1,005 thoughts on “The Kay Guitar Company”

  1. Kay KH90T Tiger Wood
    Kahuna54

    If anyone has a Kay KH90T in the TigerWood I am interested in acquiring it. I had this same guitar when I was in high school and loved it. Thanks for your help.

  2. Kay guitar
    Shawn Hendricks

    My friend is buy a supposed 52 Kay , it has headstock stamp 5G974 the person is asking 1000 I have a few older harmonies but something doesn’t seem right on this anybody know what this guitar might be

  3. Please help me I'd. My guitar
    Anonymous

    Not sure if what I bought is as said.
    Dude said it is a ’68 K 2 no letter prefix on the serial # and it’s difficult to read due to light stamping on the silver sticker below the neck plate. It looks like 81814040 3rd # could be 2,3,8,9,0 as only the top portion showes. Also the 4’s are partially stamped too but with a super mag. They look closest to 4’s but they are smaller and lower than the other #’s. The sticker appears, like without much effort, could be lifted off as if it might have been recently applied. The finish is nice glossy and rich in color. The body. is the SG style and is the dark cherry red traditional. Very little neck and fret wear and the overall cond looks as if it was a case job hardly ever played. He claimed to have owned it for years but it was so far out of tune and the strings we’re so improperly wound the top E broke trying to tune it. You might understand my skeptizsizum.please if any one can help me I’d. This guitar. Oh ya it does play pretty good even though the neck appears to be a couple few thirty seconds of an inch off the body. It’s not loose or warped only a slight bow average normal just looks odd. Any help is appreciated and I can submit pictures if requested. Thanks . Another Guitar player .

  4. Kay guitar
    Kathy

    I am trying to find date / worth of my dad’s Kay guitar. I have pictures of him with the guitar when he was a kid. He was born in 1933. Thank you. I can’t find a serial number on it. The Kay is in solid gold circle with 4 little gold lines on each side of the circle.

  5. Identifying and dating a Kay
    Anonymous

    K22 S110 and “40’s is what I’m working with. Parallelogram inlays starting from 1st fret, Bekalite pick-guard, detail decorations on the tuning hardware, meets body at 14th fret, still parlor-size. I have heard K22 started in ’47 so my best educated guess is ’47-’49. Would really appreciate more information about this model. Willing to take and send pictures.

    1. Same Serial No!
      George`

      I’ve got the same serial number on the back of a Precision style Kay bass, says Made in Korea on a second sticker next to the serial number sticker.

  6. Help identify this guitar
    Steve C

    Need help identifying model and age of a Kay acoustic with DeArmond pickup (looks factory installed). Just found it at an estate sale. Number stamped inside is L7889-6118.

    Single cutaway, round hole, teardrop pick guard

  7. Can anyone please help to identify a Kay guitar?
    Anonymous

    Hi, I’m looking at a guitar I wanna but for my son, it’s pretty beat down, just wondering if it’s worth it. It looks like Jay LP black, and has a serial number which is W0 20881. The number is on a golden sticker that looks old, on the back of the neck.

  8. Kay k-40
    Greg stallings

    I just bought a k-40 archtop guitar, 1941-42 from what I have read. It has a spruce top with striped maple back and sides. The thing that sets it apart from the norm is the maple stripe running through the middle of the fret board. I have googled my brains out and only found 2 pictures of it, plus mine. Can anybody help me out with some info and pics?

  9. Stamped number
    Joseph lee

    My friend has an old craftsman electric guitar it belonged to his girlfriends grandpa has a number stamped inside was wandering what that number means.

  10. Kay K-25
    Richard Weide

    I had a Kay K-25 that my folks bought for me in 1954 and had it until 1964 when I had to sell it to feed my family. I would love to find another one like it. It had a blond top and sounded fantastic. I sold it to Alabama Music in Birmingham. It had a DeArmond pickup in the sound hole and it amplified the quality of the guitar perfectly. Looking for another guitar like it. Let me know if you see one.

    1. I have blonde kay, but I am not sure what model it is
      Debbie

      I have one it’s electric, not sure of the model. Right now I am in the process of finding out what it’s worth, then I will be selling it. It comes in the original case.

