I keep picking up this bass and having second thoughts about selling, but… I could really use the money, and I’m not gigging this beast anymore.
Unlike many of the KS basses seen for sale here, this bass looks every bit of it’s thirty years of age. It’s been played to death, then played some more, oversprayed, then played a ton after that. There is nothing wrong with the neck or any of the components, it plays and sounds excellent! In addition to some play wear and buckle rash, the tuners and bridge have visible wear down to the base metal.
All of this wear was present when I purchased the bass 15 years ago. I have gigged it and used it in the studio, but it was never my main gigging axe.
I have been thinking about having this refinished by the KS shop, and maybe even changing the hardware to black (which would be sharp). If I don’t get any interest in it’s current state, I may still do this. If I decide to sell after doing that, the price will be much higher. More likely, I’ll simply take another route to get some needed cash, and hold onto it.
As much as I need some dough, I will consider trades for other 34” scale five string basses, at or under 8 pounds, with some money coming my way. Particular trade interests would be a Sadowsky Metroline Modern (especially a singlecut) a Sandberg ultralight , or a Bluesman. I prefer active dual humbucker basses, but a passive J style or even a pj might pique my interest. As you might have guessed, cosmetic condition is relatively unimportant.
I would also consider a partial trade for a Mesa Subway 215 or a high powered class D head, but I’ll be picky.
The really bad news is that because of the condition, and my inability to capture the wear in photos, this needs to be an in person deal. If there is no interest in a couple weeks, I MAY consider shipping, but I’m really not sure. If I do a remote deal, I would use Zelle.
The good news is that for peeps in the New England or NY tri-state area, I am open to cash offers (especially if you can drive to me). That said… don’t expect a deep discount after making me drive!
I will try to post an accurate weight soon. This is not a featherweight by any means, but it’s probably right around ten pounds or less. It certainly seems rather light for a large instrument made mostly of maple, mahogany and bubinga.
There is no original case with this bass. If I do an in person deal, it will travel in a generic gig bag. I have a after market semi hard case that I would rather not part with, but I may use it to ship if I decide to go that route. This is a very wide bodied instrument, and will not fit in a standard FSO case.
The neck and body design are mind-alteringly comfortable, especially in the upper positions. In addition to being a slap machine, this is an ideal bass for chording work up the neck. The cutaway access is incredible. Fretting the 24th fret feels much like fretting the twelfth.
This has series/parallel toggles, which I think were a special order. The difference is audible but pretty subtle, unlike other humbucker loaded axes I’ve owned, like G&L, etc. I guess that’s why KS didn’t offer it standard. When I bought it I thought it might have been an aftermarket mod, but looking at the control cavity, I doubt it. If it is, it was done by someone very talented.
Thanks for reading this rather long feeler post. I wouldn’t even think about selling this, but 2023 was kind of a disastrous year! If anyone has questions or trade offers, please PM me to keep this thread manageable. Thanks peeps!
And now… some pics!
