The Bass I've Been Searching For (extremely RARE)

Let’s get this straight - while all the ‘best’ bass guitars were designed in the 1950s and 60s, when it comes to boutique basses of the 1970s, Ken Smith was well ahead of the pack.
In this week’s new video I’m going to talk you through the history behind my very own Ken Smith, which is one of the very few basses made by both Ken Smith and Vinnie Fodera before the two legendary builders went their separate ways.
Seriously, in the immortal words of Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tuffnel, “This is the top of the heap right here.” The playability is out of this WORLD!
In this video you’re going to learn:
- All about the history of boutique basses.
- And the iconic bassists who played them!
- From Stanley Clarke and his Alembic to Anthony Jackson’s contrabass guitar.
- Plus: Did Paul Reed Smith really make the first 5-string bass?
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

My dream boutique bass would be a Wal MK1 Love those things

[@michaelb.42112]

Is that the Geddy ?

[@panzerlieb]

Right there with ya Phil. I just dig the the Wal basses electronics. Very unique and very cool

[@zibbezabba2491]

I got outbid on one on ebay about 5 years ago. Not surprising really, I couldn't afford to go higher than £1000

[@Adhok77]

Same. Great sound, beautiful finishes and extremely comfortable.

[@RevivalBassist66]

There have been 2 basses that have blown me away in the past. A WAL Mk2 and an Status Graphite (one piece graphite body and neck). The WAL tone was amazing. When you lean into the bass the sound just naturally distorts and sounds beautiful. The Status is just the best bass to play. The action is so low you can't believe it even plays. This makes playing hard or fast lines easy.

[@atilagmb]

Sensational. Ken Smith is the best bass of all. The sound from the bridge pickup is unsurpassed. You're a great bass player and deserve one of these. Congratulations.

[@michaelhines4600]

Yeah the bass is just so clear Some are too muddy but this bass is sweet

[@trevorlindsey580]

I have been using Ken's basses for 20 years, and have owned a few from this era. They do feel special. My feeling about Ken's basses is they are the Stradivarius of boutique instruments. So well made that they will be here in 400 years.

[@chrisbass13]

True that! Would you say the same about Alembic in terms of build quality and consistency? I know you love these basses as well and they sound terrific.

[@trevorlindsey580]

Well, for me the Alembic bass is the pinnacle of workmanship and tone. It has been 50 years, and nobody has crafted a circuit that has the tonal variety and real world application that you get from an Alembic. When you use an Alembic in the studio or live in conditions that are under real working session or gig conditions, you find that the electronics really shine, and do what no other bass on the planet quite captures. The bass just blends perfectly in the mix and is clearly audible to both you and the audience. It does this without being harsh or overpowering. If you choose to listen to the bass, it is always present and clearly voiced. I have not experienced that universal clarity with any other bass I have played......and I have played virtually everything. As to build quality, Alembic is in a league of its own. The perfection in every aspect of their basses is unrivaled, and it is immediately apparent as soon as you have one in your hands. That said, I have had sound guys tell me that my Smith was the best sounding bass they have ever heard. Ken is no slouch, and his basses are superb, with a very unique and pleasing tonal character. They are comfortable to play, have perfect string tension, and will be around in 400 years due to the steps Ken takes in aging his woods. All good stuff! @@chrisbass13

[@markuskarner2156]

Shoutout to you Scott: When I tried the Player's Path just today (long time SBL member), I kept wondering, when will the "pay here" button appear. Because the content was just so good, so well produced, it must have been so much work to develop this. And... turns out yes, you get it all included with the SBL membership. Just wanted to make this into a very public Thanks! It takes a lot of faith to develop a premium product and not even charge extra.

[@devinebass]

Thanks so much, Markus - that’s means a lot to me and the team at SBL! 🙌

[@lijeiii]

Ken Smith is my favorite bass of all time. I started on bass watching John Patitucci’s first instructional bass video

[@atanasmarinov1814]

This bass is wonderful, but my favorite bass guitars are: Fender Jazz Bass Vintage 1974-1975, Alembic Signature Stanley Clark and Fodera Richard Bona.

