Low B Comparison with Fender, Lakland, Sire, and Ken Smith

[@ryanbirabent-genone9219]

That Ken Smith sounds amazing

[@joesandoval7430]

Lakland!! One of the best basses I’ve played

[@rmccain99]

Very well constructed but they are heavy.

[@michaelanthony9068]

Me too ! My go-to bass is my Lākland 55-02

[@handsdown5x]

Smith is in another level not fair

[@miket2646]

Smith and Lakland all day. One thing that I've realized about some lower grade basses is that the Low B doesnt have the same tonal character as the rest of the bass. They literally sound like a 4 string with a low B attached, rather than a 5 string instrument.

[@bassyboii]

dude you hit it right on the head. its such a challenge to find a bass where the b sounds like it belongs with the rest of the strings.

[@grungebox]

@@bassyboii Yes, I had to get a used bass in the $3250 price bracket in order to get a B string that matched the other strings in timbre. I wanted the fretted E (on the low B ) to sound like the open E string. I went with an F-Bass BN5. New the F-Bass BN5s are $4500 (used to have a new one in 2006, stupidly I sold it.). Anyway, no Fender, Ibanez or Stingray could get even close. I am under the impression that the F-Bass is the most affordable boutique bass with a killer B string. I mean it is a huge piano sounding B that sounds like the rest of the strings- bright with a monster low end. You have to play the Ken Smith basses to get a baseline of how a low B should sound. That being said, the BN5 has the BEST low B in the business- I think better than Smith basses. The neck is ROCK solid and provides and excellent foundation for the low B. You do not have to worry about a used F-bass being unplayable. I bought

[@pusanghalaw]

that's been solved by fanned frets. a 38" low-B is the most glorious sound on earth.

[@miket2646]

@@pusanghalaw Nah, definitely a niche fad. Some of the best recorded electric basses aren't even close to that scale. Besides, the majority of people using Dingwalls are playing root notes with a pick through a Darkglass anyways hahaha

[@pusanghalaw]

@@miket2646 picks? i didn't notice. i prefer more traditional pizzicato or slap on the low-b. and my dream bass would be a "38 fanned fretless BEAD. with fret lines to be sure - not enough muscle memory to stay in tune on that scale length.

[@Aakhv]

I choose Lakland. I always LOVED Lakland since the moment I first heard how it sounds. Well, maybe I like it A LOT because it was the first "Omg what a low B" bass I ever heard. Ken Smith was also a beast but I like very very much more the Lakland.

[@ThunderBroomPilot]

I love the look of Lakland. One day, I will get one. They are just beautiful

[@ferrybasman1969]

The low B from the Fender and Sire seem too loud

[@paulmyhre4100]

Recently picked up a Lakland and love the instrument. Thanks for your great work on this comparison video.

[@mauricioemanuels7611]

Lakland por lejos... tono,definición,volumen,profundidad y es la mejor 5ta cuerda de todos los bajos que aparecen en el video..

[@crtsdxn]

Bruh... Smith. Nothing else even close. Man, such perfect bass tone.

[@wolfster2287]

I just bought that white Lakland, but with a maple fingerboard. Comes in tomorrow. Got a really good deal at Sweetwater. I hope the maple fingerboard sound as good as this one.

[@dreamcometruebypedrocochof6262]

Lakland without a doubt!!!

[@ultrasignificantfootnote3378]

Usefull video, I can not help to think that the biggest factor is the pickups.

[@SergioPasquet]

Lakland & Sire

[@mjthump]

To me the Sire and definitely the Lakland sounded the best to me. The Fender low end tends to have a clingy sound on the neck on certain notes

[@carlosaranaarzu5825]

🔥Lakland 🔥👌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@calvinwilds46]

Lakland all the way I expected that I have 5 string v7 vintage and Lakland 55-02 that 35 in scale on the Lakland makes the b sound better.

[@DiogoBaeder]

To my ears, the Lakland has the best B tone between those you showed. It sounds the richest on the lows, deep and punchy. But the others sound pretty good too. The Sire one was my least favorite.

