Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,995

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Kay Jazz Special is an extraordinary blend of vintage charm and musical versatility, designed for bassists who crave a classic sound with a modern touch. Revered for its hollow maple body, this electric bass delivers a warm, resonant tone that's perfect for jazz enthusiasts and beyond. Its maple neck, paired with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, ensures exceptional playability and a rich, articulate sound that stands the test of time.

A hallmark of the Kay Jazz Special is its original single-coil neck pickup, meticulously engineered to capture the essence of the 1960s. With a set-in neck construction that enhances sustain and resonance, this bass is as much a piece of musical history as it is a powerful instrument. The "U" neck profile provides a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless transitions across its 30 7/8" scale length.

This instrument's character is further enriched by its vintage-correct electronics and a thoughtfully added string ground wire, ensuring hum-free performance. While the bass showcases a beautiful aged patina with finish checking and subtle wear, its structural integrity is fortified with a reinforced jack plate, making it as reliable as it is visually appealing.

Whether you're playing in an intimate jazz club or a bustling concert hall, the Kay Jazz Special promises a performance that's both nuanced and robust, offering an authentic sonic experience that echoes the golden era of bass guitars.

Key Features:

  • Hollow body with maple top, back, and sides
  • Set-in maple neck with unbound Brazilian rosewood fretboard
  • Original single-coil neck pickup with vintage wiring harness
  • 30 7/8" scale length with a 12" fingerboard radius
  • "U" neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Reinforced jack plate and added string ground wire for enhanced durability
  • Vintage pot codes dating to 1960 for authentic sound quality
Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1960s Black Kay Jazz Special | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Video thumbnail for 1960s Black Kay Jazz Special | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen by Chicago Music Exchange

1960s Black Kay Jazz Special | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

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Artist usage

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See how Paul McCartney uses Kay Jazz Special

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul can be seen playing this bass during the video of Juniors Farm. (1974)

See how Christian Wargo uses Kay Jazz Special

Christian Wargo

Guitarist, Bassist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via Photo

The Kay Jazz Special Bass can be seen in the photo above. His appears not to be reissue, and in blue. You can also see Wargo playing this bass many times at the Fleet Foxes show in Prospect Park NY, at the BRIC celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, on August 1st and 2nd.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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