1939 Kay S-51 5 String Upright Bass, Removable Neck Travel Bass w Custom Case and Appraisal
Excellent
$6,000
+$175Shipping
As low as $194/month with
This seller is open to offers
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About This Listing
I love Kay basses and bought this bass in pieces from someone on eBay that thought it was a cello. My main bass is the same model so I kept it around as back up for parts just in case. I began touring with a band and having to fly to certain gigs. After enough bad back line experiences and some research into travel basses I had Bill Merchant in NYC install his removable neck joint. Next it went to Kolstein's in Baldwin NY for a new fingerboard, adjustable bridge, graphite endpin, seam work, edge grafts, setup and written appraisal.
I spent two years slowly repairing small chips and separations on the edges myself. Everything is solid and ready to go. I'm no longer touring so I want to sell it and have my other bass set up the same way.
The written appraisal from Kolstein's before all edges and refinishing was complete is for $4800 for just the bass. The trunk by Lemur Music was purchased for $1800. I will accept offers on just the bass and case. Considering how expensive new travel basses are having a vintage American made instrument instead as an option, kinda nice....
It is currently strung with a Low B. Thomastik Belcanto rope core strings are on it now. Will restring with a new set of Spirocores if preferred.
It takes about 5 minutes to take apart or put the bass back together. After a few times it gets easy and doesn't seem so weird. Having the bass travel in a van with the neck protected was also a huge benefit to this bass.
I toured and flew with the instrument for 3 years. It weighed in under the baggage weight limit and would only be charged extra for being odd/oversize by certain airlines depending on each airport's policy. I never paid more than $125 extra to fly with it.
I spent two years slowly repairing small chips and separations on the edges myself. Everything is solid and ready to go. I'm no longer touring so I want to sell it and have my other bass set up the same way.
The written appraisal from Kolstein's before all edges and refinishing was complete is for $4800 for just the bass. The trunk by Lemur Music was purchased for $1800. I will accept offers on just the bass and case. Considering how expensive new travel basses are having a vintage American made instrument instead as an option, kinda nice....
It is currently strung with a Low B. Thomastik Belcanto rope core strings are on it now. Will restring with a new set of Spirocores if preferred.
It takes about 5 minutes to take apart or put the bass back together. After a few times it gets easy and doesn't seem so weird. Having the bass travel in a van with the neck protected was also a huge benefit to this bass.
I toured and flew with the instrument for 3 years. It weighed in under the baggage weight limit and would only be charged extra for being odd/oversize by certain airlines depending on each airport's policy. I never paid more than $125 extra to fly with it.
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.
Product Specs
| Listed | 2 years ago |
| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.learn more |
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