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50s Kay K-162 Bass - $2,500 (Fairmount)
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Details
Model: Kay K-162
Fully hollow archtop body
Short scale (~30”)
Original Kay blade-style single-coil pickup
Floating bridge & trapeze tailpiece
Tortoiseshell control plate with dual knobs
Original Kay headstock badge
Original blue-lined Kay hard case included
Condition
The bass itself is very clean for its age, with what appears to be the original finish and only light, honest wear. Hardware and electronics appear correct and intact. Neck is straight and the bass plays well with comfortable action.
The original case is included but will need some work (cosmetic wear and/or minor repairs typical of vintage cases). It remains a desirable, period-correct case and adds value, but please expect restoration if you want it perfect.
Tone & Feel
Warm, woody, and thumpy with that classic upright-adjacent low end Kay basses are known for. Excellent for blues, early rock & roll, jazz, Americana, and roots music. Lightweight and very resonant.
Notes
Vintage Chicago-made Kay K-162 basses are getting increasingly hard to find, especially in this condition and with the original case. A great choice for a player, collector, or studio looking for authentic vintage tone . Happy to answer questions or provide additional photos.