Kay for Cheap - but no model or serial #

[Cyrus Pansch]

Just found a broken Kay bass I could get for cheap ($200). No serial #, no label, no marking on the neck, no markings on the inside except some hand written script saying it's one from pre - 1959, however it does have the orig Kay tailpiece & definitely a matching fingerboard (rosewood shows same colored pattern in the grain).

It has been refinished blond (doesn't look like a poly) However, it will need a new nut, possibly a new fingerboard ~slightly cracked & previously applied w/ reg glue, and the neck has broken clean from the dovetail neck block (or should I say wedges). Although I'm no expert, I do have some experience restoring double basses. Here are some pictures.

Question: Are there any Kay's out there without any labels, serial #'s, & markings on the neck? How much does the original finish matter on a Kay? (~MollyKay?)

Thanks,

[Gearhead43]

Some of the very last Kay's were called "Kay blanks" , right when they were sold to Engelhardt. Not sure why they were sold off without labels inside.

It could be a re-badged dept store Kay that is missing it's label.

Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in.

Hope you can get her back in action! She looks pretty rough.

Whether or not the label "matters" depends on if this is a business venture or if you are going to fix it up and keep it.

[Cyrus Pansch]

Sorry for not explaining the attached pictures, they are from a 1910 German flatback I restored over the last 6 years. (Just trying to show I know a little)

Regarding the Kay ~ I hope to rent this to a student for cheap someday!

Thanks for your reply!

[Gearhead43]

I suppose I should have clicked on the pics. No wonder she looked rough!

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by Cyrus Pansch

Just found a broken Kay bass I could get for cheap ($200). No serial #, no label, no marking on the neck, no markings on the inside except some hand written script saying it's one from pre - 1959, however it does have the orig Kay tailpiece & definitely a matching fingerboard (rosewood shows same colored pattern in the grain).

It has been refinished blond (doesn't look like a poly) However, it will need a new nut, possibly a new fingerboard ~slightly cracked & previously applied w/ reg glue, and the neck has broken clean from the dovetail neck block (or should I say wedges). Although I'm no expert, I do have some experience restoring double basses (pictures attached). I will post pictures of the bass after I purchase it tomorrow.

Question: Are there any Kay's out there without any labels, serial #'s, & markings on the neck? How much does the original finish matter on a Kay? (~MollyKay?)

Thanks,

I don't think that is a Kay, never seen a flatback. Just because it has Kay tailpiece? Come on.

[moles]

No, the pictures are not of the Kay - they are pictures of a 1910 German flatback that the OP restored over the last 6 years. He evidently posted them to show he was able to restore a bass in less than stellar condition.

[Cyrus Pansch]

Thanks Moles for your reply, I reposted this tread with the actual pictures of the bass I bought for $200 This is what it says on the inside...

Anyone know a Don E. Marth from Morris IL in 1959???

Yaaa Nice Nut ....