Kay Jazz Special Electric Bass Reissue

[the blast]

Does anyone know what ever came of these Kay Jazz Special Bass reissues? I just saw one on youtube that looks & sounds really awesome (as best I can tell from an internet video) but can't seem to find out much about them. Google searches finds some literature & such but doesn't seem like they are readily available. Looks like they were supposed to come out in 2008.

youtube video:
Kay Guitars - Jazz Special Electric Bass Guitar K5970V Blonde - YouTube

Not in the market currently but may start saving my spare change & get one in a year or so!

-John

[watspan]

VINTAGE KAY REISSUE GUITARS

[watspan]

Fritz Brothers Guitars: Roger Fritz

[bluesblaster]

theres one on ebay right now for $949

[the blast]

Thanks guys. Been talking with the store in Chicago that is selling them on ebay. Apparently they just started coming out. Made in China. Oh well.

[bklynbass]

If Roger Fritz's name is on them, they're going to be great no matter where they're made!

[Avalon]

Who is Roger Fritz besides a marketer of re-issued Kay guitars?

...and a wearer of funky hats?

[Rob Martinez]

I have a Kay reissue bass from a couple years back, the single cut away, and it is a great bass. I suspect this new Jazz bass will sound the same, real smooth and warm.

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by Avalon

Who is Roger Fritz besides a marketer of re-issued Kay guitars?

...and a wearer of funky hats?

A talented luthier.


Who are you?

[Avalon]

I'm just a guy asking questions.

I'd never heard of Roger Fritz before they started the re-issue of the Kays. What has he done before that most of us might have seen or experienced?

By the way, I'm just curious. I'd like to have either one of those new Kay re-issue models, but I don't see it happening given my current circumstances.

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by Avalon

I'm just a guy asking questions.

I'd never heard of Roger Fritz before they started the re-issue of the Kays. What has he done before that most of us might have seen or experienced?

By the way, I'm just curious. I'd like to have either one of those new Kay re-issue models, but I don't see it happening given my current circumstances.

Note my smiley, nothing meant by it.

From the website:


"Players of Fritz Brothers Guitars Include:

Bangles
Bill Bottrell
Brad Whitford (Aerosmith)
Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones, Miles Davis)
Eddie Duran
Gary Moore
George Harrison (video)
Jody Payne (The Willie Nelson Band)
Keith Richards
Randy Jackson
Roy Buchanan (video)
Steve Cropper"

He also built guitars for George Harrison, and was actually partners with Buchanan when they started a business together shortly before he died.

[Avalon]

Oh no, think nothing of it. I should have put a smiley on mine too.

OK, sounds like he's got tons of credibility. In any case, I'd take both the Kays and the Harmony re-issues if I could afford them. From what I've heard and seen so far, they pass muster. I'm not concerned with how well the tone matches the originals. I've never owned an original, so my ears wouldn't know the difference anyway.

As it is, I already have too many basses that aren't justified by my pawltry skills.

[One Drop]

Originally Posted by Avalon

Oh no, think nothing of it. I should have put a smiley on mine too.

OK, sounds like he's got tons of credibility. In any case, I'd take both the Kays and the Harmony re-issues if I could afford them. From what I've heard and seen so far, they pass muster. I'm not concerned with how well the tone matches the originals. I've never owned an original, so my ears wouldn't know the difference anyway.

As it is, I already have too many basses that aren't justified by my pawltry skills.

A friend of mine is a big fan of the original Kays and has played and collected them almost exclusively for years now. He even has a mint one that belonged to Lee Sklar, and absolute gem. I've tried a few of them out and fell instantly in love with the sound. With the Pyramid flats he prefers they have such a lush fat tone, and they thump like nothing else. He lays down such a powerful bottom for the blues and rock and roll they play, spectacular through the SVTs he rocks.

I've never been interested in buying one because of the DB-like necks, way too fat front to back for me. The new ones seem to be a perfect compromise between the tone and look of the old ones and the playability of a more recent instrument. I can't vouch for their authenticity, but this is one case where it would really be a pity if they didn't sound the same, which I do believe they do from what I've read here and there.

I have an old Harmony H-22, and that is a unique sounding bass as well. With Chromes on I there is a surprisingly clean and wide frequency tone to it, absolutely massive and very smooth with tons of presence. Much cheaper construction than the Kays but another outstanding sounding instrument if you like different flavours of hollowbody. Playing them is a very physical experience, you feel every note through your whole body.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by One Drop

Playing them is a very physical experience, you feel every note through your whole body.

Wurd 2 yo mutha. That's what I love about it. A hollowbody + a tube amp turned up just to where feedback can catch if you get too close is awesome, too.

[TinIndian]

I'd like to check one out. They look fantastic and the sound clips have been impressive.

[bklynbass]

Of course they will never be able to capture the vibe of a 50 year old bass, but having owned 3 originals I can honestly say that roger did a great job at reverse engineering them. They really sound like the originals. The only qualms for me are that they put the kevinator headstock on the K-162 (which it didn't originally come with) and that I prefer the original neck profile, but I'm guessing that most players do not.

[Rob Martinez]

I really love my Kay Pro Bass reissue in cherry burst. I am starting to jones for one of the Kay Jazz bass reissue, that blond finish looks sweet!