Ken Smith Designs KSD-705

Same as the ones above but I have the active/passive pull/push knob. All original ! Have not had to switch out a thing.

It's a work horse.

I've played through a GK 100RBII head and an Ampeg412 or an Eden 210xlt.

I usually boost the bass full- and the treble stays at half. Warm but crisp. It's a Funk machine! I have played anything from Jazz to metal. Works for everything...it's a Jazz bass !

Did not record with it yet. But I get compliments on stage nightly on it's looks and sound.

I love it - I'M 6'6" 230- and it's big Too.. But could be lighter. I would imagine it would dig in without a wide strap. Fits my fender Double gig bag snugly!

Action was what I was looking for when I bought it! Only had to do a seasonal tweek here and there do to severe climate changes in MN. Did have a bad solder on the volume pot. No biggie I'm kinda rough on things and have had this issue on all 15 basses I've owned through the years!!

It's lasted two years - about 80 shows!

Replaced to strap locks - I always have a back up - strings break sometimes!!

Heard they're flakes!

Been playing since 1993 so 15yrs now -

Have owned Fender's - Warwick- Gibson- SX- Music Man- Yamaha- Michael Kelly - I would say so far this and my 76 jazz are my favs.

I'd buy it again - If some one had the nerve to steel it.

I'd rate it with any mass produced American instrument..it's as good if not better- Actually more versatile than most!

I chose it cause it was had what I was looking for in looks and sound!

Heard and seen bad reviews about cats who had no business adjusting the instrument themselves ruin them and blame it on Brooklyn Gear. If you need it adjusted bring it in .. If you don't have the $35 for a set up - then play it as is until you have the money to do so!

2005 Model KSD 705 Korean 5 string Jazz Bass with active B.T. circuit.
1 volume, 1 balance and 1 double stacked bass-treble pot. 2 Jazz pickups, Natural glossy finish on 3piece solid ash body and satin finish on one piece bounded maple neck with block inlays. The hardware is a little cheesy. It is not Gotoh, but the bass stays in tune. Electronics is active only.

Very good sound with the stock electronics and pickups. It fits my music style (jazz, funk, gospel). I have a SWR-SM440 with Goliath II cabinet. The bass is very good as an all around bass. Sounds good live and in the studio. Noisy stock pickups when pan is not balanced.

Good setup from Perfect Bass. The action could have been lower. But over all it was very playable.

I wanted to use the bass for some time before I submitted a review. As time went on the bass-treble pot had some problems. The bass would cut in and out while I was playing. The pan pot also got noisy. I put contact cleaner on it, but it didn't last. I can depend on the bass. As far as a backup, this is the only 5 string I have right now.

Perfect Bass is great. So is Ken Smith. Brooklyn Gear...well lets just there is room for improvement.

I would recommend this bass to friends to try out. I have had the bass for 2 years and I'm will be moving on to a F-clef bass most likely. If it was stolen I would not replace it. It does not have the lasting quality to me. I wish it had better pickups (Lindy Fralins) and a Audere bass preamp. If I keep the bass I would upgrade it with those electronics. I think it is the best bass for the money.

2006 Model Lefty KSD 705 Korean 5 string Jazz Bass with active B.T. circuit.
! volume, 1 balnce and 1 double stacked bass-treble pot. 2 Jazz pickups, Natural glossy finish on 3piece solid ash body and satin finish on one piece bounded maple neck with block inlays

This bass has its own distinct stock sound, it is close to the 70's series Fender Jazz Basses. The sock pre-amp does not suit my taste completely, although I have received numerous compliments on the the bass tone prior to changing the pre-amp to an Audere Audio JZ5D model. I also thought the pickups could use an upgrade, again this a personal preference. I installed a set of Bartolini 57CBJD Pickups and I am completely satisfied with the tone. This bass sounds great in studio applications as well as live perfomances.

When the bass arrived it was setup well, and it was still perfectly in tune. I made a slight adjustment to lower the action to suit my personal preference. The bass is a beautiful instrument with excellent craftsmanship throughout the bass, the only flaw I could locate, was a minor blemish on the pickguard, otherwise beautiful finish on the ash body and a nice bridge.

This bass has been tested in the studio and live performances and it gets the job done in both instances. The hardware is durable along with the finish, the chrome plated hardware should last a lifetime. I really depend on this bass, i am considering purchasing the KSD605 model soon! I normally take 2 basses out on gigs, now it's only the KSD 705.

I have been playing bass for over 30 years, I own 5 other basses including a vintage 1978 Fender Jazz, right the KSD is my go to bass. If it were lost or stolen, I would buy it again without hesitation! This bass has excellent playability, I love everything about it except the fact is, it is HEAVY, that is the compromise for a solid ash body. My favorite feature is the whole bass, i really mean it! After a few modifications to suit my personal taste I am totally satisfied now! Beeing a lefty bassist is tough in the market place. Beware this bass does not fit in a standard size bass case! make sure if you are going to need a case to order it with the bass.

Let me tell you...I looked at 2 different 705's and the differences were startling. The first 1 i tried was a brandy new 705 at 8th street music in philly. The E thru G strings sounded good, but the B was useless. Either a bad string, or one of theose basses that the B just was not happenin'.THEN I head to another shoppe in Philly that had a used one....holy crap, it was unbelievable. Played fantastic, sounded unreal, B string totally focused and clear. There's a few reasons that could be. read on.....

Some on had swapped the BT circuit out for a Sadowski onboard. Great preamp, really does the job. (Not that the Ken Smith circuit isn't great as well. I've owned USA Ken Smiths and its a great circuit. )But I basically have a poor mans Sadowski, via Ken Smith and Brooklyn Gear. The sound is much like a Sadowski Jazz Bass.

Well, since it was used, It needed a POT cleaned, the neck bolts tightened, and such, but as far as the construction, It came off like high end Korean does. Clean, good fit, nothin sloppy. ( ironically, the first 705 I looked at was missing screws, and the set up wasn't the best in the world) All in all a quality piece.

Its a Jazz bass. you could have a bar fight with this thing. I dont anticipate any real problems. Fat stable neck,. bolt on construction..cmon....

I have dealt with Ken Smith on numerous occasions when I had the USA Smith, and he is fantastic with the customer service. I spoke with him the day I picked up the bass. He said unfortunately, Brooklyn Gear was the party to talk to. I haven't heard alot of good things about them when I was researchng the 705, but, I'm willing to give em a chance to help. I need a hard case this thing 'll fit into. Drop me aline guys..

Overall, this bass is an incredible value. I've paid close to a grand for Lakland Skylines, and this is just as good a quality for half the price. And the playability is as Good as a USA Lakland or any High qualtiy built axe. And its pretty too, in the Ash with the Maple Board, with the mother of plastic square inlays.