Mr. Bailey is a real-life Mr. Holland and one of the nicest guys in the universe.  Aside from playing in the Virginia Symphony, his work as a bassist has led him to teach hundreds of children, including my son, how to play.  At 88, he is still going strong, teaching cello and bass and playing with the Virginia Beach Symphony.

After seeing the restoration of a vintage Kay 5-string bass that was literally in pieces, Mr. Bailey asked if I would be interested in restoring his---also in pieces. He said it was his favorite bass, and it had fallen down a stairwell and, well, basically, exploded when it struck the bottom. He had tried to have it repaired once, but it was so badly damaged, he didn’t really think it would ever be playable again.  I took the challenge and it turned out pretty good for a broken up 200 year old instrument.  When he came over to pick it he started to cry.  I can’t find the “BEFORE” pictures. But you can see the “AFTER” shots below.  Mr. Bailey was kind enough to bring it over one more time for a portrait.