'53 Kay TV-1 Bass For Sale

riverbum · #1 12-06-2008, 06:45 PM

1953 Kay TV-1 Bass for sale. This bass is without a doubt the best bass i have ever played. No other bass even comes close. It is also a very rare Kay with a maple laminated top that was painted gold from the factory. This is the information given to me from Roger Stowers from kaybass.com:

Kay bass model TV-1, Ser# 315XX was manufactured in 1953. I have the bass listed as having been refinished. It was originally non reflective gold. The top is beautiful, one of the best I have seen. Another TV mentioned that the back was quite deep. Maybe in time we will learn of some special construction.
Thanks,
Roger

Kay manufactured both TV-1 and TV-21. Recent estimate is about 25 of each one. So far I don't have enough data to see the difference between the two models. Guessing again I would say that rosewood or ebony fingerboards would probably be the difference. Maple tops occur every once in awhile however they are not common. Probably in the whole database I have only about 5 basses identified with maple tops. But, remember very few people give me good descriptions about the type of wood.
Did your bass have an internal sound pickup installed through the endpin?
Thanks,
Roger

The bass is in very good condition and is set up to play about any style of music. The sound is very big and and is easy to play. the neck has a solid repair at the heel. The fingerboard and tailpiece are rosewood and the tuners are in excellent mechanical condition. Comes set up with pirastro obligatos in very good condition. Has original rosewood tailpiece and rosewood fingerboard in excellent condition.

these are better pictures from the previous owner.

This is the original paint on the heel and i tried to get a picture of the neck repair.

The scroll still has the original paint. I think it is good to keep the remaining paint to better tell the history.

This is a better picture of the top. I have never seen a more beautiful Kay.

I hate to sell the bass but i need to pay some medical bills. The bass is definately extremely rare and the history speaks for itself. I am asking $3400 for the bass or would consider a partial trade + cash for another kay that needs work or in less desirable condition. The bass is located between Asheville, NC and Chattanooga. Willing to deliver within a reasonable distance or meet half way. I can get better and more pictures upon request.

reduced to $2900

Rhett Dennis
828-735-3110

riverbum · #2 12-08-2008, 08:05 AM

price reduced to $2900

riverbum · #3 12-09-2008, 06:59 PM

new pictures added

riverbum · #4 12-10-2008, 05:27 AM

Need to sell this bass. Price reduced to $2500

ArenW · #5 12-10-2008, 08:23 PM

I can vouch for him, this is one of "the good ones". I played it for several years and it stood up like a champ in every setting that I played it in; jazz, rock, bluegrass, community orchestra etc... It's got a great growly, woody tone, not at all the typical "Kay thump" that tends to turn many players outside of the roots scene off.

It's too bad I didn't have the cash to buy it back, I need a decent ply for the rougher gigs

Good luck Rhett!

riverbum · #6 12-10-2008, 09:03 PM

thanks aren for the kind words and i hope the flatback is coming along like you want it. hope you don't mind me borrowing your pics. my camera is not working properly.

i would really hate to sell this bass because it is the best i ever played. but i have medical bills piling up and surgery on my foot next week. i don't really have a choice.

PaulKing · #7 12-11-2008, 07:14 AM

Man I want that bass.
I just sold 2 so I got the cash ... but shipping to the UK??

Anyone know typical shipping costs? And the insurance on that... I can only imagine...

There'd be a riot anyway, letting a piece of history like that outta the country!!

Damn.

PaulKing · #8 12-11-2008, 07:19 AM

Is 'nc' North Carolina?
I'm in the States in Jan / Feb ... California, Texas and Florida ... not much use really. But I'd almost pay for an extra seat to get that home.

PaulKing · #9 12-11-2008, 07:25 AM

Hmmm... 9 hours drive from Orlando.
It's not gonna happen.

riverbum · #10 12-11-2008, 09:01 AM

yes paul, i am in north carolina but you can arrange shipping. i sent you a pm.

riverbum · #11 12-11-2008, 07:30 PM

sale pending

PaulKing · #12 12-12-2008, 02:56 AM

I hope I don't regret passing this one by one day!

What a beautiful bit of history. I even prefer the fact the original finish has gone, that maple veneer is killer.
I've never been that smitten with a Kay, but this one really caught my eye.

Shipping is affordable, but would make this quite a purchase... and really, I've two basses I love already....

I know it'll be appreciated where it's heading.

Thanks Rhett for your time, and speedy recovery from the medical bills...

riverbum · #13 12-12-2008, 05:25 AM

thanks for the kind words paul. the bass is going to a very good home as everyone will see in a day or two.

it's funny how i only got a couple of offers the first 4 days and my inbox is full this morning wanting to know if the sale falls through. lol. it's pretty much a done deal as far as i am concerned.

good luck finding that next bass paul.

riverbum · #14 12-14-2008, 06:42 AM