Advice on this Kay?

WillBuckingham · #1 05-17-2006, 06:59 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

He says he'll sell it to me for $3,000. I'd be driving 12 hours each way to pick it up, so I don't really have the option of seeing it for myself. Is it possible to get a local luthier to look at it for me?

I really like kays, and I want a five-string, so it seems like a great bass for me. I really don't know a whole lot about basses or how to tell from the pictures if there's anything seriously wrong with this bass so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Will

Greg Clinkingbeard · #2 05-17-2006, 08:09 PM

I'm no expert on Kays, but the Tuners look like they came off an old Fender bass. It's missing part of the scroll. The price seems high to me and there aren't any bids. I would pass on it.

mje · #3 05-18-2006, 06:27 AM

Geez, what a trashed bass. If the tuners and scroll are any indication of the care it's had, I'd offer $500 and hope for the best.

ctcruiser · #4 05-18-2006, 10:32 AM

I agree with others. That is a lot money for a Kay, especially if can't you see it and play it first.

drurb · #5 05-18-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBuckingham

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

He says he'll sell it to me for $3,000. I'd be driving 12 hours each way to pick it up, so I don't really have the option of seeing it for myself. Is it possible to get a local luthier to look at it for me?

I really like kays, and I want a five-string, so it seems like a great bass for me. I really don't know a whole lot about basses or how to tell from the pictures if there's anything seriously wrong with this bass so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Will

$3000??????!!!! Run, don't walk, from this deal.

WillBuckingham · #6 05-18-2006, 12:09 PM

Thanks for the advice, really didn't know what to look for here. I didn't really think the missing scroll was a big deal but had no idea there was something wrong with the tuners. Guess I'll keep looking.

gomez hacienda · #7 05-19-2006, 05:22 AM

Considering the fact that there are so-o-o many excellent basses available today in the $3K price range, I would start my search at some of the excellent bass shops listed on the forum, and get one that would be set-up, in good shape and have some peace of mind that your money was well spent. Good luck.

gomez

Paul Warburton · #8 05-19-2006, 06:55 AM

The machines are no big deal...they are not Fender machines, Bu, it's still a piece of s***. The scroll missing is typical of Kays and Englhardts. Those turns are called volutes and with both these brands (Englehardt took over Kay) the glued on volutes are the first parts to go. Actually, the machines are better than the originals. The end-pins are the third thang to go.

Don't do it!!!!!!!!!
Your brothers have spoken!

Jeff Bollbach · #9 05-19-2006, 08:35 AM

I have to respectfully disagree with everyone sofar. While I wouldn't advise someone to spend 3k on a 5strKay without hearing it playing it and looking it over closely it is not that high a price for such a bass. The missing volute and tuners are not that consequential if that is the only thing wrong with it. It could be a decent opportunity to get into a fiver.