Double Bass NBD first DB - Kay M-1 1965

[Burwabit]

Just picked up my first double bass... 1965 Kay M-1. It needs some TLC including new bridge and strings. I'm totally new to the DB, so I'm a little lost including what type of strings to get and how to set it up. A friend recommended Rotosound RS4000s with a little room in the action, but I also like the possibility of more sound from a steel string. It will primarily be used for Country and 50s rock, possibly a little Rockabilly. Going into the shop tomorrow am. Hopefully it can be a good first player to build on.

Pics...

 

[marcox]

Congrats and welcome aboard!

 

[Tiddleypidlei]

Congrats and Nice bass! I got my first double bass last year, and I have not been able to put it down since.
I think you should throw some gut strings on that bad boy and pluck away.

Welcome to the dark side.

 

[joe.wimberley]

Get that bass to a luthier, pronto. Those bridge feet are jacked up. Is the left side just the screw into the body?

For strings, I really dig the Evah Pirazzi Weichs. The tension is really low and feels easy to play.

Enjoy that Kay! I miss mine.

 

[Burwabit]

Get that bass to a luthier, pronto. Those bridge feet are jacked up. Is the left side just the screw into the body?

For strings, I really dig the Evah Pirazzi Weichs. The tension is really low and feels easy to play.

Enjoy that Kay! I miss mine.

That’s funny my luthier recommended the same. I didn’t buy them yet but may order some. Took a pic tho.

 

[Rayjay]

My first bass way a Kay, which my parents procured for me when I was 14. It was a great bass I never should have sold. I true workhorse and a war cannon in terms of volume.

I think you’re on the right track not seeking super low action. You need room to dig in, and that’s where your projection comes from. Anything weich will get you desirable lower tension if you’re going to be playing rockabilly. Spirocores are a gold standard for many, although if you can- go get your bass setup by a bass luthier, first because they will be the specialists as far as what we want, as opposed to any old violin shop or guitar repairman who claims to do Basses, but also because if he has a few basses at his shop you can test out other strings and give you recommendations according to the type of playing you wish to do.

You got a great bass. A lot of those cheap new Asian imports are terrible and suck the joy out of playing. We had a Cremona sit at our local store for 3-4 years before they practically gave it away. Congratulations!

 

[Burwabit]

Thanks for the advice. I drove 2 hours to get to a recommended bass luthier Buddy Squyers in Amarillo TX, since players I trust pointed me that direction over anyone local to me. He has a 2-3 week backlog of work helping the local school district (they had 90 kids on stage without usable instruments due to repair backlog), so I have a little time to get him some strings. I'm looking at Evah Pirazzi Slap or Upright Weich, Zyex, GoldenSlaps, maybe Rotos.

The original bridge was missing a foot and the pin was resting on the bass. Luckily, it didn't poke through.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

Just picked up my first double bass... 1965 Kay M-1. It needs some TLC including new bridge and strings. I'm totally new to the DB, so I'm a little lost including what type of strings to get and how to set it up. Leaning towards Rotosound RS4000s with a little room in the action, but I also like the possibility of more sound from a steel string. It will primarily be used for Country and 50s rock, possibly a little Rockabilly. Going into the shop tomorrow am. Hopefully it can be a good first player to build on.

Pics...
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That’s a beautiful Kay! Very nice!

 

[SAlcott]

Don’t want to be a drag, but the neck looks to have been broken at the heel at least twice. Prepare for some hard decisions.

 

[Burwabit]

Yea it has an old repair with a bolt through the neck. Stable but he’s going to clean it all up. There very well may be some surprises.

 

[SAlcott]

Fingers crossed.

 

[Sam Dingle]

That’s funny my luthier recommended the same. I didn’t buy them yet but may order some. Took a pic tho.
View attachment 3538444

I say the same with strings try these and deal for a year or two. Do not try gut strings at first and make sure to get a teacher. Good luck

 

[Stewie]

I have a set of Evahs that came on my bass, they are very close to new (maybe 1 hour of use) They sound amazing, I wish I could keep them, but they don't work with my magnetic pickup. I'll become a supporting member and put them in the for sale section if you're interested.

 

[Tiddleypidlei]

If your still looking for some Evah Pirazzi, there some here on TB

For Sale - Evah Pirazzi Weich set of strings- UPDATED

 

[rknea]

Any updates on the luthier work? I'd be interested to know what he did with the neck! Nice Kay!! I love mine but need to get an adjustable bridge installed and some delaminations fixed.

 

[Burwabit]

He’s starting this weekend. Hope to have it next week. I’ll definitely update when it’s ready.