FYI, George Furlanetto had that trademark design and shape with neck-through bodies, oil-finished figured maple and Padauk back in the early 80's, LONG before Ken Smith's instruments became popular almost a decade later. He switched to bolt-on necks as he claimed that the instruments produced better sustain and clarity throughout their tonal range. His original instruments had Bartolini pickups until he developed his own unique line which you see today. I used to visit his little shop in Hamilton, Ontario on King William Street when it was called 'The Guitar Clinic' before he moved to a larger space in the industrial part of Hamilton's North end where he expanded his business and production line. His instruments inspired me to take up woodworking in college. George is truly a master craftsman. 🙏
@FretSpot6 ай бұрын
Agreed - George is a master! And a true gentleman!
@DangerNoodle-yw8yt3 ай бұрын
Ken Smith was making basses in the early 80's as well. Vinnie Fodera helped out in the workshop back then, too.
@jasonbonilla89287 ай бұрын
Good point on the thing about pickup placement, i dont think anyone would really get angry about it, I mean shoot if you look at it, both Spector and Sadowsky nabbed those pickup placements for basses of theirs as well, Spector, Ken Smith, and Fodera all worked with or for one another at some point, it's only natural for ideas to blend together.
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
You'd be surprised the things people can get upset about. 🤣
@KeithCopeland7787 ай бұрын
That Smith-inspired F Bass Deluxe looks and sounds great, but nothing can touch a Ken Smith in my humble opinion!!! Whenever I see a Ken Smith video, I miss the Black Tiger 5 I had many years ago and still regret selling it!!!
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
I don't disagree - the Smith definitely has it's own thing going on.
@bassimprovjams37724 ай бұрын
A 5 string Smith is a dream bass for me !!
@FretSpot4 ай бұрын
I get it!
@telecasterbear2 ай бұрын
Yes, but a BT, not the BSR. I just like the BT body better.
@TeepleBass7 ай бұрын
I prefer the standard BN5 but found the “slap” tone of the inspired BN5 to be really great as well. Next to both F Bass, the Smith sounds a bit anemic with a midrange I’m not super fond of. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@tlingit7 ай бұрын
Donovan, you described the tones of the basses PERFECTLY! I strongly prefer the conventional BN5's tone; it is more versatile and useable in more songs. Next I like the BN5 deluxe with alternate pickup placements. It is more versatile and far more usable than the Smith. The Smith has a chirpy, novelty tone that's nice to hear once in awhile, but I definitely would NOT want that tone in all the songs I play. BTW, I don't like "Smith-inspired" as a name for the model. Grumpy Smith should NOT be the one immortalized in Furlanetto's work! How 'bout the "FBass BN5 FSE Deluxe" (FSE = FretSpot Exclusive).
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
I agree with your assessment in that the Smith is a nice change of pace, but couldn't be my daily driver. Still looking for that new name... :D
@bassace8547 ай бұрын
BN5 all day and twice on Sunday
@rebuked7 ай бұрын
To me, the BN5 sounds the best.
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
Can't go wrong with the classic!
@RootsBassCanada29 күн бұрын
Standard BN5 for me.
@JerryAyon-jo4ts6 ай бұрын
Ken Smith 🏆 👍🏼
@SlapStore7 ай бұрын
You and I should definitely hang. Great idea on the F Smith! lol
@steveaguilar7625Ай бұрын
There is NO comparison to a Smith
@FretSpotАй бұрын
I mean, I know what you are saying, but on the other hand, this literally is a comparison video. 🤣
@Froggy-jn9muАй бұрын
Well said! @@FretSpot
@GigaChad-em9qwАй бұрын
Peavey cirrus
@Baseyplayer7 ай бұрын
Slap or pluck??
@FretSpot7 ай бұрын
I'm more of a plucker.
@tminus10193 ай бұрын
And sometimes you stick with what works
@FretSpot3 ай бұрын
Nothing wrong with that, if it's what you're looking for!
@ruslanshalintsev47936 ай бұрын
The B string on all off these basses are week. Only oomph. Without any growl.
@FretSpot6 ай бұрын
That might be your speakers, or maybe something on my end. A Ken Smith and an FBass definitely don't have a weak low end. 🤣
@ruslanshalintsev47936 ай бұрын
Maybe) Cheers!
@vilohdi71893 ай бұрын
Nothing like portraying your laziness about the strings