Ray Brown Jazz Cello

Gusephus · #1 03-23-2010, 06:27 PM

Does anybody have any information on the Kay Ray Brown Jazz Cello. I recently purchased a K-200 blond jazz cello, and believe it may be the one Ray used on the Jazz cello album. It is the only blond one I've ever seen and the woods used on it are top quality. Any information would be appreciated.

Brent Nussey · #2 03-23-2010, 06:52 PM

After his cello thing ran it's course, Ray gave his blonde Kay "Jazz Cello" to Percy Heath, who used it up until his death in 2005. So unless you got it from his estate, I don't think yours is the one Ray used. However, these things are exceedingly rare, blondes even more so, and I hope you enjoy playing it, that's a great find!

Brent

Gusephus · #3 03-23-2010, 08:56 PM

Hi Brent, thanks for the infomation. The cello I have looks identical to Percy Heaths, I wonder how many they made? Youtube has a posting of Percy playing his cello it on stage, somebody has commented on the page, "Percy got one from Ray (who apparently had a bunch in his garage)"

Brent Nussey · #4 03-24-2010, 02:15 AM

On Roger Stowers Kay website, he states that about 50-60 or so were made. It would make sense that Kay would have made Ray at least one backup, perhaps that's where yours came from. I spoke to Mr. Brown on many occasions, but unfortunately never asked him about that, so I don't really know. In any case, you have something pretty cool in my book. Might be fun to see some detailed pictures, if you have time sometime.