Kee-Bass
Alternate name(s)
- Synth bass
- Synthesizer bass
- Electronic string bass simulating synthesizer
- Keyboard bass
- Combo organ
Maker
Nakane Denki Company
Maker
Tahachiko
Date1970 ca.
Place MadeJapan, Asia
Place MadeLos Angeles, California, United States, North America
Serial No.1690-293
SignedMetal signature on left side of ‘name board’ : Kee / Bass; metal Rheem Company logo on right side of ‘name board’: R / RheemMarkingsCompany name attached to the back of the instrument R H E E M; Cover plate on back of case with output and fine tuning controls, plug, and other information including the serial number, voltage, company information, and a patent pending stamp.
Descriptionhis instrument is an electronic string bass simulating synthesizer. It is two octaves with fifteen black natural keys and ten white accidental keys. The instrument is part of its own portable case with a removable lid. It has one lever and five buttons on the ‘name board’. The lever is a “bass booster.” The buttons include: tone (mellow, normal, bright); fuzz (off, on); mode (sustain, normal, percussion); decay (slow, normal, fast); and an off/on switch. There is also a power light.
The case is black with silver-colored metal hardware and a carrying handle. It has a plastic button pocket attached to the inside of the lid to hold the power cord. The instrument is decorated with marbled red material with silver-colored metal borders.
According to advertisement: “The Rheem “KEE-BASS” is a two-octave portable keyboard instrument which, when plugged into any guitar amplifiers, can simulate a conventional string bass, complete with all its tonal characteristics and range. This electronic all solid-state “KEE-BASS” offers Percussion or Sustain option by merely flicking a switch. An additional exciting musical dimension is available when switched to the “Percussion” position…..the musician can select long or short decay on this Percussion sound.
The unique “Bass Fuzz” control and the “Bright-Mellow” control offer fascinating exploration possibilities with new musical tones, and the fast-action volume control permits dynamic range variations from Pianissimo to Fortissimo for fullest musical expression”
The advertisement also includes the features of the instrument: “Bass Fuzz sound – built in; Percussion – Fast Decay; Percussion – Slow Decay; Sustain; Bright-Mellow option on all sounds; 2 Full Octave Keyboard; Solid State Electronic Circuitry; 14 lbs. Portable Lightweight Beauty; Plays Booming String Bass Notes when plugged into any guitar amplifier”
DimensionsCase (closed): 19 – ¼ inches (489 mm) long X 13 – ¾ inches (349 mm) wide X 5 – ¾ inches (146 mm)
Kee-Bass (without lid): 18 – 3/16 inches (462 mm) long X 12 – 9/16 inches (319 mm) wide X 2 – 1/16 inches (52 mm) height from top of case to top of instrument (5 – 1/8 inches (131 mm) from bottom of case to top of instrument)
ProvenanceProbably purchased new by Arne B. Larson for resale in his Music Larsons music business (Brookings, SD).
Credit LineArne B. Larson Estate, 1988
Object number14976
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