First DB

[Stumpy]

Hello all,

I was given my first DB. It is a 1951 Kay C1. It is a little ratty around the bottom but all parts are in working order.

Can anyone tell me about this bass? How do I get the bridge adjusted? The E string is really high off the fingerboard and the G string is about the right hight.

Also, not too sure about a pickup.

Thank you in advance.

[shadygrove]

I've never owned a Kay, but here's a link to a site others have recommended as the place to go for Kay bass info...

http://www.kaybass.com

Check out the newbie link sticky at the top of the "Setup & Repair" section for info on bridges and the one at top of the Amps, Mic, and Pickup" for pickups. Then come back with more specific questions about pickups and people will be better able to help you with advice.

How high is "really high off the fingerboard" ? (measure mm at the end of the board to the bottom of the string, and BTW thanks for not saying "fretboard"... you've already avoided a bunch of trouble ). Most folks have string height gradually increasing as you move from the G to E to give the larger strings more room to move. Of course the type of strings and your playing style (amped or not) also figure in.

My advice is take it to a luthier to get the bridge height trimmed down and you can also have them check whether everything is holding together (neck joint, bassbar etc... )

Luthier directory...

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm

Welcome to the Dark Side !

[paperbag1213]

If you're in Los Angeles, I'd suggest World Of Strings
John is awesome and he does great work

[fdeck]

+1 to taking it to a luthier. Meanwhile, if you measure the string heights (gap between string and end of fingerboard), then I am sure that the peanut gallery can comment on whether your measurements are inside the range of what is considered normal. I suggest that if anything has to be done to the bridge, then you should get bridge adjusters added while you're at it.

Congrats, and welcome to the dark side!

[Stumpy]

Originally Posted by fdeck

+1 to taking it to a luthier. Meanwhile, if you measure the string heights (gap between string and end of fingerboard), then I am sure that the peanut gallery can comment on whether your measurements are inside the range of what is considered normal. I suggest that if anything has to be done to the bridge, then you should get bridge adjusters added while you're at it.

Congrats, and welcome to the dark side!

Thank you. I am excited and nervous.

I will look at all the links and then report back in.

[Stumpy]

I didn't see any in Sacramento. Do you know of any quality Luthiers in SacTown?

[Herbie 80's]

Congrats on coming over to the dark side. I'm so happy that I made the switch a while back. Haven't looked back at all.

First, bring it to a luthier.

Second, get a teacher. Very, very important.

[Stumpy]

Originally Posted by Herbie 80's

Congrats on coming over to the dark side. I'm so happy that I made the switch a while back. Haven't looked back at all.

First, bring it to a luthier.

Second, get a teacher. Very, very important.

I have a great teacher (Matt Robinson) and am looking for a Luthier in Sacramento...

[Mesa]

I've heard good things about Jeff Sahs in Sac'to.