[@GeroLubovnik]

The previous comments by others is very interesting. The Ken Smith had the best clarity and separation followed by Fender. If I had to pick one it would probably be the Fender (though I'm not a Fender fanboy at all). Also, this video hasn't accounted for strings. As an example, my Yamaha bass loves Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats while my Ibanez BTB sounds like garbage with them.

[@outsider462]

GeroLubovnik thanks for the comment. I can’t remember what strings are on these Basses. I believe the smith has some nickels, the fender has Dunlop super brights stainless steel. Sire has nickels and lakland I’m not sure. I no longer have the lakland.

[@steviedebarge77]

I’m so impressed with the p7 I had no idea that it could be in the same arena as the others but between KS and P7 very very close followed except the fender fell out the front

[@jesuguru2394]

Best B - Smith=Lakland>Sire>>Fender Best overall - Smith>>>>Lakland>>Fender=Sire

[@Starrchild65]

That P7 5 is my next bass

[@outsider462]

It’s a great bass. The electronics are fantastic.

[@PhilosophicalCat]

Just got one. Absolutely nuts

[@domenickcuccherini2847]

I was looking at the P7 but ended up with the V7. P7 will be my next one for sure. Great, quality instruments

[@zifuzmalikoshaylou1052]

Ken Smith has more sustain and one of the most easy to play , fantastic bass. Not for everyone... too expensive :( I ve got Sire V7 , it s ok bass for the price and finish under another name it would cost double or triple but thianks for M.Miller. I would go for Lakland DJ 5 fantastic bass. To answer for the low B my Ibanez 5 is incredible ....and Yamaha high end TRB 5 II No comment

[@geeush]

The guy just couldn’t stop playing the KS, that says it all )) Strange enough, I found the Sire’s B more integrated into the whole sound of the instrument than the Fender’s.

[@Vikkk1978]

Lakland win!

[@yvesbailey]

Lakland and the Sire

[@sethnicholls7861]

KS and Sire for the win!

[@rsa4834]

0:12 0:23 Sire 1:28 1:35 Fender 3:00 3:09 Lakland 4:22 4:30 KS

[@steviedebarge77]

You hit it right on the nose! I’m ordering a sire immediately (im not at all joking) I am a studio musician for a living. I don’t play much outside of work situations. Other than the occasional after session jam. And I’ve carried the same couple basses not because I don’t want or like to play boutique basses it’s just every single time I’m talking 99% of the time I’m asked to bring a jazz or P bass. A lot of times the studios are set up for this sound or engineer is familiar with those Basses. So I got a custom shop fender deluxe ( my arsenal 71’ P & 77’ & 79’ one passive aggressive & the other with a Michael Pope 3 band flex core & nordies) that can pretty much can pull off what those Basses are capable of doing. But from a standpoint of a studio player that Sire was best for recording. The fender was very a close second. I’m gonna get V10 & P7 after doing a little research after seeing this video.

[@cedcobasse]

Awesome video. I hesitate between having a sire or a used lakland , i have the answer, thanks a lot. Lakland sounds great.

[@ralphbenitez4407]

I liked the low B on the Marcus Miller and Ken Smith the best.

[@viloriaramosprofesional3129]

1) Sire 2) Lackland 3) Jazz Bass 4) KS

[@outsider462]

Update on these basses. I sold the Lakland and the Sire. I still have the Fender Jazz and the Ken Smith. I picked up an Alleva Coppolo LG5 as my main bass these days. I'd like to get some new low b footage out again soon.

[@markdavis9822]

Alleva Coppolo

[@grungebox]

F-Bass BN5 - (small Canadian builder) check out their low B - more monster than the Smith, I played them side by side. Ok, I'm a fanboy, but these basses are affordable at $3500 used- am killer.

[@outsider462]

@@grungebox that’s actually what I’m eyeing next.

[@grungebox]

@@outsider462 I’m getting the F-Bass logo (the “F”) tattooed on my arm. I cannot tell you how much I love this bass. It made me quit playing guitar altogether. 😀

[@outsider462]

@@grungebox I just picked up a F Bass and it’s amazing!

[@powermosfet]

Lakland!!!

[@kabassa]

Sire: 0:24 | Fender: 1:35 | Lakland: 3:09 | Ken S: 4:31 Sire: 0:45 | Fender: 1:57 | Lakland: 3:31 | Ken S: 4:52 Sire: 1:06 | Fender: 2:29 | Lakland: 3:54 | Ken S: 5:29

[@rmccain99]

Think I'm gonna have to get a P7.

[@digeratadesign]

I play a Lakland and MTD. the KS is a whole nuther clarity monster

[@maximediastore]

Ken Smith, by far the best sound. That particular tone shows the construction, hardware, wood and electronics: Game over .

[@franktreppiedi2208]

The Lakland's B string extends a quarter inch beyond the nut to the tuning peg. That's what gives it the tight feel and sound.

[@TheMAFIABOFIA]

1-Ken smith 2-Lakland 3-Markus 4-Fender

[@mrstrings]

Can’t put the KS because is in a different league. But Lakland has the more balanced low b

[@richardselby1711]

1 Lakland 2 Ken Smith 3 Sire 4 Fender You just can’t beat the 35” scale on the B

[@whykatera81]

No editing he just pulls the damn cord out BAM 💥. Then picks up another bass and 💥 again ! Lmao

[@outsider462]

Wizdumb lol. Ain’t got time for that. Yes I did miss the mute button unplugging on the first bass but I saved your ears on the rest.

[@gastonca]

KS sounds with more mids, but it's the one I like most... seems a real low B without adding extra lows

[@rmccain99]

That alder body seems on point with that rosewood fretboard. I had been thinking swamp ash and maple but now I don't know.

[@marius-9333]

That Sire had a tighter low end than the Fender, but that Fender had a horrible set-up clanking all over! That KS was thunderous!!

[@maxxmonteiroo3600]

Ken Smith 🙏🏻

[@mowmowjapan]

I was surprised that the P7 is pretty nice on B string.

[@JLong-py6mx]

Lakland has the best sounding B and sound overall. The KS is a close second but was too bright IMO. Also, not a fair comparison unless all basses are strung with the exact same strings.

[@outsider462]

Good point. I wish I did it with all the same strings. It’s hard to demonstrate feel/playability over YT but the smith us the best feeling B. Which is why I still have that bass. Thanks!

[@VeitLehmann]

Interesting shootout! Clearly, the Sire performs the worst here. The Fender is surprisingly good, well defined, nice sound overall. The Lakland has a killer B while still maintaining a dynamic, vintage-like tone overall. The Ken Smith is a completely different beast, so tight and defined, clearly the best B string. But the overall sound is not my thing, too compressed, too even, lacks the kind of character that I want. So overall, Lakland wins for me! Thanks a lot for putting this together!

[@outsider462]

Great feedback! Glad you enjoyed.

[@VeitLehmann]

@@outsider462 After rewatching this, I have to adjust my impression: Now I prefer the Sire's B string over the Fender's. Great value bass! But still, the Lakland is my favorite by a mile, and now I even prefer its B string over the Ken Smith's. I think it's because I use a different pair of headphones now.

[@enigma_del_fato9371]

thank you for this video.

[@jbiz3]

I dig all of them aside from maybe the Sire. Being that they all sound great, makes me think that extra inch of the 35" Lakland may not be worth the extra length of the neck? I gave up 35" basses a long time ago but keep thinking about another lakland. Probably fine just keeping my Fender 5 as the main 5.

[@outsider462]

Thanks! I the fender is my main player. The Lakland is good but 34” low B strings play and feel plenty good. I don’t have the sire or the Lakland anymore.

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

Its unfair to have the Ken Smith in this comparison.

[@grungebox]

The F-Bass BN5 has a low B that is considered the best in the business. It is also affordable $3500 average used.

[@killianhgrl4728]

Lakland and Ken Smith

[@edgargeorge4812]

Para mí 1 Ken 2 Leklan 3 Sire 4 Jazz bass

[@Evgen666ptz]

Growly Ken Smith

[@Surfer8652]

Lakland for best low B, but I already knew that before watching the video so I guess I'm biased.

[@groovebassix55]

Lakland and then I wouldn't hesitate to have any of the other 3 in no particular order

[@ts4gv]

I like the sound of the Lakland B the best, but the Ken Smith B sounds the most like its other strings Do all these basses have the same strings? Not all B strings are made alike

[@outsider462]

They do not. This was a quick impromptu comparison as I was testing my basses personally. Thought I’d share with everyone.

