LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: bradleymoorer on September 19, 2007, 03:43:44 PM
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Aight after the clever response posted in the great gouche thread, I asked my self how many people actually prefer the sound of MTD over a Ken Smith. such blasphemy Let me know, this is the official poll, after this the truth shall be known!
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MTD...I just think it gives better tones, but I am not as technical as most when it comes to the bass. :-\
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I've played a smith and it was nice, and I am yet to try a MTD. Everyone tells me that MTD's are the greatest for gospel though.
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MTD...I just think it gives better tones, but I am not as technical as most when it comes to the bass. :-\
What is the world coming to!!!! The horror, the agony!
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MTD gets my vote....Smith is nice but I am not crazy about the electronics on the Smith but I don't own either just played around with them both...I am sure someone who owns either can be much more credible than I! ;D
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when you put DR highbeams on a Ken Smith the sound can't be beat!
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Out of those 2 brands, I prefer the Smith.
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MTD is my choice. I have played on both and the tone I prefer is all MTD. Not saying that the Smith tone is bad but the MTD tone gives me what I am looking for.
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Well just a look at my avatar, tells you how i voted. IMO, this is just personal preference, I have owned both, while both are fine instruments I prefer the voice and feel of the MTD USA
Mike makes an impeccable instrument, and each one seems to have it's own voice. Again this is IMHO, someone else could feel the totally opposite favoring the Smith just my .02 cents
This is the best 6 sting I have ever played:tone, playability, craftsmanship
MTD 635/24Crotch Walnut top/Ash body/Ash neck/Maple board
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MTD635Body-1.jpg)
This one is still in production about 3 week from completion
MTD 535/24 Myrtle top (Burl & Flame) Tulip wood body(poplar) Maple neck/ Rosewood board in blueburst
This is the wood combination Andrew used on the MTD4Lyfe track.
Before staining
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MyMTDMyrtle535.jpg)
After staining
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/Tidwell535-24.jpg)
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I'll take one of these please. I love the sound of single coil pickups. I don't think I've seen an MTD with SC's but if they did build one I'd have to reconsider.
(http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/bsrj/bsr5j_blackhardware.jpg)(http://www.kensmithbasses.com/nammshow/nammbasses/bsr5j_mw_walnuttop_figmap_body.JPG)
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I'll take one of these please. I love the sound of single coil pickups. I don't think I've seen an MTD with SC's but if they did build one I'd have to reconsider.
([url]http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/bsrj/bsr5j_blackhardware.jpg[/url])([url]http://www.kensmithbasses.com/nammshow/nammbasses/bsr5j_mw_walnuttop_figmap_body.JPG[/url])
You're in luck, Mike just released a SC bass in the shape of a Jazz at summer NAMM. He sounding as if he didn't want to release it.
Click the top MTD link.
http://bassplayer.tv/index.html?req=1&station=bpsummernamm07&video=bptv/namm07/bptv_h07_mtddemo
My opinion is that both have their places. I once wanted a Smith, but now I gots to get the MTD.
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Come on now, that's like comparing apples and oranges! If you are a working bassist you should have one of each plus a Fender Jazz in your collection..They each have their place and other then the Jazz cant be used on everything.
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They each have their place and even then, the Jazz cant be used on everything.
Oh yeah, they can! I've owned a lot of basses over my 30+ years of playing and I always seem to come back to the old trusty Jazz bass (or bass with SC pups). In fact, I'm going to have Nino Valenti build me a 5 string Jazz in the vein of Larry Grahams all white (headstock too) bass with a chrome pickup cover over the neck pickup.
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Out of the two, I prefer the MTD. I like the tonal versatility of MTD more than the Smith. Not saying that the Smith isn't versatile but, I've never heard a Smith (whether live or recorded) that I couldn't tell it was a Smith.
I prefer the body style of the MTD to the Smith (maybe because I'm only 5'-4"). The Smith would take up my whole body.
But, I really don't think you could lose with either one.
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Well I don't own (not sure if i ever will lol) either bass....but based on justin rhaines and the link above....MTD all day lol
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Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like he's playing a Z5 on the bassplayer video. Check out the 4+1 and the tuners aren't Hipshot ultras. (closed back - Gotohs maybe?)
