Ken Smith White Tiger Overview

Ken Smith White Tiger Overview

[@jamescammack6720]

To me.... Ken Smith basses have been the only bass that’s ever come close to being a match for Alembic basses. Ken Smith basses have a sound spectrum that is much wider than any other bass out there, and they are very true to the bass note.When you play a C you get a C. And the sound responses incredibly accurate. And it just sounds like it’s easy to play for the artist. Love those bases wish I could afford to get one.

[@bustabass9025]

Got the same bass with bubinga top and head. I lucked out. Smith distributor was trying to move some inventory. I love it! The playability is exemplary. While the Fender Jazz bass is the captain of my fleet of about thirteen axes, at last count, the Smith is the pace setter for me! Their basses, are an investment every serious bass player should consider. I am certainly glad I did! Don't be afraid of the price. Go after those guys. You'd be surprised how much they're willing to negotiate. Not everyone is buying 4 or 5 thousand $ basses these days.👑🎸🎵

[@baseski]

I agree with the last comments, very good playing and Ken Smith is amazing. He actually custom made me an Elite in which I am left handed. I gave him a little over half down, then my funds went south with my shoulder, etc. But he is so kind to be keeping it in his closet and checking it's settings so often until I will pay him off by September at the latest. I am craving the bass so much and your awesome demo makes it worse, LOL. Keep up the good work, congradulations!!!

[@sonsauvage]

I'm curious, did you end up paying off the bass?

[@germansalvatierra9579]

I have an BMT 5 STRINGS and it's a super clean and the best playability bass I ve ever owned ,after play an alembic series 1 for 24 years!!

[@zechariahfrink3707]

Man that bass sounds great! Normally I'm not really into Ken's basses, because they sound too electronically driven, rather than wood tone driven, compressed, and not as open as I would like, but that particular one you have sounds really big and punchy compared to many other Smith basses ive heard and played. Really dig your playing too! Super solid.

[@steve4765630]

They have a unique sound, but honestly, when it gets in the mix, it just works. I have had tons of other basses and this one just cuts really well. You know what's crazy is that Ken Smith pickups are passive. They have an active preamp, but they sound the same without the EQ. The pickups are Kent Armstrong passives, so it's all about the positioning and the distance between the coils.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

One of the sickest basses around. So beautiful.

[@steve4765630]

I agree. Thanks

[@c.i.dangelo4515]

Phil Lesh(Grateful Dead) was a MAJOR supporter of Smith basses and used one as his main axe from 89-91

[@vlandounclevcharleston]

Yes sir own 2! My Black Tiger BT6 set me back $6500 new in 2006 just purchased a 1992 fretless BT6 for $3500. Your right I’m no Bill Gates! Lol!!!

[@bassheadjazz2708]

Great sounding bass, love your style and great breadth of style knowledge. You've got working musician chops man.

[@steve4765630]

Thanks man. I appreciate it. Yeah, I've got some gigs and recordings coming up. I try to balance life and music, I'm always trying to improve at both.

[@AndrewFriesenbass]

Very nice! How much did you pay for it? What year?

[@steve4765630]

It's a 2014 model. Bought it used. Right before they went sky high on the secondary market. I paid about half of new price.

[@derwinmoss5709]

This is a great video. I've never had a chance to play a Smith, and I've only heard them on recordings. Thanks for posting this. You've done a great job outlining some of it's sounds. And I'm VERY impressed by the sound of this bass!

[@steve4765630]

Thanks!

[@Bassic778]

Yes, they do all sound the same.......GREAT!!! Love 'em or hate 'em, there is nothing like a Smith!!!

[@steve4765630]

LOL, you are so right. I've have several guys I know (all great bass players, who all own tons of high end basses) say, "Nothing sounds like a Smith." Anyway, for me it's got a great cut to it and my tone is pretty warm sounding, so it doesn't get overly twangy. Thanks for the comment!

[@Bassic778]

You're welcome. Seeing your video reminds me of how much I miss owning a Black Tiger 5! One of these days....

[@brianmartin1787]

I would also say that about a Modulus Q 6. ;) Would be cool to A B them side by side.

[@Bassic778]

I don't have any experience with Modulus basses, but I've heard great things about them.

[@brianmartin1787]

It's the only 6 I've really liked, however I've never tried a Ken Smith lol.

[@davidwilson728]

Congratulations on getting the bass. A real beauty!

[@rbs7777]

Your playing is amazing, I would love to hear more. Very tasteful!!

[@steve4765630]

Wow, thanks. I will be posting more hopefully soon.

[@rbs7777]

Awesome!!! Look forward to hearing more, especially with the Ken Smith. Peace

[@slockwood83]

That smith sounds amazing man! I’ve wanted a custom bass for a long time. It would either be a smith or an MTD. 5 str Great video

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

*Parallel* is going to usually be that "signature Smith" bright sound. *Series* will generally tend to be more mellow or darker. ... just something I've noticed. Your definition may vary or be reversed. Regardless, awesome bass and very nice playing. Really happy for you and getting this great bass.

[@steve4765630]

Yes, you are right. I can't ever remember which one is which. I prefer the darker sound.

[@neildamato1]

Wow your bass sounds phenomenal! Looks fantastic too!

[@steve4765630]

Thanks. Still love it.

[@martinheath5947]

"Darker" would usually indicate "series" configuration. Beautiful bass Great purchase!

