• Registered: 2011-01-09
  • Posts: 251

Topic: Kay arch top

I am in the middle of a swap with a kid who has a 1956 Kay arch-top acoustic. Full sized body, perfect condition - BRIGHT YELLOW!

Swapping a set of Beatles albums - the spines of the covers are cat-scratched, and I do have another unopened set. Good deal?

Anyone know the value of those old Kay guitars? Don't know the model number yet, will try to post a photo when the deal is done. Should know tonight.
Randy

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Kay arch top

I had a 60's Kay that cost $60 new. Not bad for a cheapie. Good enough to learn on.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • auxi
  • Senior Member
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  • From: Arkansas, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-20
  • Posts: 255

Re: Kay arch top

Played a Kay before and didn't really like it, but it's bridge was broken and the action was really high. I'm sure it's in better shape than that and if you don't want the records I say go for it.

"absolutely epic and really really loud" ~Zurf
                            ^
                      Life right?
Katie tongue
  • Registered: 2011-01-09
  • Posts: 251

Re: Kay arch top

Well, I made the swap last night and made a new jamming friend. It is a full-sized body, done in a sort of tiger-maple finish. Needs a cleaning, a little paint trimming and a pick guard. Sounds great, action is very good - floating bridge, so very adjustable. I am pleased with it and my wife is also happy. Reduced the record pile by about 20 albums, got a guitar for no cash. All is right with the world.
Sending it in to my local luthier for about $100.00 worth of restoration - at my wife's insistence!
Gonna go looking on Kijiji for some more swaps!
Found an approximate value of $400.00 for the guitar, once restored. Apparently Kay guitars of the 1950's vintage are quite collectible.

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
  • dino48
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 6,801

Re: Kay arch top

Good trade !!

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman