Has anyone ever come across one of these, if so, are they: any good, desirable, best suited to the orchestra. Any info/discussion gratefuly received.
it's difficult to read but the model is an S-1 ? serial no. 12** ?

Thanks

http://www.kaybass.com/Kay%20HBass%20Models.htm

When you say "thin" do you mean from front to back, ie, the width of the ribs? I have an Epiphone that fits that description and it has a nice boomy sound that does not seem to suffer from its lack of depth. Maybe the large upper bout makes up for that, idunno. Also, it's very heavy -- apparently they used big bulky block in the frame.

simoed - as per MAU above: go to www.kaybass.com and/or email the question to Roger Stowers at rstowers@kaybass.com

He's "the man" with the answers when it comes to the Kay Bass

Yes, go to www.kaybass.com, but you will no doubt find that to be a Swingmaster.

It would help if you could show us a picture of it. I once had a Selmer-Kay Slimline. Blonde, with ribs about 5 inches thick. I was told it was a 1939 model. It was surprisingly loud for a Kay. Not a bad instrument.

"The S-5 was a thin model. There is also an S-100 which is a thin Orchestra model. The S-100, very few manufactured, does not seem to carry inletted purfling or ebony trimmings." from kaybass.com.

Does yours have inletted purfling or ebony?

An older lady in a community orch. I used to play in used one because it was light enough for her to carry around.

Not much sound, didn't really add much to the section. I imagine it might sound decent amplified, though.

Much thanks for all responses. It is a Bass I have come across for sale in my area and not being knowledgeable about these instruments I thought I would seek help. I have just discovered it is an S-10 and is only 6-7 inches deep. Anyone know what the going rate for one of these should be?

And also, being thin, how is the sound compromised ?

A deeper cavity has a deeper resonance frequency. If you can play it and hear it, it will probably be a little on the thin side, bass wise.