Double Bass Question on Kay C1 edge separation

[Brian Xman]

Hello all,
I am looking at a second hand Kay C-1. At inspection, I noted edge separation at the bottom back, just behind the pin. I’d like to know if this is a significant concern? Or any easy fix with glue? The separation is very small (1-2mm) runs about 1-2 inches.
Any other insights / opinions on Kay C-1 also welcome…
Thank you!

 

[Steven Ayres]

I’d like to know if this is a significant concern

This point on the edge of the back tends to take a lot of hits, which can crack the glue, leading to edge separation. It's not at all a difficult repair, and any string-aware shop will make light work of it.

If you'd like to take it on yourself, you'll need enough appropriate clamps to keep the back down flat past the ends of the separation, some hot hide glue, something flat to spread it with, and some understanding of how the stuff works. Other kinds of glue, while simpler to apply, will lead to problems down the road.

The C-1 was Kay's most popular model (due mainly to its low price) and probably 13,000-14,000 were built, so when someone mentions "Kay bass," this is what they're most likely thinking. If you're new to Kay world, I'm happy to answer any question. I don't seem to have you in the Registry, so if you can share your serial number I'll get you set up.

 

[Brian Xman]

Steven,
Thanks for your insights! I've seen a lot of variability in the pricing for Kay C1s. This one is a 1950 and has some pretty serious cosmetic issues (see photo below)...not sure on the serial number.
Any ideas on the value (or range) for a 1950s Kay C-1 with significant cosmetic issues? I suspect I'm in for a few hundred to put on strings and have the seams professionally repaired...would like to make a fair offer.
-Brian

 

[Steven Ayres]

Prices vary widely mainly because sellers often have unrealistic ideas about value — and, of course, an asking price is not a selling price. Location is usually the biggest real value variable, because these things are a hassle to move over distance. The eastern corridor where you are is where I generally see the highest prices, and that's more a function of demand and population density. All that said, there are enough nice, well maintained Kay basses for sale that you needn't feel compelled to take on a project. Seam separations are easy, the veneer and table-edge losses shown here demand much more hassle/expense to fix, so they often aren't. A lot of people don't care, including audiences. But if we find a better one for the same money, most of us will take it.

Here's a link to my national map of Kay basses for sale. This may help you compare what's available to you regionally. Note that it doesn't include specialty-shop inventories, which are worth investigating as well.