A few years back I had discussions with them about picking up one of those lefties for $1000, but I passed. I just didn’t want to have that much invested in it, so I ended up getting a right-handed 5970 Jazz Special. After all, I play strung righty anyway- and a righty was good enough for Sir Paul...
lol!
Turned out to be a good decision, as once I got it I found my instincts were basically correct- if I’d paid $1000 for the lefty I would have felt like I overpaid given that I wouldn’t really be using it that often. I originally intended to go with "McCartney Black", until I saw this Blondie beauty. It's unusual- they ended up putting tort pickguards on the blondes, but this one had the white Formica guard.
Having owned several original vintage Kay’s, my two cents comparison is that they did a great job at reverse engineering these reissues. Very well put together, built like a tank. Workmanship, fit and finish far better than the originals- almost too good... so tightened up that they don’t really “breathe” or resonate acoustically quite the way the old originals did- but of course it’s near impossible to totally replicate the unique vibe that 50 years of aging gives a old instrument. Sound-wise they sound good, but are a one-trick-pony. If you want to add a very cool, well constructed bass that has a deep, thumpy, 60's tone to your arsenal, this will fit the bill. But if you’re looking for versatility, there are other hollowbody options out there that offer more tonal variety.