onewilyfool Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 Got an old Kay archtop from the 50's most likely. There is a small blue and silver label on the inside, "Manufactured by Kay Musical Instrument Co., Chicago" and a shield symbol with "K" on the inside. Also marked K-20 on the back of the headstock. No serial numbers anywhere. I had some work done on it, neck reset, and new Grover tuners. Perfect action now, plays like butter. This is a FANTASTIC blues guitar. IT has an "archtoppy" "banjo-like" "resonator like" sound that is just amazing played normally or with a slide . The top back and sides are all mahogany laminate, but this laminate is VERY thin, but strong. I mean THIN, they must have heat and pressure glued and bent these parts into shape. That thinness contributes to the sound I'm sure....guitar is very light, easy to play.....I recommend it if you can find them....This one has just the right amount of "mojo", enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 19, 2009 Author Share Posted September 19, 2009 Oh....I forgot to add....."It's NOT a Gibson, sorry!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 sweet guitar. popular opinion has it that chicago factory made some really good stuff. looks like godin blantantly ripped this one off for their 5th ave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAS44 Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 Sometimes the serial #s are on the inside of the guitar towards the head and you need a small mirror (like the ones at the dentist) to see. dont know if thats the case here but its not unheard of on some guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 That's real pretty. Bet it sounds nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodehopper Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 owf....Very Pretty! I just love seeing these old guitars given a new life. But it is beautiful and you gave the old girl a second chance. I don't know if this was worth the investment dollars and cents-wise, but I am sure you made a killing in the guitar karma department! Looks like a guitar to love ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAS44 Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 cool lookin guitar, nice binding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxson50 Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 Well, most of the old Kays I have seen were in serious need of a revival!!!! :-k/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 21, 2009 Author Share Posted September 21, 2009 Well, I can say this for a fact, just about every Kay guitar I've seen on Craigslist and Ebay, DOES need a neck reset My neck had a steel reinforcing bar down the back, so straight as a ruler....and the neck is dovetail.....here is a pic of mine in progress: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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