[@rmccain99]

Ken Smith, Sire, Lakland, Fender.

[@moumontas556]

LAKLAND!!!

[@tp5292]

Lakland!

[@jrosner6123]

Although. . The fender Roscoe Beck fiver has a great low B

[@BassMan2727]

Lakland is the best !

[@davidsiriperalta5301]

A very usefull video

[@manhtiennguyen1704]

I mean... if I have money, I would definitely buy Ken Smith. But since that's not the reality, can I ask have you tried Lakland 55-01 Skyline Deluxe (or 55-02)? What do you think about the B string in that bass? Cheers 🥰

[@outsider462]

I had a 55-02 in the past that I sold. Can’t remember exactly but the B on that might have even been better than my 55-94. No joke. Might he have been the strings but it was very good.

[@manhtiennguyen1704]

@@outsider462 Thanks very much =)))) That will be my next bass 😊

[@brianmartin1787]

Ken Smith is in a league its own . lakland a strong second and the other two are way behind

[@Things606]

The Ken sounded much thinner than the rest

[@mrgskye]

I like the KS for tone but the B seems a little lacklustre and 'buzzes' compared to the other strings on the bass and other basses. The Sire seems to do well but then it does have a 35" scale and string through, so should be a nice tight B. 😁👌🏻

[@Breeze_b_hard]

I believe all the Sire v series Basses are 34" scale, but they can be strung through the body.

[@calvinwilds46]

Sires 34 Lakland 35 I have both v7 vintage,Lakland 55-02

[@jeanfernandes7897]

Thanks

[@KM-px8cs]

Very helpful vid :)

[@jacquesMFS]

What kind of électronic used you for thé test ??

[@michaelanthony9068]

Curious, how about strings? I assume new strings on all basses for this? What kind of round wounds ?

[@outsider462]

Hi I answered that in another reply. Smith had stainless steel while the Lakland hand nickel. I can’t remember the other two but the fender had dead strings. All round wounds.

[@jaysci5964]

Hi Tim, that was a very good, short and straightforward comparison. Perhaps you could do a more detailed one with changes in the dials to show each, which would be great! I must ask, since you've played all of them, how do you personally rank them? You seemed to enjoy the Ken Smith for it's sustain and it's lower bass tone did seem like it could cut through a mix well.

[@outsider462]

Jay Sci thanks Jay. I have a few ideas how I can show case some more for these instruments. All of the basses are different tools for different projects I’ll be doing. I’d say the Smith is the best for feel and playability but the Sire is the best for value. I reach for the fender and Lakland most though. I prefer single coil pickups.

[@mrserxius]

El Ken Smith los caga a palos a todos!

[@OscarFCbass]

Obvio, sería una vergüenza que por ese precio un bajo de mitad de precio sonará igual o mejor

[@stevenordstedt2535]

Thanks for the comparison though but need to be turned up to Lowe as I go to my laptop with my interface studio speakers

[@topebassman78]

Sire p7

[@funkbasscorsario1400]

Ken smith ofcourse!!....

[@wszystkojedno696]

Lakland all the way.

[@IsaiasBassTrue]

1. Lakland 2. KS 3.Sire (surprise) . . . 4. Fender

[@roadworn61]

1)Ken Smith is the best, 2)Lakland 3) Fender 4) Sire

[@danielludi2599]

If you compare also the price the Sire is way far the best ....if money does not matter Ken Smith.....😁

[@rmccain99]

Sire seems the most useful. And is that an alder body or swamp ash?

[@outsider462]

Alder body. I wanted a black bass and alder was the only body wood option available.

[@85ba]

Lakland for the most weight, Ken Smith for the most growl and punch. Both are awesome! Sire was fine but plain compared to Lak and Ken. Fender is just out of this contest (looser).

[@kylekim6598]

Amazing comaprison. Thanks a lot. Do you think Sire bass has too much vintage tone?

[@outsider462]

Thanks for the comment! I wouldn’t say too much vintage. I didn’t showcase what the electronics can do and when engaged there is a lot of versatility to it. Especially with the mid controls. So you can dial in a large amount of tonal variety.

