Here's studio pictures of the restored Selmer Kay Bass Viol, the thin-ribbed deluxe S-10 model from the dawn of Kay Bass! We set out to not over-restore or "candy coat" this historic example, leaving its cool checked patina while returning structural health and playability to as-new. Learn more about this Selmer Kay bass restoration HERE The Selmer Kay S-10 was a narrow-body Kay briefly produced for Selmer, the band instrument company known for brass and woodwinds. In addition to being a thinline instrument, the S-10 model has the full complement of ornament. The ¾ sized blonde basses sported a carved…
View Full PostThis big crazy Alcoa has been hanging at the shop, now fully sorted with a fresh setup and for sale on our vintage page! Shiny underneath, with weathered paint. Very few come through in original condition - it's pretty cool! Many have been stripped and polished to hot rod chrome, they definitely have a cult following. Eric wrote on aluminum bass history here, going back to 2005. These Alcoas actually were prewar, and may have been built for Interlochen music camp so they were easily stored. The Alcoa basses differ from the Pfretzchner versions in that aluminum is used throughout.…
View Full PostHigh-gloss French red and hatpeg tuners adorn this carved roundback Brescian - we all took a pause to admire this one!
View Full PostDramatic flame shimmers through the back and sides of this special Spalted Maple Concord (2202022). We bought the entire tree of this lightning-struck Bigleaf Maple from the Pacific Northwest. It's already resulted in some amazing instruments and this two-piece back sets that bar just a bit higher. Travel neck and a rare last set of Sloane tuners add elegant function to the light show going on in the back. There is precious little of this wood remaining, if you envision it in your project, act soon!
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