Kai's Infamous Roadtrips

Kai Arvi started making basses with his father in 1980. The first ISB Convention he exhibited at was in 1981. Based on his father’s reputation, and the bass he designed, the Arvis quickly developed a reputation for making high quality basses that were easy to play but had a complex sound and good projection. Kai built a contact list of orchestral players and conservatory teachers throughout the US and when he would have two basses to sell, he would pack them in his truck and drive south from his home in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Usually he had a bass or two that were commissioned that he would deliver to the buyer. If not, he would drive the eastern seaboard or to the mid-west to visit his contacts to find a buyer. He almost always came home with an empty truck. In this picture you can see Kai, in my living room, with 2 of his latest creations as well as my personal Arvi bass.

Kai was on one of his infamous road trips when he stopped by to show off three of his latest creations.