Double Bass Neck Question

[jb6884]

I'm one of those have-to-have-a-kay people. In Bluegrass music there's definitely "elitism". I might even venture to say more so than other types of music. I just spent the weekend at a Bluegrass festival - and out of hundreds of guitars that I saw, there were only a handful that were not made by Martin. In my band - there's a $4000 banjo, and $3500 mandolin. Before I was into this type of music I wouldn't have paid 4 dollars for a banjo! 4000???? If anyone is also a guitar player - check out the prices on an elusive pre-war martin D-28 (~40,000). Basses (thank god) are on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to the "holy-grail" sound for bluegrass. A Kay is what it is, but when you're looking for a very specific sound - it's nearly all that will do. I s'pose just as you might get funny looks by showing up to a bluegrass event with something other than a Martin or Gibson, you'd get the same look showing up to orchestra rehearsal with a Kay. We're all snobs in some way, I reckon.... Sorry for going off topic. A Kay is probably one of the few basses you can buy in the under 3000 range that will not lose value. At least in my opinion. I agree that the neck job is worth it.

 

[drurb]

I'm one of those have-to-have-a-kay people. In Bluegrass music there's definitely "elitism". I might even venture to say more so than other types of music. I just spent the weekend at a Bluegrass festival - and out of hundreds of guitars that I saw, there were only a handful that were not made by Martin. In my band - there's a $4000 banjo, and $3500 mandolin. Before I was into this type of music I wouldn't have paid 4 dollars for a banjo! 4000???? If anyone is also a guitar player - check out the prices on an elusive pre-war martin D-28 (~40,000). Basses (thank god) are on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to the "holy-grail" sound for bluegrass. A Kay is what it is, but when you're looking for a very specific sound - it's nearly all that will do. I s'pose just as you might get funny looks by showing up to a bluegrass event with something other than a Martin or Gibson, you'd get the same look showing up to orchestra rehearsal with a Kay. We're all snobs in some way, I reckon.... Sorry for going off topic. A Kay is probably one of the few basses you can buy in the under 3000 range that will not lose value. At least in my opinion. I agree that the neck job is worth it.

...if that's the style of music the potential buyer will be playing. That never really was explicit (or implicit, for that matter). The buyer may, in fact, be planning to show up at an orchestra rehearsal. If one will not be within the niche where Kays are so coveted, then, in my opinion, the buyer should look elsewhere.

Gee, when I was in college 275 years ago, I was playing classical, jazz, and bluegrass. All I had was my 1967 Kay C-1. At least it was appreciated in one set of venues!

 

[MicheleJ]

...i

Gee, when I was in college 275 years ago, I was playing classical, jazz, and bluegrass. All I had was my 1967 Kay C-1. At least it was appreciated in one set of venues!

Gosh DRURB , that makes you seem kind of old.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

How's grad school goin', DRURB?

 

[drurb]

Gosh DRURB , that makes you seem kind of old.

That was the point! There are chronological years and then there are psychological years. On the other hand, I bet YOU wish you had drunk with Dragonetti! That guy was a real trip.

 

[drurb]

How's grad school goin', DRURB?

Almost finished, just need another 50 years or so. I think maybe I could do it in 35 if I really try.

 

[DB66]

I love my NS Cleveland, but I don't think I'll ever be able to sell it for 200% profit.

Give it 20 years, you will.