Ken Smith
Since 1978
Founded in New York City in 1978 by double bassist and master luthier Ken Smith, Ken Smith Basses is internationally revered as the founding architect of modern boutique electric bass construction. Ken Smith revolutionized instrument ergonomics by inventing the multi-laminate neck-through construction, wide 6-string bass geometry, inlaid multi-piece 'sandwich' exotic body tops, and the world's first onboard active bass preamps (collaborating with Haz Labs). Today, Ken Smith builds heirloom instruments in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, played by legends such as Hadrien Feraud, Stanley Clarke, John Patitucci, Anthony Jackson, and Melvin Davis.
48
Years in Business
15K+
Guitars Sold
$6M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Ken Smith Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Ken Smith guitars.
Ken Smith Price Overview
Ken Smith covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$4,850
+5.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
92
Active listings
Sold This Month
24
+4.5% vs last month
Price Range
$1,800-$12,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Ken Smith Timeline
Ken Smith Guitars Founded in NYC
Ken Smith opened his repair and custom building shop in Manhattan, pioneering multi-laminate exotic wood construction.
Pioneering the First Active Circuit
Collaborated with Haz Labs to create the world's first dedicated active bass electronics installed in production boutique instruments.
Introduction of the 6-String Electric Bass
Collaborated with Anthony Jackson to engineer and popularize the 6-string contrabass guitar tuned B-E-A-D-G-C.
Burner Series MIJ Launch
Partnered with premier Japanese luthiers (Sleek Elite/Chaki) to offer the accessible Burner series, expanding Smith tone globally.
Relocation to Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Moved workshop to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, standardizing the legendary 5-piece and 7-piece laminated neck construction.
The Benchmark of Hi-Fi Bass Tone
Ken Smith basses remain revered across gospel, fusion, jazz, and session studios for their compressed, articulate, cutting voice.
Complete Ken Smith Product Lineup
In a crowded live church or a dense studio mix, there is no bass on earth that cuts through like a Ken Smith.
Elite & Black Tiger Series (Neck-Through)
The quintessential Ken Smith masterpiece. 7-piece laminated neck-through-body with multi-layer contrasting accent veneers and exhibition tone wood caps.
Figured tiger maple top, walnut back, contrasting laminates, 18V B.M.T. preamp ($6,800 – $9,800 used)
Classic BT body shape or modern BSR contours, scalloped brass nut ($5,800 – $8,500 used)
Fusion signature with 24 frets and custom pickup spacing ($7,500 – $11,000 used)
Standard & Bolt-On Series
Handcrafted alongside Elite models in Perkasie with 5-piece bolt-on necks and identical Smith custom pickups and active electronics.
Quilted/flame maple top, Smith soapbars, Series/Parallel switches ($3,800 – $4,800 used)
Designed for Motown/Steely Dan legend Chuck Rainey ($3,900 – $5,200 used)
Burner & KSD Series
Historic Japanese production and licensed production models offering authentic Smith ergonomics at accessible prices.
Japanese handcrafted in the 1990s with active 2-band preamp ($1,800 – $2,600 used)
Licensed 70s-style vintage Jazz bass with 35-inch scale ($650 – $950 used)
"In a crowded live church or a dense studio mix, there is no bass on earth that cuts through like a Ken Smith."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Undisputed King of Contemporary Gospel & Fusion Tone
7-Piece Laminated Neck-Through Core
Continuous structural spine of hard rock maple and bubinga stringers eliminates dead spots and provides singing sustain.
Smith B.M.T. 18V Circuit with Mid DIP Switches
Onboard preamp with switchable midrange frequencies (500Hz for fingerstyle growl, 800Hz for aggressive slap).
Scalloped Solid Brass Nut
Hand-carved solid brass nut ensures open string notes ring with identical brilliance to fretted positions.
The Premier Collector Sleeper Value in the Smith Universe
Japanese Handcrafting by Sleek Elite / Chaki
Offers genuine Ken Smith neck ergonomics and active tone at less than half the price of US custom shop models.
Bolt-On Punch & Slap Attack
Faster dynamic attack ideal for percussive funk and modern groove playing.