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BGRA: Ken Smith BSR 4J
| Manufacturer |
Ken Smith |
Model |
BSR 4J |
| Reviewer |
Andy |
Email |
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| Experience |
23? |
Item owned |
2-5 years |
| Review Date |
2009-12-27 |
Price paid |
1000 |
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Bass type | 4 string fretted |
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Neck join | Bolt-On |
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Neck construction | Maple, 3 piece |
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Fingerboard | Bubinga, 24 fret, 34 inch Scale |
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Body | Swamp Ash, 3 piece |
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Finish | Oil |
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Pickups | ken Smith J series |
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Hardware | Smith |
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Electronics | Active EQ, Passive pickups |
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Okay, I have come full circle. I originally bought this bass new 10 years ago. I kept it for 2 1/2 years then traded for a "nicer" Smith bass. Money and other complications left me trading and searching for the right bass for the next 7 years. Then, I saw my old bass on the web and I knew that I had to have it back. I have reviewed several of the basses that I have owned since having this one. I have always preferred 4 string fretted basses but in between ownership periods I tried: 2 Jazz 4 and 5 strings, 2 Warriors, a Kubicki, Steinberger, 2 Warwicks, G&L, Linc Luthier, Ibanez, and 3 other Ken Smiths. I also tried Modulus, Musicman, Benavente, Roscoe and a few others. I came close to buying a $4300 Smith GN but couldn't bear to part with the money. Now, Smith prices are higher then ever, so when my old one became available at a much lower then new price, I had to have it. No bass does it all but this ONE still has the best mix of playability, tone, flexibiity, variety of tone, durability and has a very high cool factor. I have had several other bassplayer acquaintances tell me that it sounds alot like a Fodera. I wouldn't know but I do know that I will not let it go again. No one bass can do it all but this bass has the best combination, for me, of them all. And I really don't like having to change instruments every 3 songs during a gig so this is now my main (only) gigging instrument.
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| construction |
 | (98%) |
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| playability |
| (100%) |
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| appearance |
| (90%) |
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| sound |
| (98%) |
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| value |
| (100%) |
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| service |
| (98%) |
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| overall |
| (98%) |
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