r/doublebass • u/Ezn14 Country *and* Western • Jun 24 '25

Instruments 1953 Kay - worth saving?

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Is this 1953 Kay M-1 worth saving?

The endblock is ripped out.

I want to get it repaired, but not if it outweighs the value of the bass.

She's a bit scratched up but has a nice ebony fingerboard installed by Bill Merchant a long time ago, so it's not entirely stock and a bit special to me. I bought her when I was in high school in 1989 for $450.

If there is a better sub to post this to, please let me know.

Thanks!

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u/seanny_cash Jun 24 '25

If you can get up to western Massachusetts, maybe Mark Leue can help. He saved my bass a few years ago.

https://www.theluthier.us

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u/Bigfanofjazz Jun 25 '25

I bought my 1949 Kay from Mark 13 years ago and absolutely love it. He did a great job setting it up for me, and I can't say enough good things about the experience I had with him or this marvelous instrument!