60's model Kay upright.......

68doghouse · #1 06-12-2010, 11:49 PM

Hi,

I own a 60's model Kay upright bass that is in relatively good condition with only some cosmetic bumps and bruises. I have never been very happy with this bass since I've owned it because the G string is much louder than the other 3 strings and the sound of this bass has always been thin and lacking volume compared to other Kay basses that I've heard and played. Is there any way to improve the tone and volume of this bass and to equal out string volume? I also was wondering about playing live with this bass. I have a Fishman transducer pick-up on it presently, but it is really noisy and does not produce a true upright tone. I did find a pretty good live sound using the Fishman and also micing the bass with a condenser.......does anyone have any advice for getting an authentic upright sound through an amp for live applications? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Gearhead43 · #2 06-13-2010, 02:08 AM

Needs a good setup by a good bass luthier. Just about any pickup other than that BP100 is better. You're better off buying a better pickup and a good preamp such as the HPF-Pre or Fishman Pro Platinum Bass.

pnut166 · #3 06-13-2010, 02:16 AM

I always wrapped a mic in foam and stuffed it behind the tailpiece. +1 what gearhead said - take it to a luthier.

bigolbassguy · #4 06-14-2010, 07:44 PM

+1 on taking it to a luthier. Someone who knows what they are doing can probably even out the volume of the strings. The soundpost and/or bridge placement are the most likely culprits.

fdeck · #5 06-16-2010, 05:37 PM

My 1962 Kay has a sunken top too. It was that way when I got it in pieces, and has not sunken any further since I repaired it.

I would advise looking inside to see the condition of the bass bar. Mine was detached.

On an older thread, I asked about this issue, and got some advice for re-arching the top of my bass, but I figured if it ain't broke don't fix it. The Kay is now my outdoor / winter bass.