[@rupertojohnson237]

Hi Scott, I was blown away when you dedicated your show to the Vinnie Fodera and Ken Smith, collaboration Ken Smith, boutique bass. I have a similar bass made expressly by Ken Smith. the difference is the body is ebony and the inlaid pearls are diamond shape. What a great sounding instrument. Let me know if you would like to play it or, if you are too busy I could send you a photo. You do nice work.

[@ScreaminT81]

Fozzy the Bear!!! Can't have Kermit with out Fozzy.

[@clementealfredoobrador4822]

Fozzy Osbourne would be a killer name

[@johnfeole1971]

Ha..good one!

[@DougCRood]

Yep, gotta be Fozzy!

[@L.Scott_Music]

Yep, Fozzy.

[@robfpool]

Clemen O 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Doxologyboy]

This is the kind of nerdy, geeky history I’m subscribed for. Great stuff.

[@tanweermahdihasan4119]

This is just about one of the best, if not the best, tones I have heard in my entire life.

[@talesfromthetoiletseat8295]

As far as expensive “custom” type stuff goes: I have a special place in my heart for Dingwall Lee Sklar sig bass (I’m not even a 5 string player) In metallic blue. I really like the slanted J style pickups (like Warwick Thumbs) it’s a cool aesthetic I dig. Sounds totally awesome.

[@joycesanders4898]

..go 5,..even if the b string is just your new thumb rest.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Danelectro released the UB-2 six string bass in 1956 which became an important part of Nashville recording. Fender's Bass VI also predates the '70's six stringed basses, released in 1961.

[@victotronics]

That's why he said "modern" 6-string. Those basses were shorter scale, narrow spacing, ?guitar tuning? even?

[@VittorioGreggio]

I missed video like this, like the one with Prince's bass or when you tried the U-bass and the travel bass with the detachable neck. I mean I love every content we have in the academy, but something less schoolish and more nerdy here is always good, obviously IMHO :-D

[@Grayham4]

I’d have to say my dream bass is a Travis Bean. I had the opportunity to borrow one and it is the best sounding bass I’ve ever played. Plug it in, turn the tone up, and it sounds perfect

[@theleeds322]

Lovely bass, mate, congrats on the find! My dream bass (for right now): Alembic short scale Series II standard (= Stanley Clarke model) in CocoBolo. Became available just recently and I bought it. Bass heaven! That’s why I am hanging around you lot to finally learn to play bass properly … after having been playing for 40 years 😛

[@Gen.Rocker]

Short scale SCSD here :) Ever see a series II short scale 5? That would be so sweet.

[@EL8EDVisions]

@@Gen.Rocker Stanley took delivery of a 5-string a couple of years ago. Said something like .. “Haven’t figured out what to do with it yet.” 🙃

[@22DINGOS]

Please pick up a Pedulla Buzz fretless bass and do a video about it. I think you’ll love it! My main bass since 1991. It was inspired by a request from Mark Egan for a fretless along the lines of jaco’s home modded Jazz Bass. Michael Pedulla just retired after making hand made boutique Basses over 45 years.

[@danieltorres5238]

Although I rarely see them for sale. A "Wal" bass will be my dream bass. I would love to own a Wal Bass someday. 😊

[@wjackter]

I said the same thing before seeing your comment

[@STAR_GUARDIAN_V]

Indeed. I'd love to get a Wal MKII/MKIII one day. If you want one made directly, you'll have to wait around 30 months for completion. Used ones are very hard to find and the sell very very fast once put up for sale.

[@marktyler3381]

@@STAR_GUARDIAN_V Yeah, a Wal fretless would be nice!

[@andreirlmeier]

Me too

[@lukaovsec]

love to have a Carl Thompson in my hands one day... that is for me the ultimate in boutique... as i understand it Carl helped out a lot in the start of Ken and Vinnie... every thing is connected ;)

[@cfreeman5631]

When I saw and heard my first Alembic live, that was it. would love one of those one day.

[@emmacartwright9747]

What about the UK's WAL basses. I think they had a hold on the market more than Ken Smith, Fodera etc with their artists being high profile premier musicians . Percy Jones, John Illsley, Chris Squire, John Entwistle, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Derek Forbes, Jonas Hellborg, Nick Beggs, Paul McCartney etc etc. Just saying' :)

[@JonnyProsser]

That’s a very good point!

