1939 Kay Bass- Should i buy?

[itzac6]

I recently found a 1939 Kay Bass in a pawn shop for 1800 dollars. Seeing as i am in the market for a new upright i was wondering if this might be a valid option.
The bass appears to be in great condition. I didnt have the chance to play it or examine it to close though.
Is 1800 a good price for a 1939 Kay Bass?
Thanks

[Ghost_Note]

I would touch base with one of our members, MollyKay.

http://www.bassmonkey.net/

[ctxbass]

Some of the older Kays are very good basses and one from the late 30's in great condition are hard to find. If the serial number is below 6500, then the bass is from the late 1930's. You should have the bass checked by a luthier, teacher, or experienced bassist before making a final purchase. Be sure to check the neck/ body joint for repairs and someone should look inside the instrument to be sure that there are no structural problems. If the bass needs no work, $1800 is a good price.

[Wallbender]

Have someone who knows URBs check it out. If it's in decent condition, that's a fair price for a nice bass.

[wineaux]

I love my Kay, but here's one crucial question that needs to be asked:

How does it SOUND?

[skipper]

I have a Kay that was bought new for me in 1965 for $375. I enjoy playing it very much. If I were in the market for a student-level instrument today, however, I wouldn't buy a Kay unless it was in excellent condition and ready to play. Kay finger boards often need to be replaced, and any used bass could benefit from a professional set-up, new strings, an adjustable bridge, a new soundpost, etc. Why put all that money into a Kay? I would buy a new plywood or hybrid instrument for $1800-$2500 that has been set-up by a first class shop or luthier and get the pleasure from a bass that has years of good service ahead of it. A Kay is a great instrument for what it is, but it's no treasure.

[400$Bass]

Originally Posted by skipper

I have a Kay that was bought new for me in 1965 for $375. I enjoy playing it very much. If I were in the market for a student-level instrument today, however, I wouldn't buy a Kay unless it was in excellent condition and ready to play. Kay finger boards often need to be replaced, and any used bass could benefit from a professional set-up, new strings, an adjustable bridge, a new soundpost, etc. Why put all that money into a Kay? I would buy a new plywood or hybrid instrument for $1800-$2500 that has been set-up by a first class shop or luthier and get the pleasure from a bass that has years of good service ahead of it. A Kay is a great instrument for what it is, but it's no treasure.

...."but it's no treasure"...Well that depends on who it belonged to. I'd give a lot of money to buy the Kay that Charlie Wiegel played...Charlie was the first person I saw play bass and guitar when I was a wee lad of 5 (1957) or so...that day has never dimmed from my memory as I was so mesmerized by his plucking that "big ole dude".... Can't put all Kay basses in the same barrel....

aka "Foaty"