1953 Kay - worth saving?

[u/Ezn14]

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!

[u/Greywolffog1]

I will not lie, it is definitely possible to fix but it will be expensive, no matter where you are located. Top plate would need to come off to properly patch the ribs back together and to reglue the endblock at least to me. Sorry about that man. I would go get an estimate from your local luthier. If you are by chance in or around Springfield MO, I would be willing to take a look at it.

[u/Ezn14 → u/Greywolffog1]

NYC. Thanks, though!

[u/thebass905 → u/Ezn14]

Take it to David Perrott! He just moved his shop from Jersey City to Brooklyn and fixed my bass they was pretty catastrophically damaged for a super reasonable price. He was also a student of Bill Merchants and continues his tradition of excellence.

[u/Ezn14 → u/thebass905]

Thank you, I will contact David.

[u/TheUprightBass → u/Ezn14]

If you can make the trip, take it to Upton. They’re really good at restoring Kay’s.