Time for a little honesty

[essencetimestwo]

I think my problem has very little to do with bolt on vs. neck through.   I think it is a lot of different factors.   Wood selection, electronics and such.   I think some here hit it on the head saying that this bass may not be suited to the style of music.   Right now I am playing with a rather loud hard rock band.   My Alembic keeps up but the Smith doesn't.   The Smith is a great playing, very comfortable and great sounding bass that may be suited better for a different style of music.   I like the bass a lot and think I will keep it.   I play a lot of different styles and although I am just in the one band now who knows what's around the corner and what I will be playing next week.   If nothing else I'll keep it to play at home and take the Alembic to gigs.

[2400wattman]

I know after spending that kind of money(a lot of hard earned money) that the bass should be perfect for just about anything, and the last thing you would want to do is upgrade the electronics or anything else for that matter, but here is my example. I have a Fender '62 reissue Noel Redding Jazz Bass(bolt on of course) which w/other upgrades and the addition of Bartolini 9W-4's(very loud and focused p/up's -they don't make anymore)sounds amazing for just about anything and I'm not running an on board pre amp it's completely passive. I also have a Modulus VJ bass(graphite neck, also bolt on)w/Bartolini 9J-1's(lower output p/up's) w/the Aguilar OBP-1 pre amp. They both sound great and the Modulus does have more sustain over the Fender but it is not as loud, I mean I have to crank my input gain on my pre amp to get it up to the same level as my passive bass(going through the active input of course).So this is where customizing comes into play. Your needs versus what the instrument can produce. Do you really like/love the feel of the bass?, but it's not keeping up w/your Alembic? Try changing the p/up's. It's the cheapest way to go and probably with a bass like the Smith(they make beautiful basses) the only and last route to go. I don't know what kind of p/up's are in it now(shape wise-J or soap bar?)but I would check out Seymour Duncan( they've got a great selection),EMG,Nordstrand(go to www.bestbassgear.com they have quite a bit of to choose from) or Lindy Fralin. You can even contact these guys and tell them what you want and they'll guide you in the right direction.  Good luck!

[bassman10096]

There are so many variables that make up (and can dramatically change) the sound of a bass that the possibilities are kind of limitless.  Electronics, construction design, woods, finishes, etc.  All may account for big or small influences on your sound.  I struggle often with whether to tinker or not.  In a way, one of the things that's led me to do more of my own building (more like, a little building and a lot of choosing and assembling parts) is the desire to fine-tune my way to a more likable sound.  
One thing going for you with your KS is that you sound like you really like its feel and playing sensations.  Frankly, if I had your bass and felt that way, I'd be looking for non-surgical (i.e. no routing) mods to the electronics (hands-down, the least intrusive mod) to see if I could get to where I wanted to be (or, just as likely, someplace else good that I never thought of before).
 
The hard part is that it's hard to guess what would be best to try - basses and builders are so individual, so varied and feedback from others on specific changes is so hard to match with your particular design issue (and so subjective, too) that you're sort of on your own.  But I think for some of us, sometimes it's worth a try anyway.  Basses that meet the criteria your KS has already hit upon don't come along every day.  Maybe worth the risk/cost of trying?  If you were successful, wouldn't you be glad you did?
 
(I can't believe I just posted encouragement to modify a designer bass on this Club...Well, at least I didn't suggest rethinking anything about an Alembic (gasp) - LOL)
Bill

[bsee]

I don't think that particular Ken Smith is at the designer bass level.  At least, no more than a Sadowsky or any other premium quality Jazz bass.  Jazz basses were all over loud rock in the early days, so it certainly is possible to get the right tone with a bolt-on.
 
If spending $5K weren't an issue, you could send the Smith to Alembic and have them build you a Europa that matches the playing feel.  Alembic pickups and electronics are always an option, especially if you only want to make the natural sound of the instrument louder.  On the other hand, I might look to Bartolini to fatten up a Jazz tone that wasn't quite there in the wood.  You can always talk to the Ken Smith team, especially if you got the bass new.
 
You also might give some critical thought to what your bass sounds like today and to what you want it to sound like.  Maybe identify some recordings of each and then use them to help you communicate with the pros.  
 
Simon, did you experiment with EQ at all?  If so, any results to report?
 
One last crazy thought to throw out at you is your string choice.  Can you say what strings are on your various basses?  I know that I have tried some strings that have sounded anemic and others that have been real hammers.
 
-bob

[bassman10096]

I was just being generous about the designer part (particularly since none of my current basses would qualify either - LOL).  Good point on strings, Bob.  Each bass reacts differently to particular strings (enough to make you nuts).  Trying out strings is a lot cheaper, easier and faster than other options.
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on May 24, 2006)

[mica]

I would also suggest that you should approach playing each bass differently. I know I run in to this with players coming from other makes to Alembic. If you play an Alembic like you've always played your P-bass, you're probably won't get the most out of it.  
 
Evaluate how you play. The Essence and the KS are two different beasts. Each will need a different physical interaction to reach its full potential. For instance, if you always play near the bridge on the Alembic with a light touch, try playing over the neck pickup and a bit harder on the KS. Be methodical, and you'll discover the most appropriate place for each bass, even if one of them winds up with a different owner.  
 
The string experiments are a good idea, and try things you never thought you'd like (thinking flatwounds or stainless steel). If you don't like it on the Smith, try it on the Essence, you might learn something new there too. Good luck, Simon!

[olieoliver]

I can attest to that Mica. I had to adjust my right hand slap technique considerably on my Alembic versus my other basses.