[@jfv2312]

Oh Wal basses. My absolute dream. I made myself a promise to buy one some day. It's so iconic, and when the sound is more famous than the bass itself... that says it all.

[@andreirlmeier]

Pete the Fisch 🐟 , they are the best of the bests

[@Brad5161]

Maybe in the UK. Ken Smith dominated boutiques in the US for decades. Lots of innovations came from his shop.

[@Stoitism]

A Wal Mk3 5 string is my dream bass. And it'll likely stay a dream because they're somewhat out of my price range...

[@stushwartz]

Awesome sound 👌 . My dream bass is a WAL Custom 4 string . Just amazing. Punchy sound great mids .thanks Stu

[@thenashvillebassmentor594]

I’ve owned a Wal but I kept the Smith. Nothing beats a Smith!

[@eyeofbass]

The level of quality at SBL has always been off the charts, but somehow it continues to get even better. Looking forward to exploring Player’s Path. 👍 Thanks for all you do Scott and all at SBL!

[@013supersnake]

I second that Brother!

[@lloydsawyer521]

The boutique bass that is my bucket list bass, would definitely be a Warrior Dran Michael neck thru 5 string, out of the Atalanta Ga area.

[@billenderlin6610]

My bucket list bass: Marleaux Diva 4 string. I have one on order!

[@sansocie]

Good for you! Best wishes

[@Magumba_State]

Funny to think Alembic was founded by Owsley Stanley in The Grateful Dead's rehearsal room.. It's almost a sin to not mention Phil Lesh and the Grateful Dead when talking about alembic, Could we get a video talking about Phil's bass style, I just cant get enough no matter how techical other bassists are phils feel is unreal just the ability to read the room and pick out what's in the air is genius...

[@LichenAndMoss]

Phil also played a Ken Smith BT bass around 1990-1991

[@BaceBeat]

Got my 36" Fodera Imperial finally. Totally in love

[@simonwhitlock9189]

I was in London in 2011 and attended the Bass Show where I met Rob Green from Status Bass and I asked him to build me his take on the Musicman Stingray and he did an amazing job, it is now the only bass I have and use can't sing his praises highly enough, it is exceptionally well built with the best neck I have ever held, this one goes in the box with me when the time comes.

[@ericward8010]

My mom used to hum "dum a-day dum dum, dum dum!" as she changed my diapers- I had relative pitch before I could walk. I found my way to bass at age 16. Years later I met Anthony with the Thompson bass -36" scale, tuned to A- and hung out with Jimmy Johnson in Venice around the same time, with his Alembic 5. I was with Chester Thompson (drummer) when he left Weather Report (we met Jaco that day). I played on one album with me on one side, and Anthony on the other. Anthony's side was one song with no written bass part- essentially a solo the whole side. A few years ago I visited my sister in NYC, and went to Sadowsky's shop. The bass I wanted was over $5500, way past my budget. I went back to my hotel and ordered a Sire V7. Fast forward one year and that bass was destroyed in a horrible car accident. I'm so glad that wasn't a Sadowsky in my trunk- car rolled over 3x! I replaced my Sire V7, and that's what I play now Covid allowing.

[@mrnelsonius5631]

So when I was 18 and touring my first REALLY nice bass was an Alembic 5 string I bought with the money I was making. I played a lot of Ken Smiths at the time too but a great deal presented itself with the Alembic. I sold it when I was down and out years later and still really miss it. It didn’t sound like any other bass I’ve used since. I’m really weird about fretboard woods and the ebony fretboard was the best feeling wood I’ve ever used. It’s protected now too, so that type of ebony is a no go on new instruments. The bridge pickup position on the KS bass in the video is one of the best sounding bridge sounds I’ve heard come straight out of a bass!! That things a gem for sure

[@robertshay9951]

Had an Alembic spoiler bass with a custom fingerboard had to let go due to wires illness would love to find it again or have Alembic make another one if only I hit the lottery, but she's alive and were going on out 34th year of marriage. But the bass was sweet

[@davidclaassen2448]

I've got mine....1995 Pedulla MPV-5. I've owned a '63 Jazz, '68 P Bass, and a Gibson RD Artist, and this blows them all away for me...