[@steve4765630]

Correct. At the time I was confused🤣

[@onefireoneway]

Sir I know this is an old video but I seriously thinking about buying Ken Smith basses with 6 strings. I have a really small hands(I saw some girls have bigger hands than me) and quite nervous that that neck is far bigger than manageable range. Is this bass's neck thin enough to use it with no problem? Sorry for my bad English but appreciate your great review. Greetings from S.Korea

[@gregtheos9309]

What a beautiful instrument. Ken is a master at his craft. Are you still smitten with the bass 2 years later?

[@steve4765630]

Still love it.

[@kengagnon6192]

Nice ken Smith bass and playing I like the chord part especially and I feel they sound pretty musical before you even said that👍

[@HollandMariahGrossman]

AMAZING. curious, that 6-string too wide (as a general question)? and is there any discernible difference between this white and the black tiger? and what is the deal with the "bend-ability" of the strings you mentioned? any reason why you feel this particular bass would play easier than another smith? was it the strings?

[@steve4765630]

It's wide, but not too wide. I think it depends on your hand size ultimately. The White Tiger is a Maple to and the Black Tiger is a Walnut top. The ease of string bending is probably the same on other Smith basses. In this video I was using D'addario nickels, but now I use Ken Smith Burner nickels. They feel similar to me. Thank you!

[@HollandMariahGrossman]

@@steve4765630 thank you for your answer and GREAT demo and playing. really looking for the "right" bass and considering a 6 is actually now kind of exciting and not what I was initially going for. really great low B on the Smith and that has been a compelling consideration. cheers!

[@steve4765630]

@@HollandMariahGrossman thank for the compliment! I appreciate that. The bass you choose won't make you a better musician, but it can certainly help define your sound, spark inspiration and make playing a more pleasant experience. Praying that you find the right instrument.

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

Thanks ,very nice review. You play beautifully.

[@steve4765630]

Thank you sir.

[@Edonfriends]

My dream bass Ken smith .. great playing sir !!!

[@steve4765630]

Thanks!

[@jesuspresap1868]

i love KS basses, very unique!!! i have the same bass ;) sounds incredible !!!!

[@andypyatt2783]

Awesome bass!! And very nice playing sir!!

[@juanbassist31]

What strings did you have on it that was so "bendable"? i just got a 5 string black tiger and put Ken Smith strings (40 on the G string) and they don't seem as bendable

[@steve4765630]

Taper core medium Burners

[@davemau5e]

B E A U T I F U L!! I've always been a fan of the Tiger Maple! Wish I could of gone for that when I got my Ken Smith. I have a quilted maple..

[@steve4765630]

Love me some Tiger Maple too!

[@hahabass]

I wish my Tiger - in my case Black - sounded anywhere near as decent... but it might have something to do with the player? Maybe? Ha. Great chops, sir.

[@BMR86]

awesome bass.. awesome playing... you rule man!

[@n4s250]

This thing sounds Amazing man

[@jrosner6123]

You are a seriously good player.... doing that bass justice.

[@steve4765630]

Thanks!

[@andreswaringer1476]

What makes neck thru cost more than bolt on?

[@steve4765630]

The neck and body on a bolt on can be fretted, finished, etc. separately, so they are faster to build.

[@cpizarro7]

Hey Steve, what strings are you using on the bass for this video? Thanks.

[@steve4765630]

I think they were D'Addario. I use the Ken Smith nickels now. Both are great.

[@tutubeos]

Incredible bass!

[@smithgroove]

Damn I want a kS 6 strings bass, sound different vs a 5 strings.

[@JVMC_ZR1]

That's some mean craftsmanship you got there...

[@steve4765630]

Thanks

[@miroslavsurmaj7304]

Yeeees 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bongosock]

That is a gorgeous bass!

[@steve4765630]

Thanks!

[@gioboye]

Do you still have this bass?

[@steve4765630]

Yes, still my main bass.

[@hetschhog]

Nice demo. Thanks for sharing.

[@steve4765630]

Thanks!

[@brianbannock9343]

string spacing....? Scale.....? I am in the market for one like this very similar..........would like to find a 32"33'" scale.......sell me this Bass.....!!! :)

[@steve4765630]

It's 18mm spacing and 34 inch scale. Not for sale😉

[@brianbannock9343]

Amen Brutha..... I wouldn’t either, but if you happen to see anything similar @ 33” scale. PLEASE let me know.

[@nathaniellollis3868]

Down in parallel. Up is phase.

[@daviddaboss2003]

How much was it? Was it more than $1,000?

[@steve4765630]

Yes. They are expensive, but worth it.

[@daviddaboss2003]

@@steve4765630 i bet is worth it. It sounds really good

[@stefanmerk21]

David Da Boss try like maybe close to 6,000-7,000 bucks for one of these bad boys

[@michaelhines4600]

lord have mercy on both pick ups. Man don’t do us like that

[@steve4765630]

Haha, yeah, it's a great sound! Love this bass.

[@marshallhall2140]

" This Is A Keeper "......!

[@skimojun77]

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JEALOUS....

[@Ithumpify]

Would love a fiver but those must cost three yards or so. Guess I’ll be happy with jazz and stingray

[@steve4765630]

The Bolt-On versions can be had for decent prices second hand.

[@rickysanchez2714]

They all sounds the same to me...

[@steve4765630]

Do you mean Ken Smith basses all sound the same, or the settings I was using sound all the same? It's all good either way. I appreciate constructive comments. To be fair, I was just recording with the mic on my camera, which is marginal at best, so the differences in settings are not as apparent as being in the same room. Smith basses do have a certain sound to them, but so do Fender P basses. Each has it's unique tone and that's cool. I was just showing what tones I liked for my particular playing needs. Thank you for watching the video:-)