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Oh yeah, they can! I've owned a lot of basses over my 30+ years of playing and I always seem to come back to the old trusty Jazz bass (or bass with SC pups). In fact, I'm going to have Nino Valenti build me a 5 string Jazz in the vein of Larry Grahams all white (headstock too) bass with a chrome pickup cover over the neck pickup.
That Larry Graham White Moon Bass is the bomb!!
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did anyone notice in the vid that mike didnt and overstep saying tobias basses by line
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Lakland or Callowhill
I played Mo Fitz' Dh6 from callowhill and that bass was a BEAST!!!!
Lakland just speaks for itself. If you don't know about them go find somewehre that has one and try it.
I played Mo Fitz' Dh6 from callowhill and that bass was a BEAST!!!!
I don't think callowhill nor lakland getting enough props to be honest.
I think the DH6 that Reese has is like 7lbs or something stupid light like that. and it felt and played GOOD.
Just hard to devribe.
And my 55-02 is like a perfect match for my body.
Needless to say if I ever spend some big bucks on another bass it'll probably be a callowhill. After pleying the dh6 I'm sold.
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I had a Lakland briefly and got rid of it. Just wasn't my cup of tea! I'm a 34" scale neck guy and dig the smaller neck and spacing profile of the Smiths. I believe the MTD's are all 35" scale. All have excellent B's but I haven't heard a better B than on a Smith! Just my humble opinion. I just can't afford one right now.
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I will say MTD's also have great sounding B's. The one Hubert Eaves (Erikah Badu) played on her live album had a thunderous low end!
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to answer the debated question who, except for really Darrell Freeman and Dewayne Wright is really playing ken smith basses. they have a good sound are not anything to laugh at but MTD/TOBIAS and Fender have the bulk of the Gospel Market
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to answer the debated question who, except for really Darrell Freeman and Dewayne Wright is really playing ken smith basses. they have a good sound are not anything to laugh at but MTD/TOBIAS and Fender have the bulk of the Gospel Market
but why is that?
Because someone gets a favorite player and they see them playing a bass and then they thing that's the flagship of all basses.
The thing with these bass' are there name, but rather the build quality and the customer service you get with the bass.
Everyone SHOULD know that you the sound is in the fingers, not in the bass or electronics. They're just tools you use to help you achieve your sound.
I think people are too caught up on "{insert name here}" plays this bass, so it's the only good bass out there.
If you can't play on a cheap bass chances are you aren't going to play any better on a mtd or whatever other brand. Chances are you'll probably sound even WORSE because those basses don't cover up technique mistakes like some of pooere build quality might.
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but why is that?
Because someone gets a favorite player and they see them playing a bass and then they thing that's the flagship of all basses.
The thing with these bass' are there name, but rather the build quality and the customer service you get with the bass.
Everyone SHOULD know that you the sound is in the fingers, not in the bass or electronics. They're just tools you use to help you achieve your sound.
I think people are too caught up on "{insert name here}" plays this bass, so it's the only good bass out there.
If you can't play on a cheap bass chances are you aren't going to play any better on a mtd or whatever other brand. Chances are you'll probably sound even WORSE because those basses don't cover up technique mistakes like some of pooere build quality might.
i was referring to pro-circuit gospel bass players who can pretty much get what they want
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i havent been playing forever but i just love that ken smith sound(Darrell freeman to be exact) i always love that sound especially when Mo fitz used to play one,btw what exactly would b the name for that sound?? or is it just ken smith lol.
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the sound is called a "very mid present bass"...lol..
Turn your mids up and dig in and you can get close to the tone.
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the sound is called a "very mid present bass"...lol..
Turn your mids up and dig in and you can get close to the tone.
Aaaaaawww, will do, I just got a bart pre-amp, i'll play around with the mids
and see what i can get, till i get enough cash for a Ken Smith lol.
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to answer the debated question who, except for really Darrell Freeman and Dewayne Wright is really playing ken smith basses. they have a good sound are not anything to laugh at but MTD/TOBIAS and Fender have the bulk of the Gospel Market
Doc, I don't think that is accurate! I think I will research this!