[@ObeseChess]

I just picked up my MÜB G5 - it's a phenomenal bass, outclassing basses I've played costing twice as much and I plan to buy more from him - but my dream bass since I started playing as a kid has been a Ritter Okon and I think it still is.

[@joebass5]

My main bass gets a lot of frowns because of it’s “plastic” neck. I’m not nearly as good a player as most of the people on this site but my Modulus Quantum has gotten more compliments on its tone when I play live than anything else I’ve ever played. I used to travel a lot and the neck stability was astounding.

[@Frisbieinstein]

I had a Modulus neck on a cheap body. It stayed in turn forever. I found the clear sound excellent for solo play. For a band, give me the muddy Precision. But I never play in bands any more, so I don't have one.

[@bassnsax]

Be proud of that Modulus! I had a 6 string Quantum, and you aren't lying about the neck stability! Being in the upper-midwest of the US, humidity swings between extremes more than John Patitucci or Stanley Clarke! In the end, through a combination of my DREADFUL technique (bending my wrists at 90 degree angles), trying to learn the upright bass on my own (always, always get a teacher!) and the width and thinness of the neck, I sold the Quantum. :\

[@blacktipbassmods8837]

I bet Novak/Dingwall might beg to differ. Multiscale seems pretty innovative

[@Brad5161]

Except it's not necessary to achieve the same sonic results. A well designed and built bass can achieve the same. I have plenty that surpass any Dingwall I've played. Nice basses though.

[@blacktipbassmods8837]

Brad5161 the comment was made about bass innovations not sonic results. A keyboard can achieve the same sonic results if processed properly to, but doesn’t have anything to do with bass design or innovation

[@pimcramer2569]

I just read on Wikipedia the first fanned fret was invented aroun 1619 :p. And the first ebass multiscale in 1988. So it's actually older then a thought.

[@joshstarkey8883]

@@Brad5161 Sound aside, I think the more even tension and the reduced stretches on the high strings are worthwhile, if nothing else. I am skeptical a 34" string could sound as good tuned to a low A0 or G0 though.

[@Brad5161]

@@joshstarkey8883 That's fine for you. My main basses are 34 5/8", have a couple of 36's and even a 24. Low action on all of them so tension is not an issue. I've tried canned fretted basses and I haven't seen the "improvements" others have. And I use my B strings as often as I like, they're not special use only like most bassists tend to regard them.

[@nycfunk]

Ken Smith's are the one bass I've been drilling over since the early 90s' I have been in love with Ken Smith basses since I played one at a boutique bass store in the San Fernando Valley. I agree they sound so full and fulfilling.

[@ericward8010]

I met Anthony with the Carl Thompson prototype tuned to A. And hung out with Jimmy in Venice CA. And wound up on one side of an album and Anthony on the other. And I met James Jamerson within a year.

[@thomasirwin4099]

Scott- A few others have mentioned it, but the bear's name is Fozzy. As far as boutique basses go, I'm going to be forever looking out for a Pedulla Hexabuzz to go with my MVP 6 (the last MVP 6 Michael made before retiring). At the same time, I've got a pair of six-string P Basses getting going (fretted and fretless) as well (Fender's custom shop didn't want to do it, for some reason).

[@larspeh]

That's really a fantastic tone on this one. A dream boutique bass for me would be any Wal bass. Maybe the doubleneck monster Jonas Hellborg played :-)

[@musicnaperture]

Droooooling over here listening to that bass. I'm a huuuuuge fan of Ken Smith Basses... my dream bass.

[@golgothatheend]

Adamovic. I have one, I saved up few months to order one simply out of respect to Nicola Adamovic, believe or not. Can't say anything about other boutique basses, but mine does feel like a dream, and I love it with all my heart.

[@ObeseChess]

I have a similar story with my MÜB. Those Adamovics are beautiful, too!

[@luccas_bracco]

Well, I've always wanted to play (even for a minute) one of those basses made by Jerzy Drozd. Especially the Barcelona model. They sure look amazing, and the only one I got to hear live sounded amazing. It was Carles Benavent's bass in the Chick Corea's Ultimate Adventure tour.

