1966/1967 Kay K-5922 electric bass guitar, burnt orange

Описание: As the 1960s developed, department-store musical instrument manufacturer Kay found itself caught between competing with cheaper imports like Teisco and Guyatone and more prestigious American name brands like Fender and Gibson. In an attempt to court the youth market in 1966 they made some new designs (including this instrument and the matching K-400 guitar I'm also offering) produced in bright colors (you know, for kids), and latched on to the idea of the “bushwhacker” headstock which they were pretty sure would prove nigh irresistible to hippies. To prove their point, the marketing material featured a “hip” teen. Unfortunately, he looked more folk mass than garage band, but he was wearing a headband for some counter-cultural cachet. As it turned out, the youths could contain themselves even in the face of that fancy headstock, the instruments didn't sell, and Kay folded. Which might be all for the best, as that kid from the brochure won't need to worry about being late for his Young Republicans meeting. The brand name was bought out by WMI and was slapped on the inexpensive imports that had been their competition. And that
leaves us now with that last batch of domestically produced Kays which are fairly rare, sneaky great, and cool as hell. These matching instruments are available for sale individually but c’mon, don’t you think they want to stay together and play in the same band?

-These basses in matching colors to the 400-series guitars are rare, and when they do come up are seldom in as good shape as this one. It’s nearly all original - the bridge has been replaced, but the original is included. The original thumb rest is also included, but detached.

-Huge chambered body (if it wasn't chambered, it would be like playing a damn coffee table), two speedbump pickups.

-Dynamite design - the offset shape! The white binding! The wooden pickguard! - topped off by one of the stranger design choices available: the jack is on the back side. It has a butt hole. Sure you need a right angle cable, but at least you don't have a stinking cord ruining the line of your snazzy bass? I guess? Many people have moved the jack around to the front, but this one is in its original location. ON THE BACK.

-Great condition cosmetically and structurally

-The sound is very, very era-appropriate. Gritty, stringy, and has as much character as you can handle. Also, it plays extremely well with pedals & effects. All of them (even reverb). I mean, what bass likes reverb? This one!

-30 ⅞” scale length, 1 ½” at the nut, 14 ⅜” at lower bout. The neck has some thickness to it, so it doesn't feel at all dinky to play. Very comfortable, very, very fun to play.