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but why is that?
Because someone gets a favorite player and they see them playing a bass and then they thing that's the flagship of all basses.
The thing with these bass' are there name, but rather the build quality and the customer service you get with the bass.
Everyone SHOULD know that you the sound is in the fingers, not in the bass or electronics. They're just tools you use to help you achieve your sound.
I think people are too caught up on "{insert name here}" plays this bass, so it's the only good bass out there.
If you can't play on a cheap bass chances are you aren't going to play any better on a mtd or whatever other brand. Chances are you'll probably sound even WORSE because those basses don't cover up technique mistakes like some of pooere build quality might.
Right on. Its diminishing returns, as it goes, IMO. Doesn't mean I wouldn't like to have a USA MTD one day. ;D
and another one re: bumping the mids, panning to the bridge pickup, and digging in.
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to answer the debated question who, except for really Darrell Freeman and Dewayne Wright is really playing ken smith basses. they have a good sound are not anything to laugh at but MTD/TOBIAS and Fender have the bulk of the Gospel Market
I know Tommy Brown-Gospel Bassist plays a 6 string Ken Smith...Also Bill Dickens plays a Ken Smith along with the million other basses he has.
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I've not played a MTD but I do have a Ken Smith and its soomth as butter!!!!!
Jazz
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Uh oh, looks like Ken is catching up with Michael! :)
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you know if you watch the Isreal Alive in South Africa you'll see a nice looking Ken Smith but you'll also notice that Terrence Palmer only plays his Tobias Bass for the whole recording
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Come on now, that's like comparing apples and oranges! If you are a working bassist you should have one of each plus a Fender Jazz in your collection..They each have their place and other then the Jazz cant be used on everything.
I plan on adding a Fender Jazz to my collection as well as soon as I free up some extra cash. Gotta have the Fender Jazz.
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Between the two, have to go with the MTD. Just listening to players like Gouche, Stockton, they both have great tone. I really haven't heard a Ken Smith that blew me away, especially for that kind of money. Now Joel Smith is endorsing MTD's.Check out Joel Smith's youtube video, the brotha is killin & his tone is nice. I would appreciate it again if someone would post it. it's called "Joel Smith on bass taking a solo bassman Mtd 4 life". Thanks in advanced. One day I'll learn how to post them myself. I'm not really computer savvy.
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you know if you watch the Isreal Alive in South Africa you'll see a nice looking Ken Smith but you'll also notice that Terrence Palmer only plays his Tobias Bass for the whole recording
Tobias (vintage), not the MTD which is the new line!
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Wish there was a 3rd option on the poll. "Coin". Then I could flip one and provide an answer. I've played both and would have a hard time choosing between the two. Yes they are DIFFERENT but both VERY NICE and either could serve me well in church. Actually if you peep into some of the mega churches in the Detroit area, you'd think Ken Smith was walking around door-to-door going "Need a bass? Need a bass?"
Having said that, there are four brands that I would choose above both of them.
- Alembic
- Lakland
- Roscoe
- Sadowski
Other than Sadowski, I own or have owned each and can vouch for them TOTALLY.
Peace,
James
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Tobias (vintage), not the MTD which is the new line!
same quality and sounding instrument built by the same guy
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Come on now, that's like comparing apples and oranges! If you are a working bassist you should have one of each plus a Fender Jazz in your collection..They each have their place and other then the Jazz cant be used on everything.
After owning both basses @ one time ( Smith & MTD ) or another it reiterated to myself why I went back to playing Jazz basses,because the Jazz bass could be used in any style of music and I never had a problem of sitting well in the mix. I can't honestly say that about those other 2, however I do miss my PreGibson Tobias Classic V.
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I'll take one of these please. I love the sound of single coil pickups. I don't think I've seen an MTD with SC's but if they did build one I'd have to reconsider.
