Is this a Kay?

dminer · #1 03-03-2011, 09:32 AM

I know very little about uprights (if I had one I'd probably start playing it), but this bass is coming up at an estate sale...I did a little research and I'm thinking it could be a Kay.

I know that repairs on uprights can be pretty costly...and I won't be able to take a competent luthier with me to the auction. Any major things I should look out for besides the obvious seperation, major damage ect? Thanks, and all advise is greatly appreciated....there's also a 50's Kay bass amp at this estates sale as well.
These are the only pics I can get:

ole Jason · #2 03-03-2011, 09:53 AM

How close can you get to the bass when you go to the auction? Will you be able to look inside?

dminer · #3 03-03-2011, 10:18 AM

Yes, I should be able to look inside...for a label I presume? I'm taking some paperwork from a Kay bass ID site...that will hopefully help me ID the model and year ect.

eh_train · #4 03-03-2011, 11:14 AM

Those aren't very detailed pics, but the tuners look the part. If they're the original ones, they're probably made by Kluson and have relatively small gears coupled with a relatively tall stem.

A close up of the scroll would be pretty definitive, as all but the earliest or most expensive Kays (ie., 90% of them) have a rather standard, "machined" look to the scroll. If you look closely where the volutes start (the circular turns in the scroll), you'll see that most of it is a glued on piece.

It's pretty common to find beat up Kays with the volute missing, so much so that Roger Stowers sells replacements.

Cheers,

Paul (Eh_train)

Jake deVilliers · #5 03-03-2011, 11:42 AM

Soft shoulders, teeny capstan gears, enormous f-holes - that looks like a Kay C-1 to me!

I wonder if it has an AmPeg?

If you buy the amp, please send me big pix at jake@thebassspa.com - Ive never seen one.

dminer · #6 03-03-2011, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the info...here's some pics of the Kay Bass Amp:

Jake, I'll probably be going to the pre auction preview I'll take a few more detailed pics then. I found out today that it's a no reserve auction and that it's supposed to be raining that day...so, maybe I'll get lucky...lots of other musical gear there as well.....some bass stuff.

Jake deVilliers · #7 03-03-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dminer

Thanks for the info...here's some pics of the Kay Bass Amp:

Jake, I'll probably be going to the pre auction preview I'll take a few more detailed pics then. I found out today that it's a no reserve auction and that it's supposed to be raining that day...so, maybe I'll get lucky...lots of other musical gear there as well.....some bass stuff.

What a little cutie that amp is!

Good luck at the auction!

dminer · #8 03-03-2011, 05:57 PM

Thanks Jake...just maybe, the amp and bass were both bought at the same time...which MIGHT mean that it does have an AmPeg...I'll let you guys know how it goes one way or the other...dm

Jake deVilliers · #9 03-03-2011, 07:39 PM

I just had a '4o Kay S-51 in here for some setup and I gave it an AmPeg-ectomy.

That thing weighs an awful lot and removing it opened up the sound appreciably.

Let us know how it turns out, eh?

dminer · #10 03-14-2011, 08:19 PM

Update...this bass sold for $550 at the auction. It was a Gretsch and Brenner Inc. NY City "Tone King" Model 89 The volute had a curved metal splint screwed onto it to hold it together from a previous crack and the heel? (where the neck joined the body) was cracked as well.

Jake deVilliers · #11 03-14-2011, 11:05 PM

So did you buy it?

Pretty sure the Gretsch basses were made by Kay - they made them for Selmer, Sears and Montgomery ward too.

dminer · #12 03-15-2011, 10:59 AM

Jake, No, I didn't get it...I bid up to $500 and then folded....since I'm not at all familiar with uprights I was afraid that I'd be getting in over my head if there were any major issues....the action was sky high.

Rebop · #13 03-15-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dminer

Jake, No, I didn't get it...I bid up to $500 and then folded....since I'm not at all familiar with uprights I was afraid that I'd be getting in over my head if there were any major issues....the action was sky high.

The string height was high compared to other uprights or with your Rick?