1964 Kay Bass Viol M-3 Upright Bass, 1-4 Size in good condition.
s/n 50078 (made in 1964)
The Kay Bass Viol M-3 (also known as the "Maestro Junior") is a vintage fractional-size 1/4-size upright double bass produced by the Kay Musical Instrument Company. The M-3 model is the scaled-down, fractional sibling of the famous 3/4-scale Kay M-1 "Maestro" flagship model. Featuring the iconic "Viol" shape (distinguished by upper corners that form sharp points where the ribs meet), the M-3 is highly regarded by touring professionals and students alike for its unique profile. This 1960s instrument was built to be durable using crack-resistant laminated plywood, a hallmark of classic American Kay basses that allows them to withstand heavy touring and temperature changes. Despite its small-scale size, this upright bass still delivers a punchy, mid-range focused tone. When paired with a pickup and an amplifier, it makes an excellent, highly portable gigging upright for bluegrass, rockabilly, and jazz bassists.
Specs:
- Size: 5'3" (bottom of the body to the top of the scroll)
- Scale Length: 35" (nearly identical to a standard electric bass guitar)
- Aesthetics: Finished in a dark walnut stain, paired with black-plated tuning hardware, a rosewood or stained fingerboard, and a tailpiece proudly sporting the retro molded Kay logo.
- Sound and UsabilityWhile the smaller body means the M-3 doesn't output the same acoustic depth or "whallop" as a full-sized 3/4 Kay bass, it still delivers a punchy, mid-range focused tone. When paired with a pickup and an amplifier, it makes an excellent, highly portable gigging upright for bluegrass, rockabilly, and jazz bassists.
- Blemishes / Repairs: There are a few notable scratches and blemishes as expected for an instrument from this era (see photos: scratches on the fretboard and back body, as well as excess glue from a neck repair)
- Includes two (2) bass bows and gig bag
This item is only available for pickup at our store in Takoma Park, MD - it cannot be shipped.
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