Kay or not or ....

[C.Veltman]

Hi !

A friend asked me for advice but....

The "stringholder" says KAY but nowere else
is the name found. No sticker, no branding.

Top is solid and so is the back (nicely figured maple). Neck is also figured but I asume
a chemical treatment. Tuningkeys are
blackend brass with engravings in massproduced
better quality.
I am only 95% sure the sides are solid maple.
It´s 3/4 size with 105cm scale. Endpin is made of wood.

What do you think about this bass ?

The owner states it was bought from Dizzy G´s
bassplayer in the 1950´s while he was on tour here in Sweden.

Kind regards and thanks for any help :-)
Christian V

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I'm no expert, but that doesn't look like any Kay I've ever seen, and I've seen a few.

[Jeff Bollbach]

I have to disagree with Chris on this one because I am an expert! That is definately a Kay. Tailpiece.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally posted by Jeff Bollbach
I have to disagree with Chris on this one because I am an expert! That is definately a Kay. Tailpiece.

I never disputed the tailpiece. It was the (apparent) solid top and gamba corners that made me smell a rat...although why anyone would want to disguise a carved bass as a Kay is beyond what my tiny little mind can fathom.

[C.Veltman]

Ed,
I also belived Kays were only hybrid or plywood.
100 sure it´s solid wood back and top and has not been replaced.

Jeff,
thanks for the term "tailpiece" it slipped my mind while posting. Agree fully it´s a Kay.....tailpiece.
But the rest ?

Chris,
maybe it could be one of the first "false marketing".
You know, famous player using a disguised bass
that would make other players believe it´s a Kay ?
Just like todays marketing were wellknown players
use a "factory standard" although the instrument is
handmade by a luthier (toybass).

When reading your posts I get the feeling
it´s not a Kay but a carved German from around 1940´s....

Thanks again for your insights gentlemen :-))

Christian V

[Don P]

I've restored countless Kays and tailpiece withstanding that seems nothing like one. If there is a carved piece of wood on it it is certainly not a Kay. The C model (viol cornered rosewood fingerboard variety) was the worst of all Kays. Be glad !

[nicklloyd]

are youse tryin' to start sumpin?

[Jeff Bollbach]

Did someone actually think I was calling the BASS a Kay? Only half my posts are ATTEMPTS at intelligent discourse-the other half are attempts at levity. I may have failed on that account here!

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally posted by Jeff Bollbach
Did someone actually think I was calling the BASS a Kay? Only half my posts are ATTEMPTS at intelligent discourse-the other half are attempts at levity. I may have failed on that account here!

Not at all. From the first instance, that looked like a picture of a bass rather than a Kay. I particularly enjoyed the "Tailpiece" comment. If anyone failed at levity here, it was I. But since it's the first time that's ever happened, I'll get over it...



P.S. - Oh Jesus, I've introduced smileys into a DB thread....WHAT HAVE I DONE???

[Jeff Bollbach]

I will certainly forgive your use of "smilies" as your levity has been exemplary untill this thread. Your choice of words should convey your meaning without such catoonish devices. If you check my posts you will notice that I have never used them. [Actually I have never quite been able to figure out how to work them properly and a misplaced smilie could be a dangerous thing] smilie

[gruffpuppy]

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald


Not at all. From the first instance, that looked like a picture of a bass rather than a Kay. I particularly enjoyed the "Tailpiece" comment. If anyone failed at levity here, it was I. But since it's the first time that's ever happened, I'll get over it...



P.S. - Oh Jesus, I've introduced smileys into a DB thread....WHAT HAVE I DONE???

As a friend I am asking you to please sit back, relax and catch your breath. It is shocking but we will get through this problem.

[Don P]

Now I get it.You put a Kay emblem on the tailpiece of your fine carved bass and establish the reputation of maestro- "Tone from hell...and from a Kay!" Though I love the Kays for what they are and have nearly made a living from their growing popularity and recent price hike.

[arnoldschnitzer]

O-Kay, No-Kay!!!!

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally posted by gruffpuppy


As a friend I am asking you to please sit back, relax and catch your breath. It is shocking but we will get through this problem.

You said it, brother....what was I thinking?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald



You said it, brother....what was I thinking?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald

Doh!!!!!


All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.............

[gruffpuppy]

[Phil Smith]

This bass belonged to a player who had a girlfriend named Kay who was very insecure, which is why the player had the name Kay emblazoned on the tailpiece.

[Pete OLeary]

It's the maker's mark. The bass he made after jay and before ell.