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Ken Smith BMT Elite 5 - Claro Walnut Top - SOLD
£3140

mrbassman_de

By mrbassman_de,
in Basses For Sale

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mrbassman_de

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Ken Smith BMT 5 Figured Walnut Top

Specs:
Top of the line Smith model from the 90s with 7pc body and 7pc neck (similar to the 25th Anniversary Model)
BMT body shape
Highly Figured Claro Walnut Top and Back
Mahogany Core
Macassar Ebony board
7pc Maple Neck with Bubinga Stripes
34 scale
18 mm spacing
Latest Smith 3-bd BMT preamp (with DIP switches inside) with Push/Pull Passive switch on Volume
Original Smith Pickups
Original Smith Gold Hardware
Weight: 4.5kg
Birth year: 1996

An exceptional Smith in every aspect. BMT models have been built by Ken from 1993 until 1997 - This is one of the last BMTs built with the original BMT body shape before Ken moved to the BSR shape.

Some wear and dings/dongs all over the body but as you can see in the pics nothing that makes this wonderful bass less desirable. Structurally the bass is in perfect working condition.

Super fast and low action ! Frets are still in good shape. The electronics have been updated to the newer preamp version with the frequency switches inside.

The amazing Walnut on this bass looks quite close to Figured Koa. Although the serial number defines it as Walnut. Ken is a master on wood and especially on Walnut - so I guess he knew what he has done at that time. Anyway the top and back have a warm, reddish, wonderful wood pattern that I have rarely seen on Walnut Smiths.

These older BMT's have a real through neck. You can see the difference to newer models on the back: The newer Smiths have a soundblock laminated to the back of the neck, the older ones are produced completely through the back too. The reason for change is simple: the older version needs a lot more wood in ONE piece and much more effort to produce, the newer necks could be sawn out of smaller pieces.

These less laminates open the sound of the Smith and reduce the compression which is often inherent to newer models.

Compared to newer Smith models these older BMTs have a thinner neck profile which makes fast runs quite comfortable.

SOLD

Edited by mrbassman_de
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