60s Kay student bass, any good?

chadtyler · #1 08-21-2006, 07:19 AM

There is a shop in my town that mainly deals acoustic guitars and mandolins, but from time time has a couple of basses. I've never owned a DB before, so I'm not entirely sure of what to look for. I know the primary concern is how it sounds, but I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the following: 60s Kay not ebony fingerboard (it's painted, I'm not sure if Kay makes painted maple fb's, but that's what it looks like to me) plywood top new bridge new strings, used in a school by the look of it. They want $2000 CDN (I live in Ontario) for it. Anybody know if this is a good deal or should I avoid it? Probably playing both pizz and bow.
thanks

Paul Warburton · #2 08-21-2006, 07:26 AM

Nono
Please see our Newbie Links on buying a DB!

JimmyM · #3 08-21-2006, 11:09 PM

Kays have become collectable thanks to rockabilly guys like Lee Rocker from the Stray Cats and non-rockabilly electric bass players like Les Claypool of Primus. I think they're very overrated. They have ultra thin necks, which feel good at first but become irritating after a half hour. But they used to be very cheap. I know a guy who got a late 30's Kay for $300 in a pawn shop. At $2000 CDN, though, which I think is about $1400 US (I think), they're not much of a bargain, especially when it's a Kay with a rosewood FB.