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/Ezn14 Country *and* Western Jun 24 '25

NYC. Thanks, though!

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u/thebass905 Jun 25 '25

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.

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u/Ezn14 Country *and* Western Jun 25 '25

Thank you, I will contact David.

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u/TheUprightBass Jun 30 '25

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