Double Bass Kay experts please chime in

[Don Hergert]

This recent thread may help with the endpin spike cap...

TB/DB endpin spike cover discussion: What kind of endpin tip do I need?

 

[turf3]

Tailpiece wire should be in the groove in the black wood piece, yes.

What I do for endpins is to buy a big honkin' crutch tip and a dowel that it fits over snugly. Then drill a hole down the centerline of the dowel to fit the metal endpin, epoxy the dowel to the endpin, and when that cures slip the crutch tip over. I am using a crutch tip (available at the ordinary hardware store, white rubber so it doesn't mark) that's about 1 1/2" diameter.

 

[turf3]

The outer veneer of that back is really remarkable.

 

[suegmc]

The outer veneer of that back is really remarkable.

Thank you! I was quite surprised it was this beautiful when I saw it, especially after 88 years! There is one spot on the back where it appears to have been water damaged (at least it looks that way on the inside), but luckily it is only a small spot on the outside. The sides are beautiful as well.

 

[hapslappy]

Franc Viotoni

Do you think it was made for export because of the strange label inside? I wonder why they would make one for export the first year they were made.

I searched for that "Franc Viotoni Filius" and found a few posts on violin forums. For example, here. Apparently those violins were German-made and sold with this fictitious label in a USA catalog. Could be the same catalog was selling Kay basses from Chicago. Signor Viotoni's son really got around!

 

[suegmc]

Franc Viotoni

I searched for that "Franc Viotoni Filius" and found a few posts on violin forums. For example, here. Apparently those violins were German-made and sold with this fictitious label in a USA catalog. Could be the same catalog was selling Kay basses from Chicago. Signor Viotoni's son really got around!

Thanks. I did a search and saw it was a fictitious label, but can't figure out why they put it there.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Where the #$&* did you find an Alvin Hawes in that condition? Was a blood sacrifice involved?

 

[eh_train]

"Faciebat Venezia" means "Made in Venice".

Congrats, you have one of the ultra-rare Italian Kay basses!!!!

 

[james condino]

Screw-On Heavy Duty Rubber Endpin Foot

This rubber endpin foot replaces a broken or lost threaded rubber cap for your bass endpin.

gollihurmusic.com

 

[suegmc]

Where the #$&* did you find an Alvin Hawes in that condition? Was a blood sacrifice involved?

I think it found me because my maiden name is Haws!

 

[TK1820]

Here's my 1937 Alvin Hawes M4 blond if that helps. Serial number 1062

 

[suegmc]

Here's my 1937 Alvin Hawes M4 blond if that helps. Serial number 1062

Wow, really beautiful!! What strings do you have on yours?

 

[TK1820]

Wow, really beautiful!! What strings do you have on yours?

Thanks. I'm only the 2nd owner. They are Zyex

 

[suegmc]

Wow, the 2nd owner, that is amazing!

 

[TK1820]

Wow, the 2nd owner, that is amazing!

A colleague of mine had it after his father passed. His father bought it new in 1937. I bought it 7 years ago and love it. Had to have the neck bolted back in and replace the fingerboard, but other than that it is pristine. Great bass!

 

[suegmc]

A colleague of mine had it after his father passed. His father bought it new in 1937. I bought it 7 years ago and love it. Had to have the neck bolted back in and replace the fingerboard, but other than that it is pristine. Great bass!

Really amazing! I just got mine a few weeks ago and finally got it to a luthier for a new (adjustable) bridge. He is going to plane the fretboard so I can use a bow with it as well.

 

[suegmc]

My Kay is finally back from the luthier! He put on an adjustable bridge with a full circle pickup, planed the fretboard, and put on new spirocore weich strings. She looks and sounds great! Still too big to fit in my car, so I found a used Yamaha SLB300 to take to my upright bass lessons.

 

[suegmc]

My Kay is finally back from the luthier! He put on an adjustable bridge with a full circle pickup, planed the fretboard, and put on new spirocore weich strings. She looks and sounds great! Still too big to fit in my car, so I found a used Yamaha SLB300 to take to my upright bass lessons.

Planed the fingerboard...no frets :}

 

[MuseChaser]

... Still too big to fit in my car, so I found a used Yamaha SLB300 to take to my upright bass lessons.

Congrats on a beautiful bass! May I ask what kind of car you have? There's a way to safely transport an upright bass in just about any car, provided you don't have to also transport another adult passenger. I detailed it in another thread, but I'm not sure I can find it.

Edit: Found it ... here's the post ..

Fit bass in small car

 

[suegmc]

Congrats on a beautiful bass! May I ask what kind of car you have? There's a way to safely transport an upright bass in just about any car, provided you don't have to also transport another adult passenger. I detailed it in another thread, but I'm not sure I can find it.

Edit: Found it ... here's the post ..

Fit bass in small car

I solved the problem with the Yamaha. I don't plan on joining a band, so the Kay stays at home. I drive a BMW 4 series. Here is the Yamaha in my car. The seats do not recliner far (2 door car), so it barely fits.