[@karadordarkraven]

I 'd love a WAL!

[@michaelb.42112]

Hell Yeah, me too !!! I'd LOVE a Wal !

[@PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

Wal bass is probably the only boutique ish bass brand I have ever been interested in. I don't play a lot of metal anymore but I always loved the sound from the tool albums. Music university and my old teachers made me a jazz/fusion lover but never made me love the sound. So if anyone handed out left-handed Wal MK 1 basses, hook me up! Take care and I hope you and your Fam stay safe in these trying times.

[@Whiskel]

A blue Wal I was always having a crafty go on when I did my work experience in Amersham circa '94. Woop woop!

[@caneestra]

Just purchased '81 aria pro II sb-700 and I'm extremely happy)

[@michaelb.42112]

Those are SWEET !!!

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

How much did that set you back? Great bass. Reminds me of Duran Duran.

[@caneestra]

@@JunkMailBoxStuff it set me back about 500$. Actually it was 30'000 ¥ + delivery from japan to European part of Russia.

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

@@caneestra Wow. They more than held their value. Great bass.

[@richardwoodhouse9678]

Hi , bought a 1977/8 SB 700 about 24 years ago it still sounds great

[@danielhoneycutt3100]

yeah, been wanting a Smith for years!

[@TheBeardedOneBass]

Ken Smith has a relationship with my favorite boutique bass maker. I have my dream boutique bass. KYDD makes basses that sound amazing. Super minimalist upright basses and bass guitars. The late Les Paul loved the sound of a KYDD bass too because his bass player used one.

[@michaelavanzini9092]

Scott,I have a mid 1985 Ken Smith left handed with African Bubinga top. I ordered it and picked it up from Ken in September 85. I love this bass

[@michaliskripasis996]

Pre-Gibson Tobias basses are killer!

[@sansocie]

MOST things Pre Gibson are Killer

[@michaliskripasis996]

@@sansocie Got that right!

[@JASONvsBOSCO]

@@michaliskripasis996 hahahaha I have a post Gibson Killer B, and well, I think it is still killer. From what I understand it is a mid 90's model made in Nashville. I put a lot of miles on it. Still love it to this day.

[@loondoo]

Still have my original Tobias, it’s awesome!

[@Word2Herb]

I own a pre-gibson classic 5 and yes... just yes. Insane craftsmanship.

[@bassplayer137]

I don't know exactly if it's a boutique bass or not, but my dream bassguitar is a WAL MK3 or MK2 with a Walnut or Shedua top

[@kgamaseg]

That Ken Smith bass has a phenomenal and beautiful tone!!!

[@josephhagins4631]

I’ve played a huge number of basses from alembic, pedulla, fenders, Gibson..and have found my tone on a Hofner 500/1 German made. It seriously is a secret weapon.

[@calembur]

What are the songs / albums / concerts that Anthony Jackson is playing live at 3:41 and 4:45 (especially this one)?

[@Sebassplayer1978]

My ambition at the moment is to get my hands on a 80's japanese Squier, great series instrument. I don't like basses with more than 3 knobs😉

[@pjmuck]

Kermit's best friend, Fozzie Bear, of course! I own a '94 Smith CR4 and I concur, one of the best playing basses I've ever played. Incidentally, there were several companies making 5 and 6 string basses way before Alembic. Gibson had a EB-6 in 1960, Fender made both the Fender Bass VI (1961) and V (1964, the first 5 string ever made), and Danelectro made the first 6 string bass in 1959, though these were obviously different animals than what we've come to know as 5 and 6 string basses today.

[@harrybhappy]

Alembec series 1, I played one in the studio back in the 90s and fell in love with it although I have played some of the early Kinsmith bases and engineered them in the studio and I always love the sound and the feel

[@Finnvbot]

7:31 There's an answer and one answer only: Wal Mk2 fretless 5 string.

[@oogkauwgum5123]

Have to disagree, it must be a Wal Mk1, 4 string, either fretted or fretless.

[@Finnvbot]

@@oogkauwgum5123 Man, I wish my only problem would be deciding between mk1 and mk2. :D

[@oogkauwgum5123]

@Finn V. Arthur yeah i know, life sucks...

