opinion regarding buying a new bass vs. using the money on an older one

cadence · #1 06-29-2011, 10:54 PM

I have a 1960 something Kay that I have had since I started playing the bass in 1997. It needs fingerboard work and the current fingerboard would need replacing to do so because the original has gotten so thin. It also needs a new bridge and general adjustments.

I am going to be getting the generous gift of a new bass of about 2500 bucks in the next year, and with a kid on the way I see this as my last bass purchase for a long while. Would it make sense to try to fix up the Kay with some of the money and really fix it up well? Or could anyone recommend bass in that price range? I play jazz but also some classical, so it would be nice to have something with at least a solid top. I can't imagine that fully carved instruments are within that price range either. What would make the most sense and would be the best use of that money for a long term use (i.e. getting a nice comfortable gigging instrument)?

**Matthew Tucker** · #2 06-30-2011, 01:14 AM

if you can offload the Kay for a grand or so and put that towards a new bass you are in a range where you have a bit more choice of a decent carved instrument. Push that up to around $4.5k and you're in New Standard, Upton hybrid and Shen Willow territory. Judging by reviews here, any of those will see you good for quite a long time. Perhaps you can trade-in the Kay? There must be SOMEWHERE in New Jersey that can help you!

Eric Hochberg · #3 06-30-2011, 07:14 AM

Yes, I think I've seen a Shen Willow for $3750 setup from a good luthier. That's a good way to go for inexpensive fully carved, IMO.

drurb · #4 06-30-2011, 08:45 AM

+1 on putting the funds toward a better bass. The Shen is just one reasonable choice. Not necessarily the choice, IMO.

Steve Swan · #5 06-30-2011, 09:47 AM

The good news is that Kay basses have a huge fan club, so it will be relatively easy to sell if you price it right. The other good news is that there are many great options for you with the $3500-4000 that you will have available to spend on the new (or used) instrument. Keep us posted on what you find in your bass hunting travels.

iiipopes · #6 06-30-2011, 10:51 AM

One element of my personality is that I want to know how something works, not just that it works well. So I purchased a CCB that actually had a real ebony fingerboard for @$700, knowing it would need complete setup from stem to stern. Hanging out on this forum, as well surfing the net otherwise and consulting local players and techs, I was able to learn how a DB works, and get it set up really well for what it is, to fit me and my playing, and use it regularly for dance/jazz band gigs.

longfinger · #7 06-30-2011, 11:49 PM

and look at the Talkbass classifieds for sales on instruments in your area.
(economically, it seems to be a poor time to sell a bass, but a great time to buy one)

Steve Swan · #8 07-01-2011, 06:23 AM

It's the summer music festival season, actually a really good time to sell a Kay for the next few months.

cadence · #9 07-01-2011, 08:39 PM

Thanks for the advice folks, much appreciated. The bass gift will most likely not be until a bit after the summer, so I won't be able to sell the Kay until the time gets closer. I do think I could find a buyer, and the thought had crossed my mind of selling it, but I was planning on keeping it as a backup and for gigs with questionable weather and all that (as it is a real tank). If the money from selling it would take me up to the next tier of basses though, and would thus be a better long term purchase, then I am certainly all for that.