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 scroll, ebony trimmings, 3pc neck, and full inlaid purfling – including purfling on the very edge of the ff-holes (almost all Kays have painted purfling). Highly-figured maple is used for the neck scroll and outer plys of the back and sides. The Kay S-10 also has filigreed tuner plates, engraved “Selmer Kay.”