  11. Was wondering if anyone could tell me what year and value of this guitar. 6 strings. Great shape. Original case in great shape. Stored for years. Has steal finger picks that wrap your finger and a slider which I cannot find a similar picture anywhere. Oh has flat screws. I can send pictues

  12. Kraftsman info help
    Wolfinator

    My boyfriend recently acquired a Kraftsman guitar, but I am having trouble finding any info on one. One the headstock it just says Kraftsman, not Old Kraftsman. The neck looks like it’s rosewood. The body is light colored with double F hole cutaway and has K42 8449 stamped inside. The trim and pick guard are done in a multi brown tone. Any information such as manufacturer, year, and possible value is greatly appreciated. I can email photos, [email protected].

  13. NoKay f hole archtop tobacco burst
    Hi IAnonymou

    I would l UI development TVike to know the year it was made and what it’s worth who ever had it took care of it very well it plays great and sound good I was told it was 1940s r 50s I welcome any thank who ever could tell me the number inside the body is L in-5816

  14. Would like to know
    Dustan Hornung

    I recovered this guitar as a gift and would like to know more about it for insurance purposes if anyone can tell me anything I would appreciate it. Truetone L3778 N-2

  15. Wondering about my guitar
    Sybella

    I have a Kay acoustic the serial number is L2258, it has been in my family for a long time and I was just wondering what year it might of been made and more about it. If you could help I would appreciate it.

  16. 1939? Kay K-2, D-81 parlour
    ParlourGuy

    It has a V neck profile, stenciled headstock label, ladder braced, paddle head, pyramid bridge, O-sized, the marking, “K-2” is impressed into the back of the head and D-81 is stamped inside the guitar. The fretboard is the same material as the rest (looks and sounds like Birch) although there is a wood pattern painted over it… then weirdly enough the fret markers are proper dot inlays and the entire fretboard is bound in tortoise shell. I was told that it was made in 1939, is there any way to determine if that is correct? I may need to get the neck reset but it will be worth it, the sound is fantastic!

    1. 1939 K-2
      Scott Hodge

      Were you able to find info on it? I too have acquired the exact same model and I agree, fantastic sound! I am using it mostly for slide right now as the neck needs to be reset, bloody awesome sound though!

  17. K100 acoustic guitar
    Anonymous

    I know very little about guitars. I just bought a K100 guitar with plain front and sunburst back. It has steel strings. Through research I found it was made by the Kay company. How would I find the age? Is it valuable? Thank You

    1. Identifying Kay guitars
      Yet_another_Dave

      Most of the questions in this thread could be answered by studying the Kay catalogues available for free download here:
      http://kayvintagereissue.com/downloads.html
      The numbers stamped inside hollow-body arch-tops beginning with the letter L in the format “L-xxxx-xxx” are not the model numbers, but factory-specific batch and serial numbers, and do not identify the year or model. Kay model numbers begin with the letter K in the format “K- xxxxx”. Identification is complicated by the fact that Kay re-assigned these numbers around 1960, so many models have two different model numbers, one which was used in the ’50 and another in the ’60s, despite being the same guitar.
      But it’s not hard to go through the catalogues, and to date most guitars by noticing slight changes in the models over the years — such as pick-guard shape, tail-piece type (open or closed end), etc. By going through the catalogues, most guitars can be pinned down to within a couple of years. More specific dating is possible with electric models by checking the stamp on the back of the pickups, in the format “mmddyyyy” e.g. 12251964 would be Christmas Day 1964. Of course, that only dates the manufacturing of the pickups themselves, which may have been in stock for some time before they actually went into an instrument, so strictly speaking that stamp only establishes an easliest possible date for the instrument as a whole.
      As for the vexed issue of monetary value, most posts naively assume that there is an absolute answer to this question, but of course, there is not. Value is set by two factors: demand and supply. How many people are shopping for one + how many are up for sale = how much they are worth. This equation changes on a daily basis, and so no answer can be given to these questions other than saying check these links regularly, and watch how prices are evolving.
      https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=kay+guitar
      https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Kay+guitar
      https://www.gbase.com/gear?q=kay+guitar
      Remember, all “Buy It Now” prices are the price the seller would LIKE to get, and not necessarily what a buyer SHOULD pay. Auctions are a much more accurate guide of actual market value. And finally, to the so-called “experts” who will tell you that Kay guitars are not really collectable, I will quote a slight variation on the immortal words of P.G. Wodehouse from the dedication of his autobiography of 1957, “Over Seventy”: SUCKS TO YOU, EXPERTS! — I love each and every one of the dozen or so Kays in my collection, and have spent years and years searching them out at bargain prices, and have enjoyed every moment of repairing and restoring them. It’s a great way to learn lutherie. Who’s going to practice re-setting a neck on a 12 grand Gibson? — but turning a hundred buck bargain basement Kay into a great playing instrument, learning by trial and error, is what real guitar collecting is all about.

