Step back in time with this 2017 Kay K162VB vintage reissue bass. The Kay electric bass was the second commercial electric bass to reach the market, arriving just a couple of years after the Fender Precision Bass. While the P-Bass followed Fender's recipe of solid-body, bolt-on ease of manufacturing, the original Kay K162 stuck much closer to the mold of a traditional hollow instrument.

This reissue sticks to that formula and nails the retro aesthetic perfectly, right down to a headstock emblem that's pure '50s industrial design. Modern updates include internal tone blocks to resist feedback, a more comfortable neck profile, and a height-adjustable bridge that looks like it was borrowed from a Hofner bass. Along with the single-coil pickup, you get a volume and tone control plus a dual-capacitor toggle switch that acts as a bright/dark selector.

Strung with flatwounds — pretty much all that existed back in the '50s — the Kay has that thumpy, woody personality befitting of an acoustic upright bass. The "dark" setting on the toggle switch could be labeled "dimly lit jazz club," while the bright setting is plenty warm and well defined. We love the feel of flats, and the 31" scale plays effortlessly and smoothly. The neck profile runs deeper than a typical Jazz Bass, but the narrow 1.5" nut width makes navigating the entire neck a breeze.

The K162VB is very well constructed and a genuinely great player. Visually and sonically, it reaches back to a different era and style of music. But if jazz, '50s, or classic R&B is your lane, this Kay K162VB will be a willing and able partner.

Excellent condition guitar with no playing wear, nicks, chips or dents. No tarnish on hardware and includes original case. All guitars receive a professional setup and setup checklist.

About this Kay K162VB:

• Body: Single-Cutaway, Tone-Chambered Hollowbody, 7.8 Pounds
• Side Materials: Maple
• Back Material: Maple
• Top Material: Solid Maple
• Scale Length: 31"
• Nut Width: Approx. 1.5"
• Neck Material: Straight-Grained Maple
• Neck Profile: Medium/Slim C-Profile
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Fretboard Radius: 12"
• Frets: 20 Medium-Jumbo
• Pickups: Single Chrome Single-Coil Blade Pickup (Magnetic)
• Controls: Volume, Tone, and a Dual-Capacitor Toggle Switch
• Hardshell Case Included