1939 Kay

Frank Tuesday · #1 01-01-2009, 07:03 PM

I just picked this up off of Craigs list. Serial number 4103, which kaybass.com puts as a 1939. It needs a bit of work to get working, but the price was definitely right.

Sorry only one pic went up. Looks like the other files were corrupted.

Wasted Bassist · #2 01-01-2009, 08:51 PM

I've used about three different Kay uprights, and while not amazing, if propperly set-up they can have a good sound to them. Two of the three I've used had issues with the fingerboard to the point that there was a pretty bad buzz on the E and/or G strings. However, the one I'm using now is very nice. It has a very workable string action and suprising amounts of volume.

Phil Rowan · #3 01-01-2009, 10:54 PM

I have a '39 (sn 3033) and I like it a lot. I'm saving up for a new ebony fb w/ a shim to make the neck a little thicker/stronger.

Mudfuzz · #4 01-01-2009, 11:08 PM

I love Kays, I think the reason I took up DB was I got to play a old blond kay in a Cottonwood AZ music store.

Pentabass · #5 01-01-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Bassist

I've used about three different Kay uprights, and while not amazing, if propperly set-up they can have a good sound to them. Two of the three I've used had issues with the fingerboard to the point that there was a pretty bad buzz on the E and/or G strings. However, the one I'm using now is very nice. It has a very workable string action and suprising amounts of volume.

Hi Wasted, What is the best source for a Kay in North Dakota? Also Craigslist?

riverbum · #6 01-01-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

I have a '39 (sn 3033) and I like it a lot.

wouldn't that make you bass a '38 phil? mine is #4824 and it's a '39. according to kaybass.com, '39 started @ #4000. http://www.kaybass.com/KayHSerialNoList.htm. i know the numbers aren't exact, but roger has narrowed them down pretty close. have you registered your bass with him? hope i didn't stir up something. post pics if you have any.

Quote:

It needs a bit of work to get working, but the price was definitely right.

i just got my '39 from mollykay and bass monkey. it needs some work too but i was loking for a project. nothing a little money and a whole lot of patience can't fix. good luck with your new bass.

Jake deVilliers · #7 01-02-2009, 01:59 PM

Please post more and better pix, the both of you!

That serial number, 4103, makes it a 1939 as you can see here: http://www3.telus.net/crescentbeachg...KayBassNos.pdf

Maybe we should set an "American Plywood" Sticky with the Kay, King & American Standard serial numbers on it. Maybe put the New Standard and Upton serial numbers up there too and get a head start on them. They are sure to be sought-after vintage basses in years to come.

riverbum · #8 01-02-2009, 03:04 PM

that's right jake, Frank's bass is a '39, but phil's #3033 is a '38.

i will post better pics when i get my camera software straightened out. that pic was taken on my phone.

jake, looks like you and i have way too much in common. i am crazy about kay basses, martin guitars, i have a vw vanagon, and i used to build street rods and muscle cars. small world.

Jake deVilliers · #9 01-02-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverbum

jake, looks like you and i have way too much in common.

No kidding!

Have you been here yet? http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27

riverbum · #10 01-02-2009, 05:35 PM

nice ride jake. mine is a water box with a connecting rod through the side of the block. i keep having these wild ideas of a v-6 under the rear seat with a shorty trans hooked up to a ford 9" rear. but i really need to put it back stock. i only have $100 in the whole thing.

but back to more relevant things. i am going to have to rebuild the heel on my '39 neck. lots of huge screws in an ill attempt to repair a break. i will start from a fresh block of maple. i would replace the neck, but i think it's more important to salvage the original.

here goes. don't look directly at it because it may cause blindness or cardiac arrest. lol.

bassface747 · #11 01-02-2009, 05:48 PM

OH GOOD LORD.

riverbum · #12 01-02-2009, 06:46 PM

oh, it's not that bad

. with the way things have been lately i'm blessed to have any bass. but things will be better soon.

Phil Rowan · #13 01-03-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverbum

wouldn't that make you bass a '38 phil? mine is #4824 and it's a '39. according to kaybass.com, '39 started @ #4000.

Well then, I stand corrected! Perhaps it is a '38. I guess I always went off the list I looked up back when I got it (which was back in high school about 10 years ago), and always thought of it as a '39.

tomshepp · #14 01-03-2009, 04:00 PM

Nice bass! How about some more pics? I have a 39' M1W. Thinkin' about putting on a new ebony board.

Wasted Bassist · #15 01-03-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pentabass

Hi Wasted, What is the best source for a Kay in North Dakota? Also Craigslist?

They usually have one or two in stock at Eckroth Music in Fargo. My school district owns about 7 of them now.