  18. Kay serial number
    Bob

    Hi I have a Blonde hollow body Guitar with two pick ups and a single cut away, fitted with a Bigsby tremelo arm.
    Can anyone tell me how to check out the serial number printed inside.
    Serial number : L8975

    Thanks Bob

  19. Kay archtop, Custom Kraft lp
    Gary

    Trying to find info (date, value, etc) of my Kay archtop L7103 and Custom Kraft LP copy, stock #2244 ser #520. Can not find any info on either and have been looking for years. Both are excellent guitars, play and sound great. The acoustic has a vintage DeArmond pickup with vol/tone controls. Can email pics if necessary. Thanks for any and all help…

  20. Kay K410 acoustic
    Anonymous

    I have an acoustic guitar, not an archtop, it has a gold sticker on the top with the letter “K” exactly like the Kay logo. It has a model number inside of K410. Can anybody tell me anything about this guitar and it’s value? I can’t find anything on it. It’s in great condition, seems to be all original and I believe it’s from the 70’s.

  21. Kay Guitar Mod. K5100 100 Year Anniversary #0383 of 5000
    Anonymous

    I would like to know the value of a like new Kay guitar mentioned in the subject line. This was a Fathers Day gift to me.
    Thank You,
    Jim Perry

  22. my kay acoustic guitar L1834 serial number
    Nick k

    i want to know if it is a kay acoustic guitar ,there are no markings on the headstock ,2 very small holes ,looks like it could have had a badge on it. inside the soundhole it is stamped in looks like blue ink ,L1834. i looked at some pictures on the web and the pickguard ,tuners and bodystyle look like a kay. thanks ,nick koga.

  23. Kay Archtop
    Anonymous

    Hi, I have a Kay Archtop guitar and the model No. stamped inside is L5307 but the 07 has been written over with the No. 19. Does anyone have any info on this model and why the “19” was written in?

  24. Kay small acoustic guitar
    Judd LR.

    I was wondering if anyone could give me any info on a Kay acoustic guitar I purchased at an estate sale. It’s 34 5/8 inches long overall with a white Kay logo. Inside is the model number L2228. Excellent condition but I just can’t pinpoint any information. I’m wondering about the year of manufacture and the small size. Again any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  25. Kay Acoustic Guitar
    Dan

    I have been all over the internet searching for information on my guitar. Either this a one of a kind, or I haven’t found the right website.
    It’s a Kay acoustic arch top 6 string with F holes. The identification inside is N2 and L5586. It has a Kay V and Kay pick guard that I haven’t
    been able to find in pictures. I know it is over 50 years old. Does anybody know any history on this guitar and what it might be worth ?
    It’s got to be a rare model.

    1. Mine is similar. I think you
      Anonymous

      Mine is similar. I think you might have a Kay Upbeat Full Kelvinator guitar fror the late 1950’s. Inside of my guitar, there is L1156. These guitars are around $1,500 lightly used. If you look up this guitar on google, it could give you some hints of what type of guitar you have.

  26. Want to know how old my Kay guitar is ....
    Jeff Jones

    L7736 , two F holes, arched top..probably pre 1967 or earlier.. Anybody have a clue what year it could be ???

  27. L8290
    Anonymous

    I just bought this guitar with no markings and am driving myself crazy digging around trying to figure out what it is. The serial number is on the inside “L8290”. It is a double F hole acoustic, with a floating bridge. Silvertone? Kay? Harmony? Airline? I wish I had more info but the previous owner sanded down anymore info, hope someone knows about serial number lingo. Thanks.