([url]http://www.kensmithbasses.com/models/bsrj/bsr5j_blackhardware.jpg[/url])([url]http://www.kensmithbasses.com/nammshow/nammbasses/bsr5j_mw_walnuttop_figmap_body.JPG[/url])
Actually he did in the late 90's and early 00-03. It was his Check Republic MTD Grendel basses which actually were very good and if you want to look even further Modulus still makes the Genesis bass which is a Mike Tobias Design bass that you can order it with Single coils or Soapbars
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I had a Lakland briefly and got rid of it. Just wasn't my cup of tea! I'm a 34" scale neck guy and dig the smaller neck and spacing profile of the Smiths. I believe the MTD's are all 35" scale. All have excellent B's but I haven't heard a better B than on a Smith! Just my humble opinion. I just can't afford one right now.
I got rid of the Laklands due to neck issues, and I didn't realy dig my MTD's either and like you I prefer a 34' inch scale bass,now with that being said Mike will build you a 34'inch scale 534 bass
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MTD 4 LYFE! ;D
God bless
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Smith or MTD
WHICH EVER ONE SOMEBODY GIVE ME ;D
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This is an update from reply #8
Newest member to the family and i don't miss the Smith.....
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MTD535-24_3214.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MTD535-24_3213.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MTD535-24_3212.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/ptidwell/MTD535-24_3211.jpg)
And it plays better than it looks......
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i've played both, and they both are fine instruments , there is just something about a ks.... you can hear it ...and feel it , it just makes you wanna sing (saaaaaaaaang)
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Have you guys seen the MTD overseas built basses? They are NICE!!!!!!!
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Im going to go out on a limb and say that the guys who only play Ken Smith's only play gospel, jazz and r and b. You can not use a Ken Smith for anything else....Its as out of place as a white guy playing an accordion sing polka hits in a gang fill ghetto!!! So is Ken Smith worth all that money, no! That's why they tried to come out with their version of the jazz bass, anyone ever play the Ken Smith Jazz Basses?
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Im going to go out on a limb and say that the guys who only play Ken Smith's only play gospel, jazz and r and b. You can not use a Ken Smith for anything else....Its as out of place as a white guy playing an accordion sing polka hits in a gang fill ghetto!!! So is Ken Smith worth all that money, no! That's why they tried to come out with their version of the jazz bass, anyone ever play the Ken Smith Jazz Basses?
when they first came out i was really interested in them but when i played them it didnt feel as good as a fender so for a xtra $150 i left the store with a 4 string Marcus Miller sig. bass. even ken smith does not endorse those basses. he was paid so they can use his name
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THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER DIES LOL!
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THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER DIES LOL!
Probably at every price point: Sadowsky or Lakland, Fender or Ibanez, so on and so on.
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i agree lol
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Probably at every price point: Sadowsky or Lakland, Fender or Ibanez, What I Own or What I don't Own.
Fixed it for ya ;)
Peace,
James
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when they first came out i was really interested in them but when i played them it didnt feel as good as a fender so for a xtra $150 i left the store with a 4 string Marcus Miller sig. bass. even ken smith does not endorse those basses. he was paid so they can use his name
WHAT! I thought they were made at the Ken Smith factory!
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WHAT! I thought they were made at the Ken Smith factory!
Nope. The KSD Jazz basses are made in Korea (I think). Ken Smith has licensed his name for the product and has provided some consulting services, but is not involved in the manufacture or marketing.
Peace,
James
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WHAT! I thought they were made at the Ken Smith factory!
ken smith already had and has his own Smith Jazz Bass but his price is not fender jazz pricing which is why he made this little deal
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Fixed it for ya ;)
Peace,
James
Well put!! :)
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(http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9260/srighz2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
God Bless each and everyone of my fellow "Bottom Lovers" I have been blessed to own many Basses in my life from Pedulla to Modulus etc, and without question for "ME" Ken Smith Basses is the Bass for Gospel Players. Hands down the feel, tone and numerous woods that Ken hand crafts specifically for you are renown. The only other Bass I would recommend would possibly be a Fodera and again the two if you know the history worked together previously.
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^^^^^^^^Whoa, nice rig!!^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I will own a Ken Smith bass one day!
