Are Kay Basses Large for 3/4?

[flyingmarcel]

Good Afternoon,

I have a question regarding the "Three Quarter'dness" of Kay basses versus other basses. I have a 1949 Kay C1 and, to me, the bass feels really quite large. I had another bass for many years that was also considered a 3/4, but which was quite a bit smaller than my Kay. When I say 'large', I should clarify that I mean the overall body dimensions of the bass, not the string length.

I know there is no rule that states that 3/4 basses must measure this here and that there, but I'm just wondering in general terms, as I find that my Kay may be a little large for me (I'm only 5'6" and play seated due to hip issues). I am considering looking for something a little bit smaller (and also not plywood - but that's for another thread). Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

fm

[Jake deVilliers]

Hmm. I tend to think of Kays as "Regular" 3/4 basses, sized in the middle of the pack as far as 'factory' instruments go.

My Romanian Hybrids have almost exactly the same sized bodies as Kays and the Strunal/Dvorak basses from Luby feel very similar physically, though their string lengths tend to be a little shorter.

I have a customer with a Ply Pfretschner that is noticeably smaller than a Kay, with a 40 1/2 " string length and a really good sound, so there are some options out there.

You'll have to get out and play some basses!

[flyingmarcel]

Hi Jake,

Thanks for the reply - Very useful information.

It might be then that I'll be looking for either a smallish 3/4, or perhaps a 5/8 size bass. My Kay is definitely livable, it just feels a little big to get around on for me.

Man, that's going to be horrible, having to go out and try a bunch of basses.....

fm

[Jake deVilliers]

I know, I'm feeling sorry for you already!

[mjt0229]

Every bass I've owned since my Kay has made my Kay feel small. I'm not a big guy, but I find that I can generally get around a pretty big instrument. That said, it might be worth looking for 5/8s instruments or looking for something with less than 42" of string length.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Kays at the start were made when the German and Czech 3/4 sizes or regular sized basses averaged from about 42-43" string length with Eb Necks or D-necks..(whatever). The D-Neck 41-42" is a relatively new standard developed mostly in the last 50 or so years.

I have an old Italian Bass (Storioni) considered to be a 3/4 or small 7/8 (it fits a Bobelock 3/4 case/bag) with a 44 1/2" string length (113cm) and it plays and sounds great at that length. Apparently over the last 250 years, no one thought anything was wrong or minded its length so it's been that way all this time.

The Orchestra market today demands mostly D-necks up to 42". The other day I played a great Italian Bass with an Eb Neck and almost 43" string length and that Bass is with a current veteran of the Philly Orchestra. I mentioned this to him when trying his Bass and he said "that's how I like it!".

So.. It is what it is. Tonight and all this week I am playing the Storioni currently set slightly shorter at ONLY 44" string length.

All last year I played mostly 41-42" maximum. This year is different. I am going for tone. The Storioni is my best sounding Bass for me. The Martini is the next and way younger than my two Master grade English Basses by Gilkes and Hart. Sound wise, depending who you ask, one is better than the other. When you develop your 'game', you like what you like regardless of what others say or prefer...

[flyingmarcel]

[quote=KSB - Ken Smith;5667385]

So.. It is what it is.

I think this sums it up pretty much perfectly.

My main reason for asking was so that when I'm searching around for basses and call shops, I want to know whether I should be inquiring about 3/4 basses (if the Kay is 'large' for a 3/4) or if I should be inquiring about 5/8 basses (if the Kay is a 'normal' 3/4). The truth of the matter is, I think I'd be more comfortable with a smaller instrument, regardless of what measurement quality is given to it -

But this I can only know for sure by testing the waters a little bit on a multitude of instruments...

thanks all,

fm

[Bob McHenry]

I Have been Playing my Kay Model C-1 for about 63 years now and recently purchased a New Shen Model SB-180 hybrid Bass. These 2 basses of course, represent only two data points, but when transitioning between one bass and the other, I find (or "sense") very little difference between the two in in either size or weight.

Bob McHenry bassman10@comcast.net

[Tejano Bass]

Bob - sent ya a PM . . .

[roswell1965]

Those old Kay's are pretty darn big. Not as big as one of the old 4/4 Kay's but still way too big to fit in the trunk.

p.s whazzup Fitz