[@AlanDickens]

Since I already have a MK1 fretted with American walnut facings, my answer to the question would also be a 5-string MK2 fretless!

[@stevemitchell5726]

I own a Mk2, 5 string fretless (3218) and it’s still the dream bass.

[@bigbassman63]

My dream bass would be a Jerzy Drozd seven string

[@jdoane67]

I played a 1984 Spector NS-2 (American Made) for about 10 years. Sold it in 1996 while in Nashville. I was in heaven for those ten years. I still have regrets about selling it.

[@curtishendricks2862]

I just bought a Dale Robert's custom six string. One of a kind master build. Bass was built for bass player Al Reshard. In shipment right now. I can't wait!

[@Groovemyster]

Duh, Kermit and Fozzy. 😄 I'm lucky enough too have a Smith, but if love a Fodera, or a Mayones

[@sTVG2]

boutique bass preference: Marleaux Contra 5

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Here's a little tip, if you want to hear that first Carl Thompson six string, look up the movie version of "What would I do if I could feel?" from "The Wiz" as soon as Nipsey Russel starts singing the verses, you will hear Anthony Jackson go from the B note on the second position of the A string, to the low B. It was probably the very first time that a low B was recorded.

[@gimmeagig]

I recently bought my bucket list bass. It a Xotic JX 5 provintage. It was not quite as good as I was hoping for so I made some changes. Aguilar pickups, Hipshot A style bridge a few other things. Now it's perfect. I could not live without it anymore

[@wjackter]

Would go for a Wal bass

[@idewater]

beautiful bass. I would love to have a JayDee Starchild Bass. Can you do an item on that?

[@natehaiden]

MTD 6string 34", glossy green fade finish, wenge neck and fingerboard, chambered toasted alder body, maple burl top, active passive with active tone control. 17.5 mm spacing.

[@rodgraff1782]

I have a Ken Smith BT custom 4 from the 90s, which I love. Body style is very similar to yours. Mine is flame maple.

[@Violetcas97]

You’ve already called the frog Kermit, it’d be a sin not to call the bear Fozzy

[@basspy_]

Sound like a j bass with some stingray.

[@sansocie]

Very happy for you Scott! Played a Ken Smith back in the 80's for about 15 min......loved it. Just too rich for my wallet! Enjoy it for many years. Peace

[@MrTfuzz]

not really a boutique bass but 21 years ago i started playing bass on a peavey dyna bass..unity series..koa wood..neck thru...gold hardware ..beautiful..my poor mother spent 1200 bucks on it...didnt know what i had then but i eventually sold it to help fund upgrades..been looking for this bass for years and a month ago my wonderful wife FINALLY found it..same model..same year..everything..i now have it and it plays like a dream..so incredibly underrated..its now my main bass..and i own way too many lol

[@jena1821]

early Warwick bass. especially late 80s era.

[@jamescarter3196]

First time I saw a Warwick in person, I was in LAX in 1998 and I saw a guy walking around with a case that I thought was for a Chapman stick. I asked him about it, and he walked right up and opened it and said "It's a Warwick and I just got it at the NAMM conference." His name was Calvin Bryant and he was a bassist for Earl Klugh. We were stuck in the airport for quite a few hours so I had a cool conversation with him. He actually asked me to watch the bass for him while he went to the bathroom or something, and I couldn't believe he'd let a stranger babysit one of the best-looking instruments I'd ever seen (it was a really nice one). I told him that and he said "Sometimes you can just tell somebody is going to be cool" and that sure goes for him too, really a cool dude.

[@zubrhero5270]

My (now out of business) local music shop must have bought a ton of these in the early 90's. I was a guitar player at the time so I'd go in for new strings and picks and whatever bits and bobs I needed, and always make a point of walking around the bass guitar display room. The guitar room is always boring to look at because its usually pink and green 90's secondhand Charvel/Jackson/Ibanez things or wall-to-wall Stratocaster's where you think "c'mon mate, nobodies paying £6k for that" But the bass guitar room? Man, those Warwick's, every single one of them slightly unique in its natural wood grain. Compared to everything else in the shop these looked like they were handcrafted by master luthiers using the wood from Jesus' cross. Absolutely thinking back, these bass guitars are probably the main reason I wanted to get into playing bass.