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([url]http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9260/srighz2.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://imageshack.us[/url])
God Bless each and everyone of my fellow "Bottom Lovers" I have been blessed to own many Basses in my life from Pedulla to Modulus etc, and without question for "ME" Ken Smith Basses is the Bass for Gospel Players. Hands down the feel, tone and numerous woods that Ken hand crafts specifically for you are renown. The only other Bass I would recommend would possibly be a Fodera and again the two if you know the history worked together previously.
welcome to LGM doc and way to make your presence be known!!!!
lol, i was Just thinking that I might have to splurge and get the aguilar GS115 to go with my gs410.
If only tax returns could hurry up..lol
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([url]http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9260/srighz2.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://imageshack.us[/url])
God Bless each and everyone of my fellow "Bottom Lovers" I have been blessed to own many Basses in my life from Pedulla to Modulus etc, and without question for "ME" Ken Smith Basses is the Bass for Gospel Players. Hands down the feel, tone and numerous woods that Ken hand crafts specifically for you are renown. The only other Bass I would recommend would possibly be a Fodera and again the two if you know the history worked together previously.
Nice rig. How does the 550 handle the 410 and 115?
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The WT 550 has no problems providing the power and head room I required to let the audience know that I'm in the room, both cabs are 8 ohms which I run in parallel series which drops me down to 4 ohms and puts out 500 watts. Remember it's not always upgrading to a more powerful amp that gives you the sound you require it can be as simple as adding an additional cab. ::)
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True, I was just curious cuz I see a lot of people use the 800 with the 410xlt. That's what I have and I've never seen the 410 and 115 pushed by the 550.
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As a Eden owner I'm sure you are well aware of what happens when you add an additional cab to you 800, depending on whether you run in series or parallel either way your going to increase the amount of power out put. I love the way the Eden parametric EQ enhances the tones across the spectrum, and believe me it took me a while to cross over to Eden as I was an avid Ampeg endorser for years. My previous rig was a Ampeg SVT all tube 300 watt head along with the B2RE bass head supported by a SVT 810 cab ran in stereo with an 410HLF cab. :o
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I Think overall The mtds are a better sounding bass than the ken Smith bass. They both have their own unique sound. I found out the hard way. I called Basscentral and asked about both basses and the first thing he asked me was what style of music do you play.. I told him gospel jazz funk.. than he told me most of the gospel bass players like the ken smith basses.. so i bought one. Beautiful bass but the sound , i was not so impresed but had a nice clear tone. Ive owned 2 Ken smith basses . A 5 string bsreg And a 6 string bsreg... I traded my 6 string for a new mtd 635. Big difference in sound.. I will Stick with mtd... love it.... Not taking anything away from Ken smith Basses. It would be nice to Have Both if you can. And a fender jazz delux...............
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Welcome to the board.... Mellogroove!
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Many people say MTDS are just better than ken smith But why do I see more people playing KS other than MTDS which more people thinks is better...I think that it is a good comp for the both..A few months ago I saw that MTDS had the lead and smith had no chance...But now smith is catching up...Maybe people are having second thoughts about this... :)
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An MTD can sound like a Smith, but a Smith can't sound like an MTD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNMxkSIYCPA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCj4TrrLOSQ
God bless ;)
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Thanks for that..Yo Flat..Youre a mod for gospelchops right..But why cant I become a member..I know that you have to be approved by the admin first and Ive been waiting along time for that.... ?/?
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^^^pm sent^^^
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An MTD can sound like a Smith, but a Smith can't sound like an MTD.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNMxkSIYCPA[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCj4TrrLOSQ[/url]
God bless ;)
In actuality it is the personality of the player to a great extent that really makes the Bass, true a low end SR Ibanez cannot produce the tone of a Smith or MTD due to electronics, woods etc but yet still I feel we place to much emphasis on the instrument and not on the skill of the musician playing it.
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In actuality it is the personality of the player to a great extent that really makes the Bass, true a low end SR Ibanez cannot produce the tone of a Smith or MTD due to electronics, woods etc but yet still I feel we place to much emphasis on the instrument and not on the skill of the musician playing it.
I agree. A skilled player can make a Squire sound like a Ken Smith. And an unskilled player can do the opposite.