Help identifying a Bass?

[geddins81]

Hello, great site! I came across this unique bass guitar recently, and have been trying to determine exactly when it's from. It's a Kay, single cut with a single pickup. If you look at the "catalogs" pages and go to the catalog from 1953, page 02 there's one that looks very much like it. Has the same appointments for pickup and control surrounds. This one has been modified, as the input is no longer in the tail end, but underneath (like a Les Paul).

Anyway, the catalog calls this a K-162. I haven't found any info about them beyond this mention in the catalog. Anyone have any ideas? I brought it home today, and I'll check the pots tonite (as well as take some pictures). Thanks in advance for any help!

Greg

[VintAxe]

Hi Greg,

I think the K-162 style bass by Kay was one of the first (if not the first) guitar style bass guitar. The model names changed throughout the 1950's but the basic style of the bass stayed the same. If you look through the 50's Kay catalogs from 1953-1959 you'll see it pictured in all of them. It seems to disappear from the catalogs starting with the 1960 edition. sb

[VintAxe]

Ok, on second thought, the Fender P bass was introduced in 1951. So, is the P bass the earliest "guitar" style bass guitar? sb