[@jena1821]

Zubr Hero love to hear your story. Warwicks from that era are true master pieces of Hans Peter Wilfer and I wish I had one of them.

[@jena1821]

James Carter What a story!

[@TriboPlay]

This intro would have been even better if you had sneaked in the lick

[@wilhinds8144]

I’m fortunate to own two Alembics, an Elan and an Omega Series II as well as a Ken Smith BT6G.Amazing instruments!

[@joachimhansen3280]

WAL BASS MKI for sure, maybe a electrical guitar company aluminium thing (i'm such a melvins fan) love the show ! thank you

[@burricanecarter]

"The sound is so wide!" - Maybe you should turn off the reverb first.

[@jamescarter3196]

Maybe you should stop pretending you know more about his gear than he does, moron. I'm sure he knows the difference between reverb and the instrument's basic sound, and it's clear that you really, really don't.

[@burricanecarter]

@@jamescarter3196 relax, it was a joke. Nevertheless I do think one should be demoing an instrument without any effects.

[@nram3930]

Mine is definitely a Stradi bass. I'm just in love with the design, and every recording I'm blown away. After this entire pandemic I would love to visit his workshop in Poland.

[@TheSmooshster]

Nothing beats the feeling of owning a boutique bass. I bought a Roscoe LG3005 custom that's about 30 years old, and it is basically glued to my hands. My other main bass is getting dusty, and I can't stop myself from playing my new? Roscoe

[@keithkenyon3845]

Jerzy Drozd Oracle..... actually found one on Reverb and bought it. Mine is a 6 string and has been worth every penny!

[@bustabass9025]

I own a 2018 Smith 6 string. It's the favorite in my collection of Roscoe, Keisel and Warrior, "boutique" jobs. Al Turner, a noted Detroit rooted bassist was my inspiration for becoming a Smith aficionado. 🎸

[@derekcrawford555]

Hello Scott from Chicago! Loving the channel! My bucket list bass came to me a few years ago - an SD Curlee Standard from ‘76/‘77 one of the first 75 made for the NAMM show in 1977. The first version had a bridge cast in a barn in Indiana and was outfitted with the “brick” humbucker pickup. 32.5” scale. Plays like a dream. I love it - have a ‘77 fretless Standard1 with P-pups too! Super solid and Randy Dritz (the D in SD Curlee) once shouted me out to say that he’d built my bass after seeing a pic on FB. Come play it when you’re in Chicago.

[@garrybrown7372]

Names for the tuner buddies:- 1) Mr Necessity/Necessary 2) Jem 3) I see you have two so, principally, Diamond(s)& Pearl(s). Great bass you have there Scott.

[@SmokinJough]

I'm fortunate to own 4 basses from my favorite boutique builder, Kevin Brubaker. I have 2 Lexa 6's, a Lexa 5, and a JXB5. Kevin has ties to Ken Smith also.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

I currently own 4 Sadowsky Basses. 2 NY and 2 Metro. I bought my first one thinking it was going to be a boutique instrument. As soon as I got it home I played it every day and have played them for 20+ years. An Alembic is defiantly on the boutique list

[@kennyroadknight1771]

Played with Wal in High Wycomb below his workshop. 1979 they played loads of steeley Dan , what a memorable day. Unique pickups. 🎸✌️. LFC

[@dangracia7805]

