How do you date an old kay bass?

Subject: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: wilco
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 09:29 PM

Where are the labels and serial numbers on old kay basses?

Thanks!!!

Subject: RE: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 09:32 PM

Oh, you don't mean ask out on a date..

Sorry, I don't know

Jerry

Subject: RE: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 09:42 PM

With most such instruments any identification is on a paper label glued inside with intent that you should be able to read it through the sound holes; but I've never seen any such label on the few Kay (or "pretend Kay") instruments I've gotten close enought to to look. I don't know if the factory didn't put labels in/on them, or if the ones I've seen just lost theirs.

John

Subject: RE: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 09:46 PM

Kay Bass indicates that factory records may be unavailable. They appear to be attempting to compile a "registry" to see if they can infer more about the ones still living.

John

Subject: RE: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 11:33 PM

If you email the guy at John's link, he'll give you an idea at least. I emailed him about an old Kay cello and he was able to date it to their first year, 1939, by the number on the label pasted inside. Apprarently all the records were lost in a fire.

kat

Subject: RE: How do you date an old kay bass?
From: wilco
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 08:17 PM

Thanks everyone. Apparently, the Lay bases all had paper lables or stencils. This one has neither. Also, the side of the scrolls are flat! There is nothing on the tail piece, neck, or in the body of the bases. But, it sure sounds good.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!!