praise and worship teams. I feel like I am a part of an exclusive cadre of bass players who, irrespective of playing level, have the greater advantage of any other musicians by the instrument we play. Thanks for the legacy. I feel a part of it in some small way because I can now fully appreciate the quality, sound, and playability of a Ken Smith bass.🎸
ken ive been playing over 35 yrs i have always wanted one of your basses so bad.i had cash put away but gave it to my son he needed it etc anyway i had the chance to play one of your basses and i simply fell in love with it.so i just want to let people know your basses in my opinion as far as tone feel and sound are hands down the best.i know alot of smith players are into jazz etc but these basses adapt to any style of music.so if anyone is in a position to get a smith bass do it you wont be sorry.maybe one day i will get my dream smith bass.much love to ken and all bass players!!!!
Ken, Thank You for doing the informative video's. I have been playing your basses for 25 years now. Again I love the video's answering the questions people have. I learn from each one.
I am the proud owner of a simple, humble bolt-on... K.S. Burner V strings. I bought it second hand and it is a 92 model. String spacing 16mm. It plays BEAUTIFULLY; well, it does not have a highly figured wood, it was originally painted black. I removed the painting and simply protected the body with some shellac, hand rubbed. This way it's a really beautiful bass. I treasure this instrument and use it with great satisfaction. Thunderous low B. :)
God I want a Smith sooo badly!!!😞😞 I have two stingray special basses and one is maple and one is ebony and you would think the maple is brighter but my ebony is brighter
Brilliant, just plain brilliant. Many people may be unaware of the fact that Ken Smith is a KILLER bassist! He played with Horace Silver, and was replaced by Stanley Clarke when he moved on. He was one of the most called for session bassists of the 70’s & 80’s in NY. He’s a top-shelf double bassist who’s played with both classical orchestras & jazz ensembles. With all due respect to everyone that had builds any instruments; Mr. Smith might be one of the few that understands bass instruments as a working player & builder. I’s be willing to bet that most working bass players would not want to exclusively use a bass that they built themselves. Kudos Mr. Smith!
It is an honor and a privilege to be able to own and open the case each time I play Ken's pieces of art. For years I had the money to buy a Smith bass, but felt unworthy of the reputation associated with these basses, Finally through 25 years of paying my dues, and reaching an intermediate level, I proudly own a neck-thru and bolt-on Smith basses. I have instructed my Son never to sell these basses after I leave, and to always keep them in the family regardless of whether my grandsons' take up an interest in music or not. Thank you Ken for creating an instrument that instills pride and creativity every time I play! Your voice is so good to hear on UA-cam, and long overdue. Hoping you can find time in your busy bass production to keep the videos coming, Respectfully, ED !
Wow, what a way to pay respects. Awesome
Ever since I saw Al Turner playing one of your 5 string basses at Earl Klugh's weekend jam many years ago, I made a pledge to recommit to my bass playing. Now that I am retired, since 2013, I invested in a 6 string bubinga topped model in 2017, and have concentrated on jazz ensembles, and praise and worship teams. I feel like I am a part of an exclusive cadre of bass players who, irrespective of playing level, have the greater advantage of any other musicians by the instrument we play. Thanks for the legacy. I feel a part of it in some small way because I can now fully appreciate the quality, sound, and playability of a Ken Smith bass.🎸
ken ive been playing over 35 yrs i have always wanted one of your basses so bad.i had cash put away but gave it to my son he needed it etc anyway i had the chance to play one of your basses and i simply fell in love with it.so i just want to let people know your basses in my opinion as far as tone feel and sound are hands down the best.i know alot of smith players are into jazz etc but these basses adapt to any style of music.so if anyone is in a position to get a smith bass do it you wont be sorry.maybe one day i will get my dream smith bass.much love to ken and all bass players!!!!
It is easy to identify when a master is speaking. Thank you Mr. Smith for sharing your knowledge.
Hugs from Brazil
Thank you for watching!
Ken, Thank You for doing the informative video's. I have been playing your basses for 25 years now. Again I love the video's answering the questions people have. I learn from each one.
This is awesome Ken, keep em’ coming. I’ll be sharing with my buddies.
Thank you for your support!
I just got my first ken smith, a white tiger elite 5, and it’s a dream come true.
I am the proud owner of a simple, humble bolt-on... K.S. Burner V strings. I bought it second hand and it is a 92 model. String spacing 16mm. It plays BEAUTIFULLY; well, it does not have a highly figured wood, it was originally painted black. I removed the painting and simply protected the body with some shellac, hand rubbed. This way it's a really beautiful bass. I treasure this instrument and use it with great satisfaction. Thunderous low B. :)
Great video! I just love the ways the wood naturally pops regardless of the finish.
What prompted the shift from 9 to 18 V electronics?
Hey great video Mr Ken😀😀😀😀😀
Thank you!
ken the corner !!!!
God I want a Smith sooo badly!!!😞😞
I have two stingray special basses and one is maple and one is ebony and you would think the maple is brighter but my ebony is brighter
Why no maple fingerboards?
If your going to stain the bass, use less sexier flamed woods. Just my opinion
all maple ebony fret board. not 20 something cuts of wood.