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Missing stamped serial number on 1963 Kay M-3 bass, is that OK?

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by AlanSanJoseBass, Jun 3, 2020.

  1. Jun 3, 2020 #1
    AlanSanJoseBass

    AlanSanJoseBass

    Feb 9, 2020
    i recently purchased a 1963 Kay M-3 (1/4 size) bass. It has the paper label on the inside, but lacks the serial number stamped on the inside of the back. It that normal or possible? All 3/4 size Kays that I have seen have both paper label and stamped serial numbers, but I don't know of another M-3 to compare it to. Yes, I also have a 1951 Kay C-1 with both stamped and paper labels. Thanks.
     
  2. Jun 4, 2020 #2
    eh_train

    eh_train Supporting Member Commercial User

    Jan 12, 2004
    Toronto
    Owner, Stand Up Guy Basses (Repair/Sell/Buy upright basses)
    Are you worried that you have a "fake" Kay M-3? I've never seen anyone try and make a copy of one!

    Kay had variable quality control, and also manufactured lots of instruments for other companies (Selmer and Gretsch, etc...). These instruments aren't identified as Kays, but they are Kays all the way (for better or worse...).
     
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  3. Jun 4, 2020 #3
    AlanSanJoseBass

    AlanSanJoseBass

    Feb 9, 2020
    Thanks! The thought that it could be a fake did cross my mind, but I just want to be sure. Everything else on the bass looks real.
     
  4. Jun 4, 2020 #4
    210superair

    210superair

    Sep 10, 2019
    I think Steven has said on here there's plenty of Kay's around without a sn or paper inside....
     
  5. Jun 4, 2020 #5
    Steven Ayres

    Steven Ayres Supporting Member

    Mar 11, 2007
    Northern Arizona
    The company discontinued use of the build-number stamp at about #46800, and switched to stamped serial numbers on the labels.

    Do we have your C-1 registered, Alan?
     
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  6. Jun 4, 2020 #6
    AlanSanJoseBass

    AlanSanJoseBass

    Feb 9, 2020
    No, I haven't registered my C-1. I sent an email to the registration guy when I purchased my M-3, with all of the required information. Since I never heard back from him, I was reluctant to register my 1951 C-1. Any suggestions would be appreciated, including a website or email. Thanks.
     
  7. Jun 4, 2020 #7
    AlanSanJoseBass

    AlanSanJoseBass

    Feb 9, 2020
    The serial number for my M-3 is 47692.
     

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  8. Jun 4, 2020 #8
    Steven Ayres

    Steven Ayres Supporting Member

    Mar 11, 2007
    Northern Arizona
    Yeah, that would be me who screwed up. Your reply is on its way by email, sorry!
     
  9. Jun 4, 2020 #9
    AlanSanJoseBass

    AlanSanJoseBass

    Feb 9, 2020
    Thanks so much!
     
  10. Jun 5, 2020 #10
    Keith Rawlings

    Keith Rawlings Gold Supporting Member

    Aug 3, 2019
    I need to send Steven all of my info and pictures of my M-1 for the registry. The guy I bought my Kay from was supposed to go back through his sales records from back in ‘95 to see who he bought it from. The bass is taken apart right now so it’s the perfect time for me to take pictures; and it’s not like I’m doing anything right now.