  28. I have a Kay guitar and I
    Anonymous

    I have a Kay guitar and I don’t know what year it is. My grandfather gave it to my a few years back. Can someone please tell me what year my guitar is?

  29. Kay K 27 8127
    Trish Pringle

    My husband found this guitar of his dad’s and was wanting info on the year etc. Of the guitar. Does anyone have any information on this acoustic guitar? Thank you.

  30. kay guitar
    Anonymous

    i have a kay guitar dont knw anything about it on the inside it has these numbers L1732 6858 . I would just like any info on this guitar please.

  31. Kay Busker
    mky267

    Hi, bought a Kay Busker for my son but unfortunately it needs some TLC for it to be playable. There is minimal fret wear so that tells me it has not been played a lot, there are some cosmetic issues but the black finish is still glossy and has a touch of class with the red trim. This is a guitar for someone who understands electronics, the pots are fine but there is no sound. Also the fretboard needs to be reglued onto the neck. For a guitar-builder-handyman it would be a great project resulting in a unique 80’s instrument. If anyone is interested I am open to any offers. I can send photo’s.

    1. Kay Busker
      Steve Jones

      Hi there,
      I’m interested in your Kay Busker. Is it still available and, if so, would you be willing to post to the UK?

      On that note, could you send me some photos showing its condition (inc. showing the cosmetic issues you mention).

      What would be your very best price for it, and what is the postage to the UK.

      With thanks

      Steve

      1. Hi, I have a Busker in good condition. Battery compartment has a repaired crack in plastic. I can send a picture if interested. I need $ 250 plus shipping for it . Thanks

        1. Kay Busker
          jsbac

          What color is your Busker? I am looking for a red one – it doesn’t necessarily need to be a Kay-branded Busker. In addition to being sold under the Kay brand, it was also sold as a Cort, Rendano, and a no name on the headstock from Sears. There may be other brands.

          Thanks

  32. AGE & WORTH KAY ELECT. WO 20383
    JD

    I HAVE AN OLD KAY ELECTRIC WITH WO 20383 NUMBER LOCATED ON BACK BY UPPER NECK. TELL ME IF YOU KNOW THE AGE AND WORTH OF THIS PIECE. YES IT’S USED, WORN, PREOWNED ETC. THANKS

    1. Kay Busker (Les Paul type) Solid-Body Guitar w Sound Effects
      Frank Frederick

      I’m looking for any info and/or wiring diagram for a Kay Busker Electric Solid Body Guitar (Les Paul type). The serial number is: WO.20582 / 559-1482. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks/Frank

  33. Need help with info on my guitar
    Amara

    Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me anything about my guitar. I have a K-135 I cannot find much on it. Its an acoustic. I also know that it is over 30-45 years old.

  34. KAY L 3655
    Buddy Williamaon

    I have an old Kay L3655 “beginner” acoustic guitar.I can’t find any information on this guitar. It belonged to my uncle and he gave it to me when I was a kid. He told me it was his first guitar. I would appreciate any info on what I have.

  35. WHAT IS IT??
    Anonymous

    I have a kay guitar..its an electric bass…. old……solid oak…..tunes from bottom…is that called a flat top???cant find any sereal number or any markings besides the kay emblem and says estlabished 1890…please help..n

  36. Kay American Heritage Series Acoustic Model K100
    Jack

    This is my first visit to this site. My girlfriend dug this guitar of out storage in her parents garage, she paid $30 for it @ a pawn shop while she was in high school. Sixteen years ago, but the case did a good job of protecting it, and its in good condition. (It’s nylon-stringed.) I have a rough idea of the age by the tuning machines and the parlor style tailpiece. Again, it’s a Kay American Heritage Series Acoustic Model K100. Any information would be appreciated! Particularly the age? Thanks!

    1. Year: 1987
      Model: K100
      Series: American Heritage
      36 1/8 x 13 1/8 x 3 1/4
      NATO TOP
      Adjustable Bridge
      Steel Reinforced Neck
      Trapeze Tailpiece
      19 Fretboard
      Right handed

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