I have 2 of your Basses, one was made in 92 with a three knob configuration and the other was made for me in 06 with 4 knobs and two switch configuration. I recently purchased the 92 for just that reason, a vintage feel and sound. I love them the way they are and I have in the works my third Smith Bass with the 4 knob configuration!
Have an 89 BT I bought new from you in 89. I never understood the need for mid range control on your basses as they have such wonderful natural mids all on their own. So I'm with your son on the three knobs. But if you keep the three knobs....it needs to be paired with the black oversized head stocks. Stay true to that magical recipe! Cheers Ken. John
I am a traditionalist. While I don’t (yet) have the pleasure of owning a Ken Smith Bass, I do believe devoted players would appreciate maintaining the 3-knob positioning - while possibly adding the mid controls via a concentric pot. In that manner, if I’m understanding correctly and additional circuitry could be made to fit smaller cavity, older BTs might possibly be able to be retrofit (concentric knob). Newer Smith Bass players probably wouldn’t mind the addition of 4th knob up top for mids control. Seems a good problem to solve... one in which you almost can’t go wrong. Cheers Ken & Jon!!
I’m a traditionalist. Primarily I play J and P style basses, but I really like t he sound of Smith Basses. The simplicity of the 3 knob really works in my opinion, you get the tone with less fuss. Just my opinion.
I have 2 of your Basses, one was made in 92 with a three knob configuration and the other was made for me in 06 with 4 knobs and two switch configuration. I recently purchased the 92 for just that reason, a vintage feel and sound. I love them the way they are and I have in the works my third Smith Bass with the 4 knob configuration!
Have an 89 BT I bought new from you in 89. I never understood the need for mid range control on your basses as they have such wonderful natural mids all on their own. So I'm with your son on the three knobs. But if you keep the three knobs....it needs to be paired with the black oversized head stocks. Stay true to that magical recipe! Cheers Ken. John
Mid is important for many styles of music. It’s good to have
I am a traditionalist. While I don’t (yet) have the pleasure of owning a Ken Smith Bass, I do believe devoted players would appreciate maintaining the 3-knob positioning - while possibly adding the mid controls via a concentric pot.
In that manner, if I’m understanding correctly and additional circuitry could be made to fit smaller cavity, older BTs might possibly be able to be retrofit (concentric knob).
Newer Smith Bass players probably wouldn’t mind the addition of 4th knob up top for mids control. Seems a good problem to solve... one in which you almost can’t go wrong. Cheers Ken & Jon!!
I use the mid knob only to cut mid frequencies while boosting some bass when I want a thick-low pillow sound. Otherwise it stays flat.
I’m a traditionalist. Primarily I play J and P
style basses, but I really like t he sound of Smith Basses. The simplicity of the 3 knob
really works in my opinion, you get the tone
with less fuss. Just my opinion.
Have you considered adding a passive tone?
When I buy mines I want 3 knobs only simple
Traditional 3 knob. No need for more mids knob on a Smith bass at all.