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Double Bass KAY double bass
- Thread starter web824
- Start date
-
- Tags
- double double bass kay review
- Jan 12, 2004
- 1,493
- 1,270
- Disclosures
- Owner, Stand Up Guy Basses (Repair/Sell/Buy upright basses)
Yes, thousands.
But you'll have to search for them, and do some reading, before asking a completely open-ended question like you have....
But you'll have to search for them, and do some reading, before asking a completely open-ended question like you have....
Just to elaborate a bit more, there are indeed lots of threads and comments about Kay basses in these forums, and it's worth devoting a rainy day to reading all of them if you're considering getting a Kay. Beyond the aesthetic questions of whether people like them as basses (same goes for any bass), the Kay design has some unique issues that you need to be aware of if you're thinking of shopping for one.
Disclosure: I own a 1961 Kay M-1 that I rarely play, since I got a new carved bass in 2010.
Disclosure: I own a 1961 Kay M-1 that I rarely play, since I got a new carved bass in 2010.
I Have a Kay with gut strings and i'm very satisfied. Light, strong, durable bass with "jazzy" sound.
This is my bass played by Scott Colley, he choosed my bass during a masterclass there was a choice of other 8 basses, some very expensive ancient italian carved bass...
My first bass was a 1949 Kay M-1. There were some things I didn't like about it and I don't regret selling it to get a better instrument, but it served me well for several years and always sounded good for jazz and other pizzicato intensive styles.
- Steve
- Steve
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Be aware that in many places there is a price premium on them compared to comprable quality instruments that stems in part from there long history of use in jazz and bluegrass.
The Kay M-1 was my fantasy instrument getting into UB, but when I was finally able to get one, I had the chance to get an M-1 or an American Standard, and went with the AS. I love it. So much.
Everyone on TB has a die hard strong opinion about everything, and an opinion that I have this opinion about TB users' opinions! If you like the bass, and it inspires you to play, its a great bass.
Everyone on TB has a die hard strong opinion about everything, and an opinion that I have this opinion about TB users' opinions! If you like the bass, and it inspires you to play, its a great bass.
This is a valid point. When you buy a Kay bass, a lot of what you are paying for is "mojo" as opposed to build or sound quality.
- Steve
I am not an expert, nor do I own a Kay bass, but every one I have played had a huge sound. I don't think the reputation is founded solely on myth and history.
I've owned three. First two were good. Last one, a'51 m-1 blonde, was really good. But I have no regrets in replacing it with a contemporary ply instrument. The New Standard Clevelands or the Upton ply basses also sound great, albeit without the built-in Kay legacy. I like my new instrument better, but there was nothing at all wrong with my Kay.
What do you want to do with it????? How much is it going to cost you? They made more vintage Kays than almost all other basses combined, so sometimes you can find one for an incredible low price being at the right place and time.
If you want a very subtle nuanced expressive bass for delicate acoustic settings where people actually listen to the music, then an old Kay is not your best choice. If you want a tough old hoss that can handle very loud, rowdy amplified bar band and festival situations well with minimal fuss and almost zero feedback issues, then they are fantastic if you find one with a neck profile that works for you and it is solid.
Every bass player I know would rather have an original American Standard or an Arnold & Keirin era New Standard, but the OP did not ask about those.
j.
www.kaybassrepair.com
@KayBassRepair
If you want a very subtle nuanced expressive bass for delicate acoustic settings where people actually listen to the music, then an old Kay is not your best choice. If you want a tough old hoss that can handle very loud, rowdy amplified bar band and festival situations well with minimal fuss and almost zero feedback issues, then they are fantastic if you find one with a neck profile that works for you and it is solid.
Every bass player I know would rather have an original American Standard or an Arnold & Keirin era New Standard, but the OP did not ask about those.
j.
www.kaybassrepair.com
@KayBassRepair
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I have a 57 and just got 61 S1. I really enjoy these basses. My 57 made a trip from seattle to NYC on the roof of my car.
No problem!
No problem!
Almost came off the roof in a strong wind in Iowa. Also survived several attempted muggers in nyc!
I still have my Kay. Bad day for the muggers. I was not about to give up my Kay. Good by muggers!
I still have my Kay. Bad day for the muggers. I was not about to give up my Kay. Good by muggers!
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The idea of someone outrunning me and then winning a fight while trying to steal and carry my six foot tall old Kay creates quite a mental image; if it comes down to that, I've got more issues than an old bass.....