I'm a bit of a "set in my ways" and a "stick in the mud" kind of bass player. I love my Jazz bass. Bought a 1965 Jazz in 1966 and played the heck out of it (including touring with it for 3-years) until it was stolen in 1976. Took me almost 10-years to find another Jazz with the same neck profile that my '65 had and that's my Olympic White MIA '82 Jazz with a maple neck, white binding on the neck, white pickguard, white pickups, and white strat-type numbered control knobs. I refer to her as my "White Lady". She has the "60's slim C-shape" neck with 7.25" radius and just feels right to me. My '82 has a little different sound than my '65 because of the maple neck and the pickup spacing. The pickups on the '82 use the 1970's 4" spacing (center to center). Seem to get a little more growl out of it than my '65 and it has sustain forever, but sound is very similar. Really like the sound. I run my amp flat with just 2 or 3-clicks of boost ~250Hz through my DNA cabs (DNS-210 and DNS-410). If I wanted another bass, it would be my '65 back again, though I'd probably play my current bass more than my '65. So my boutique bass would be my '65 actually made back to the way mine was in '65. It's a real shame to put out a 60's "Vintage Re-issue" Jazz and put a 9.5 radius neck on it. That's neither Vintage nor Re-issue. That neck radius didn't go to 9.5" until mid-70's and the neck is what gives it the feel I remember so well. Anyhow, my boutique wish would be a Jazz made to original specs of my '65.

[@TerryNails]

Having played bass for over 50 years I have owned or played just about every bass you can think of. I've had Alembic custom make basses for me and I ordered one of the first Travis Bean basses back in the early 70s. The only so-called boutique bass I've ever gone back to using is a Philip kubicki handmade ex-factor Bass. It's my go to instrument in the studio.

[@michaelb.42112]

MY GAWD, Scott, that Ken Smith bass DOES sound incredible !!! My bucket list bass to answer your question would be some kind of RITTER bass.

[@handsomeaudio]

In the 90's looking through Bass Player Magazine- it was always Ken Smith Basses I use to drool over

[@henryvanweeren7233]

One of the very rare times where the audio difference between settings is clearly noticeable. I'm sure you will have many hours of great playing on that wonderful instrument. Thanks for posting.

[@viclakervic2571]

I bought one of these directly from Ken at the NAMM show in the early 80's. The difference is that mine has J pickups. My serial number is 113. Wish I could post pictures here. Thanks for the video. It is one of my most cherished basses.

[@devinebass]

Nice!! That's great that you still have it and play it!!

[@croydonmassive]

Scott. Great bass! I have a Mouradian CS-74. I bought it from someone in Boston around a decade ago. I'm a Leeds man myself, living in London. Hope all is well in West Yorkshire!. Conrad.

[@thijs199]

I've setup my bass now with an adjustable nut and have to say, I'm pretty impressed with it. I was able to get it into place with some double sided tape and glued a match in between the trussrod cap and the nut, clamping it tight. but I got that raspy sound going on now when I dig in, but no uncontrollable buzz or super high action. So very nice!

[@adrenalinegroove]

I played a Ken Smith that belonged to my uncle about 20 years ago. It was a great feeling and sounding bass. He did have massive electronic issues with it and contacted Ken for help. I seem to recall Ken was kind of rude and turned him away. That turned me off to Smith basses, but I can't deny the quality. Cheers and enjoy the new axe

[@jeffswanson5722]

My boutique bass, mid-70s Alembic Series 2 electronics in a Stanley Clarke signature body. Heaven in sound and function.

[@SuckerFreeGear]

I've always wanted a Ken Smith 5 like Winston Blisset used when he played and recorded for Massive Attack after I saw him in 1998 playing live with one.

[@gordonsumner2085]

The Stanley Clark Signature Alembic is the boutique axe I want real bad. Having a Carl Thompson four string of virtually any scale length would be money. Those damned things are pure art.

[@johnabbeysoup]

Ughh....I owned #109!! Bought it directly from Ken in his NYC apartment! Long since sold it though, you're making me pine for it...any one have any lines on where "mine" is these days.?? Add it to the long list of things I've sold and since regretted. Thanks(?) for sharing :-)

[@bassdman85]

I met Ken when he was on 48th St NYC ....around 82 or 3....he was teaching and just developing his first bass....(I think it was his first) real nice guy ta boot....I remembering liking it a lot but wound up getting one of the first Kubicki x-factor basses and I had a 57 Precision and later on Marcus Millers Jazz but to me the Kubicki could do it all and was/is the best slap bass I've ever played. It's been my #1 since I purchased it right around the time I met Ken in 83........Anyway, yes I could tell right away how amazing the original Smith bass felt and sounded......I like Fodera's too but they weren't together yet to my knowledge. You have a beauty there Scott and play it well for many years.....Thanks for this channel definitely one of the best....Well, Bass On my friend Frankie D