Double Bass Am I in over my head?

[JTanzi]

So I found an old Kay on Facebook marketplace and scooped it up… it’s in rough shape, and now that I have it home I’m wondering if this is worth it. Open seams and endpin replacement are no big deal. I’ve seen a few threads about veneer repair and revarnish - but my biggest concern is that the bottom doesn’t seem to line up 100% right… when I press the wood together the bottom about almost seems like it’s too big and doesn’t leave a “lip”. Am I over thinking things?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

No. The edge of the back plate is so worn down that it’s gonna be a battle to get things to line up, and it looks like the only way things will hold together is by introducing tension, which is a recipe for repeated open seams in the future. Plus, it appears to be a kid-sized bass.

 

[JTanzi]

No. The edge of the back plate is so worn down that it’s gonna be a battle to get things to line up, and it looks like the only way things will hold together is by introducing tension, which is a recipe for repeated open seams in the future. Plus, it appears to be a kid-sized bass.

Yes, it’s a fun size. I have two aspiring bassists at home (9 and 6). Thought it could be a passion project which they could use, or a slap some guts on it and use it as a travel bass for bluegrass

 

[GretschWretch]

Fractional size basses do have their niche uses. But the only way I see to make that one playable is to get things lined up, which appears to require some pretty baroque clamping while gluing. Regarding that, I would have to agree with Sheriff.

 

[Steven Ayres]

my biggest concern is that the bottom doesn’t seem to line up

First, whether you're in over your head depends on your experience and skills. That said, lacking that experience it's easy to underestimate the challenges of this kind of project.

Before you can really gauge how the instrument will fit together, make sure it's well hydrated. Even plywood can expand and contract quite a bit with changes in humidity.

All Kay owners are invited to participate in the Kay Bass and Cello Registry at Kaybass.com.

 

[John Sprague]

I would recommend reaching out to James Condino, he's a Kay whisperer.

 

[neilG]

Yes.