Another Oldie comes back from storage

TheSuzie · #1 06-27-2006, 02:20 PM

Here we have my 1953 Kay model H-10 1/4 size. Not looking too bad. I will try to steam the bridge a little bit straighter before I fit some adjusters. It has pretty high action right now. Not sure how to deal with the tailpiece crack - probably just glue, nor what to do with the small bunged/delaminated area in the upper bout - a bit of battle scarring from the bluegrass festival circuit but I dont want it spreading inward toward the top seam. It is already a bit close.

The instrument is tight and plays surprisingly well as far as I can tell. Sounds quite good for a small bass. I am excited at the prospect of trying it out with lower action. I even found all the other hardware, the cable, box and instructions for the Dearmond pickup, though I will probably remove the pickup and ebay it.

Anyway now I just have to sell some other gear to make room for the DBs in the house...

Peace,
S

TheSuzie · #2 06-27-2006, 02:22 PM

2 more pics

anonymous0726 · #3 06-27-2006, 02:51 PM

Looks like a fun toy!

TheSuzie · #4 06-28-2006, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Parker

Looks like a fun toy!

It is fun. Right now with the high action, I can tune it down a step and still pull plenty hard. It actually sounds awfully big in a smaller room.

Peace,
S

Eric Rene Roy · #5 06-28-2006, 04:42 AM

I dig the old pickup. You plug it in yet?

mje · #6 06-28-2006, 06:13 AM

That's an old DeArmond contact pickup, right? They sold it for all sorts of instruments.

drurb · #7 06-28-2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

Here we have my 1953 Kay model H-10 1/4 size. Not looking too bad. I will try to steam the bridge a little bit straighter before I fit some adjusters...

Not sure how to deal with the tailpiece crack -

S

Looks cool! A 1/4 size? How about a brand new bridge rather than steaming?

TheSuzie · #8 06-28-2006, 02:45 PM

Maybe eventually a new bridge - but the current bridge has feet that were very nicely refit to the top, back in the day. I am also on a very limited income and having to pay for the repairs on my main bass and some other, more important, things right now. A few dollars here and there make big a difference for me when I add then up. All in good time, I guess.

And yes, the old pickup does work. Have not had time to explore the amplified sound yet.

Peace,
S

jsbarber · #9 06-28-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

Here we have my 1953 Kay model H-10 1/4 size...
Peace,
S

If you tune it in fifths is it called a cello? Just kidding! No offense intended. But seriously, what is the difference between a 1/4 size and a piccolo bass? (Pardon my ignorance, please.)

Jim

TheSuzie · #10 06-28-2006, 11:50 PM

The difference is that this bass was designed, constructed and set up for standard bass tuning from day one, rather than solo or even piccolo tuning. I currently am playing it tuned a full step lower than my 3/4 bass. It actually has heavier strings too.

For a while this particular bass spent a lot of time on the bluegrass festival circuit, where it can be handy to have a bass that takes up a bit less space in the truck. It was also once owned by a mandolin player who filled in on bass. He probably felt more comfortable on a smaller bass.

Yes, I could set it up with an alternate tuning but I am enjoying it as the bass it is for now. With a string length of about 35" and a decent sized body, it is certainly very capable of producing satisfying bass tones. Of course intonation is a bit touchy compared to a larger bass.....

Peace,
S