KSD= Ken Smith Design
Recreating the magic from the 60's and 70's Vintage Basses, Ken Smith is pleased to introduce the KSD Proto-J series. Drawing on his many years of experience as a studio professional in New York City and as a world class Luthier, Ken Smith designed the Proto-J series to meet the demands of Professional Bassists around the world. Ken incorporated many of the features found on his U.S. Basses into a design that is familiar and recognizable to many Bassists.
This a 706 model (or 70’s, 6 string model). With an ash body, maple fretboard and 21 frets, this bass delivers a full sound with articulate highs that never become too bright. The long scale (35”) is responsible for an amazingly tight and lound low B. String spacing at the bridge is the Smith standard: 18mm.
The good news is that these KSD are the first 6 string basses we've heard with a true Jazz Bass sound.
Most 6 string basses have a nice and complex sound to them, but stay too far from the great raw punch and power of a Jazz Bass. Even many 5 string Jazz Bass type instruments fail to achive a true Jazz Bass sound, but 6 string basses seemed to be out of the question completely. Until now, of course.
Alternatively, we offer the amazing J-Retro 01 Deluxe preamp as an optional upgrade. This top class preamp will not change the sound off the pickups, and will fit right in*, offering more EQ options:
Bass Boost
Treble Boost & Cut + pull for extra Bright
Mid Boost & Cut
Mid freq sweep
Tone Control (works in Passive & Active Modes)
The price of this preamp (installed) is 300€
*Minor routing of the control cavity might be necessary. We offer free installation of this preamp.