[@kylekim6598]

@@outsider462 Haha you right. Stupid question! and Wise answer!

[@outsider462]

It’s all good!

[@mrbassten]

Ken Smith!!!!!

[@seyereyes1]

Me gusta el Sire

[@davidhull6332]

Ken Smith (wins) has the tightest B - But they all sound nice

[@outsider462]

Thank you

[@gmcilwain]

Lakland 55-94 has the tightest B it use an 128 gauge while the other use a 130 on the minimum. 55-94 is solid KS is twangy

[@bbbbbbao]

It's a 35" scale

[@tomowens7499]

laklnd's own pickups or the older barts? (i own a 55 94 deluxe from 2001 with barts...)

[@outsider462]

It’s the lakland pickups. I believe this lakland is a 2016.

[@kabassa]

The fender should have a rosewood fingerboard for an "Apples to apples" comparison, the maple fingerboard sounds more brighter. The K. Smith has more medium frequencies with unique tonal characteristic, like a "processed bass". Lakland sounds a bit more punchy bass Sire sounds a more controlled bass its a helpful video, thanks Best "B": Lakland for a hair

[@PaddyLeggBass]

Fender Jazz low B sounded the worst of the 4. The Ken Smith sits head and shoulders above the rest, very impressive

[@subfreeq]

Same strings and gauge on all of them?

[@outsider462]

Nah. It was whatever I had on them. Mostly stainless steel. I think the sire had nickel

[@subfreeq]

@@outsider462 They all sounded good honestly. The Smith probably had the most “bite” but the LakLand (US 55-94 right?) has a good one. The Sire for the money is a great deal, Fender 5’a aren’t terrific but they get it done. I have a Roscoe Classic PJ 5 that has a fantastic B. I mean as good as any bass I’ve owned and I’ve had a few. Hehehe Stingray 5’s have an awesome B for a 34” scale. I mean just awesome.

[@outsider462]

@@subfreeq I think smith has stainless and relatively newer stings then. Lakland I feel had nickel and fender had dead strings. I haven’t tried Roscoe but they look like awesome basses. Stingrays are pretty killer too with their low B. I had a Dingwall that had a wonderful B string. As of today I only have the smith and the fender still. I do have a Harley Benton PJ 5 and I’m surprised to say for the price the B sounds awesome. Value basses have been an interest of mine lately. (Can I get them to sound as good as expensive basses?) most of the time when using a HX Stomp the answer is yes (relatively close enough that the difference in price is negligible). Don’t get me wrong I love my F bass and Smith and want another Sadowsky. But, we all go thru seasons of gear haha.

[@outsider462]

@@subfreeq kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHu3Xnxso79phacsi=0hFtTDF3oCgZI93T

[@subfreeq]

@@outsider462 makes sense. The Smith does sound good tho :)

[@stevenordstedt2535]

You need to turn the volume up it’s hard to hear

[@Midemabass]

can I ask which is the action on these low b? thanks

[@outsider462]

The Smith has the lowest action followed by the fender and then Lakland. Sire had the highest. But all relatively lower but not ultra low

[@Midemabass]

@@outsider462 thank you Tim but what do you mean with low? 2.5mm 2mm lower than 2mm?

[@outsider462]

@@Midemabass smith 2mm, fender 2.5mm at last fret

[@Midemabass]

@@outsider462 thank you so much Tim!

[@Lord_Hiram]

I’m the only one that likes the fender better lol

[@outsider462]

I still own the fender and smith. Others are gone.

[@Lord_Hiram]

@@outsider462 nice there’s something about fender you can never go wrong like ever I don’t understand the dislike some ppl have for them

[@rmccain99]

How ever , the LakLand 55-01 has the best sound but that was not tested.

[@Millo1868]

Is the Fender body alder or ash?

[@outsider462]

Alder

[@rodrigocastro2667]

KS win! But... Lakland and Sire 👊

[@EdwinRiveraBajistaElOcio]

Fender

[@bass4pro]

Ken Smith 100%

[@grungebox]

Check out the F-Bass BN5 - considered the best low B in the business. From an Fbass Fanboy

[@ericvallandingham5113]

2,3,1,4

[@gbvoul]

the freq range on those headphone is awful

[@geeush]

Ken Smith makes difference