Decisions

[Ken Smith]

Ok, your height and reach will make it difficult to play some 3/4 sized basses but some smaller 3/4s or what they now call 5/8ths sized instruments (Europe's old 1/2 size or small 3/4s) might fit you better.

What is the string length of that 1/2 sized Kay bass and what is wrong with it? Maybe a few pictures posted will shed more light on it and maybe get a second opinion here, for free!

Shorter length basses (1/2, 1/4), real carved or plywood will have less 'bass' sound than the same basses in a full 3/4 size. That being the case from my experience, you might end up playing harder to get the sound out on a smaller bass than a larger one like a 34/4 variety.

In reading your profile about what music you play, I think a modern laminate bass would fit you best. Maybe a 1/2 or 3/4 size depending on the specs of the bass. There are American brands available new and old, Chinese brands and Romanian brands that come in these sizes.

The best shop to buy from is a bass specialty shop nearest your location so you can get service and a proper 'easy-to-play set-up. Still, I would like to see that old 1/2 sized Kay because, fixing that might be your best option.

For the Kay, I suggest you contact Jerry Fretwell as Fretwellbass.com as he IS a KAY specialist in buying, selling and repairing. He can also play bass besides being I nice gentleman to deal with. I have had him here in my shop before picking up Kay basses that came thru so he is my go-to guy for anything Kay. He also travels around so contact him and go from there.