How can I find out what my Kay is worth?

[aluminumbassguy]

I have a Kay with a serial # of 513. It is in good condition. No holes. Original neck, as far as I can tell. The web site that dates Kay's said it was a 1937 pre-production model. I have played it alot in the past. It doesn't leave the house much anymore except for recording and the occasional (safe) gig. I use a 1930's aluminum german for the rest. I have seen 5 digit serial #'s go for $2,000 to $3,000. They have usually been from the 1950's. I didn't know if anybody had any information that might be useful. Thanks

[aluminumbassguy]

I am not wanting to sell this. But I am thinking of insuring it. How can you find out how much an old plywood bass is worth?

[drurb]

Originally Posted by aluminumbassguy

How can you find out how much an old plywood bass is worth?

Try to sell it!

Seriously, if this is for insurance purposes, take the bass to a reputable luthier and have it appraised. In my experience insurance companies will accept that or a sales receipt.

[Tejano Bass]

Check your PM

[aluminumbassguy]

Most luthiers I believe will give me a replacement quote. I imagine that would be for a "new" plywood bass. I'm pretty sure we all know that that is not at all what that I have. I purchased the bass for $1,000 in the late '90's. The prices were pretty good back then and the internet and ebay hadn't really taken off yet. I was kind of looking for a place that might deal with Kay's alot in the used selling market that might have a handle on a pice like this one. Is there a shop somewhere in the U.S. that might exist like this? Thanks

[drurb]

Originally Posted by aluminumbassguy

Most luthiers I believe will give me a replacement quote. I imagine that would be for a "new" plywood bass.

I believe that you could not be more wrong. After all, when a reputable luthier evaluates a collectible old bass, he/she does not typically give the cost of building a new one!

Originally Posted by aluminumbassguy

I was kind of looking for a place that might deal with Kay's alot in the used selling market that might have a handle on a pice like this one. Is there a shop somewhere in the U.S. that might exist like this? Thanks

There are several around the country. Where do you live?

[Uncletoad]

Most reputable Double Bass Luthiers and Retailers are aware of the market for Kay basses in their locality. They have to it's part of the gig.

Appraisals are done by inspection and then consultation with comparables either off the top of their head or in other documentation of recent sales from colleagues or other dealers.

They will charge you something for their time, documentation and signature. It's very routine and you needn't go through lots of changes to get that done. Find someone local of repute and pay them a visit.

[riverbum]

not sure where you are located but i was in staunton, virginia last weekend to pick up my 39 kay and wanted to stop by jerry fretwell's shop while i was in the area. he has at least 25-30 kays on the floor for sale. he even has an aluminum bass in the front window. jerry is a super nice guy and very helpful. i could have stayed till closing talking shop, but i had a 450 mile drive back home that day. it was worth the drive for me just to visit his store.

hope it's not a no no to recommend a dealer on here but if you are anywhere close to north central va, i would highly recommend him.

http://www.fretwellbass.com/index.php

[aluminumbassguy]

Hey Guys, Thanks for the info. This is the stuff I am talking about. I live in the St.Louis area. I really haven't heard of anyone in my area. I figured it would be somewhere. I have been working playing upright in the city for about 10 years at about 175 gigs a year. Really haven't heard much, that's why I started this thread. I'm brand new to talkbass, this is my first thread. But I have read many reviews thru google. Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. If you hear or know of any other places please let me know.