Past Sold Kay Double Bass Viols

Kay M1W

Mattias — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:05:01 +0000

This Kay M1W, serial number 6859 is a clean example of a vintage Kay. The build and overall look is typical for the 1940s-50s. The M1W designation is unusual — possibly a short-run variation or contract model Kay produced for a specific order — which makes this one an interesting find.

The bass features what appears to be its original ebony nut, suggesting the fingerboard may also be original. In any case, it’s a solid ebony board in good overall condition. It currently has an aftermarket adjustable bridge that will receive a full set of shop adjustments before it leaves here.

The bass also comes equipped with a Fishman BP-100 pickup to get you started, along with a bow quiver and what seems to be a Meridian cover. The strings on it now are D’Addario Helicores, giving the bass a punchy, lively feel. An upgraded non-original endpin is installed as well — definitely a step up from the factory hardware.

The back has an interesting one-piece veneer with attractive flame, showing normal cosmetic wear for its age, while the top is in very good condition with minimal distortion on the treble side — a great sign on a vintage Kay. The neck has a one-piece heel, and the classic Kluson machines, likely nickel-plated, complete the period-correct look.

Sonically, it has all the characteristics you expect from a well-preserved Kay: thumpy and warm. Once we complete the setup, this bass will be ready to go and playing its best.

Kay Swingmaster 1947

Mattias — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:47:09 +0000

Here’s a beautifully preserved piece of American bass history: a 1947 Kay Swingmaster in remarkably clean condition. The blonde finish glows with vintage character, and the instrument shows just how good these classic Kays can be when they’ve been well cared for.
Usually, when you find a Kay this clean, it’s a much later example, so to see a 1940s Swingmaster in this kind of condition is very special.

This double bass is structurally solid with a healthy top and everything in good working order, and stands out among its peers. Before delivery, it will receive a full Upton Bass setup and inspection, including any needed bridge or fingerboard work, ensuring it plays its absolute best.

A exceptional example of a postwar Kay, ready for another generation of swing, roots, and jazz players to enjoy.

Kay Model 89 Double Bass (c. 1930s)

Mattias — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:00:43 +0000

This Kay Model 89 hails from the 1930s, featuring classic American plywood construction with some unique distinctions. Unlike many Kay basses, this one appears to have a poplar veneer top rather than the more typical spruce veneer—possibly the reason for its Model 89 designation. The bass includes a replaced ebony fingerboard and a relatively new bridge, and has had prior neck repairs including a dowel reinforcement. While it does need some setup work, this is included in the listed price, giving you a well-rounded instrument ready to be dialed in to your preferences. Despite its history, this bass has held its setup solidly for many years with no playability issues reported. It sounds surprisingly good, and has the kind of seasoned character only a well-played Kay can offer. Serial No. 6248 Please note: Shipping for double basses must be quoted individually. If you check out through the website, USPS or UPS may auto-calculate a rate, but neither carrier handles double bass shipments—so these quotes are not valid. For an accurate shipping estimate, please contact us at sales@uptonbass.com or 860 535 9399. We’re happy to help you with all the details before or after your purchase.

SALE PENDING: Kay C-1

Mattias — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:32:24 +0000

A classic gamba cornered Kay C-1. In good shape and ready to play. Upgraded end pin. David Gage Realist pickup. Comes with bridge adjusters. Original fingerboard. Strung with Evah Pirazzi Weichs in good condition. Slight de-lamination in the edges, which is typically seen on laminate basses of this age. Serial number 38702.

SOLD: Kay C-1 Double Bass Viol, 1962, Chicago, Ill.

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:04:53 +0000

Just into the shop! Kay C-1 Double Bass Viol, Serial 45299, 1962

Details and pics to follow! Call for more: +1 (860) 535-9399.

SOLD: Kay M1 Double Bass Viol, 1955, Chicago, Ill.

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:02:50 +0000

Kay Bass Viol, M1 Model, 1955

Serial No. 37710

One-owner Kay M1 double bass, very original, well maintained, no issues. A preserved classic from their heyday in the 1950’s!

***Please note, double basses do not qualify for the website FREE SHIPPING promotion. Please contact us for shipping, courier or pickup options prior to placing your order.

Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding this Kay M1 bass viol or related bass topics. Please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399. Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K75NfUZO_zA[/embedyt]

SOLD: Kay M1B Double Bass Viol, 1964, Chicago, Illinois

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:58:06 +0000

Kay Bass Viol, M1B Model, 1964 Serial Number 49205

Super clean Kay M1B (B for blonde) double bass, well maintained, no issues. The Kay M1B is a bit of a deluxe model with nicely flamed outer plys, violin corners and painted double purfling.

Very original – has had the neck set modified for projection, otherwise no signs of trauma ever. Rosewood fingerboard and nice matching Kay tailpiece. If you’re looking for a thumpy, mellow Kay – this is not the bass. This Kay is bright and rings loud – big plywood fun. You won’t find one cleaner, still a young pup at 57.

***Please note, double basses do not qualify for the website FREE SHIPPING promotion. Please contact us for shipping, courier or pickup options prior to placing your order.

Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding this Kay M1B double bass or related bass topics. Please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399. Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K75NfUZO_zA[/embedyt]

SOLD: Kay M1B Double Bass Viol, 1950

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:54:51 +0000

SOLD: Kay M1B Double Bass Viol, 1950 S/N 22848

Healthy blonde Kay bass, very playable and well maintained. M1B model with violin corners and lovely patina all around. Has a repair label from the DiLeone shop from the 1960’s. Some minor cosmetic flaws, but a solid 70-year old Kay ready for some more action.

Upton Bass String Instrument Co. specializes in building award-winning custom double basses and offers accessories for the double bass. Upton Bass also services all instruments and bows of the violin family with world-class restoration and repair, to view our online restoration portfolio visit stringrepair.com Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding double basses or related bass topics. Please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399. Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.

SOLD: Kay M1B Double Bass Viol, c1950

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:53:18 +0000

Kay M1B Double Bass Viol, c1950

This top-of-the line blonde Kay bass has been played a lot, but has been well taken care of! Pretty rare we see a 70-year-old Kay that hasn’t suffered a neck break or repair. Check out the clean neck heel and button. Comes with Fishman Full Circle, currently set up for roots music – as always, we can tweak to your liking here at the shop.

Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding double basses or related bass topics! If you are interested in this Kay M1B double bass viol, please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399.

Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.

SOLD: Kay C1 Double Bass Viol, 1958

UBassAdmin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:52:35 +0000

SOLD: Kay C-1 Model Double Bass Viol, 1958 ser. 40453

Classic gamba pattern Kay C-1 upright bass, healthy but unrestored. This Late 50’s vintage Kay bass features a two-tone sunburst. Neck heel crack repair shows no signs of shifting, repair said to be from the 1980s – if that’s the case, it’s quite dependable! Has some pretty pronounced scuff marks on the player’s side and the lower edges, but pretty healthy for this rock ‘n roll era mainstay.

Looking for a classic American plywood double bass? You owe it to yourself to compare the UB Standard Laminate to anything out there at the price. Entirely built in our shop in Mystic (“Everything but the metal bits!”) our plywoods are enjoyed by players at all levels with superior sound, feel, setup and build quality!

Upton Bass is ready to offer advice and answer any questions regarding double basses or related bass topics. Please contact UB at sales@uptonbass.com for more info on this Kay C-1 upright bass or call the shop at +1 (860) 535-9399. Hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The Workshop (The Barn) and showroom are located in Mystic, Connecticut conveniently between Boston and NYC.