Since 1890, Kay has been making instruments of the highest quality for both students and professionals
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kay acoustic guitar
stan pippin
i have what i know to be a 1937 model kay acoustic six-string
it’s amber colored with f-holes, cutaways top & bottom, set up for a left-hander
does anyone know what the model number is?
i can’t find it anywhere on the guitar
what’s the approximate value?
it is in relatively good condition, good tone
would L82198900 be a serial number for a kay archtop acoustic. i was given one with no markings except the serial and the pick guard is missing. no evidence of a logo on headstock. u shaped non adjustable truss rod and not a bolt on neck. any idea what it maybe
Kay acoustic "Autographed by ELVIS " , markings inside says" K-15 7049" then below that has "P4" ,could send photo , any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
: Kay acoustic "Autographed by ELVIS " , markings inside says" K-15 7049" then below that has "P4" ,could send photo , any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi, need info on this guitar , was told to be a Kay Guitar Alpha 1- has built in effects , tremelo, fuzz, wah wah , leslie and echo , anyone out there have info as to year and repairs. thanks
Looking for the year of my yellow or if they call it blonde, archtop kay guitar,# L 9421…..non electic,,,and if possible if it’s worth anything..? Thanks, from Astoria Oregon
Can anyone tell me what quality guitar this is as I can’t seem to locate any information about it? I was wondering if it’s a solid top and also about value?
I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
: : I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
Hello, I have the same model # with N1 inside the box also. Please get back to me, [email protected]
: : I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
Tom, I have the same numbers as you but added (N1) Same guitar. Kay seems to have the numbers. [email protected] get back to me. Thank You
: I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
Hi,
I’m looking for a Thin Twin, Kay K161 guitar made in the 50s, not a reissue. Will consider guitars in need of repair as well. Please send me an email. Thanks.
I bought an old Kamico Steel Lap Guitar. Made by Kay but not marked with any serial number or model. Lap guitar looks like a big "paddle". Condition is a bit shakey on the metal comnponents (surface rust) but the body is nice overall. Junk or any value? Thanks.
I got this guitar off of craigslist I heard of Kay before but I have never seen this guitar before. It has a white pick guard nailed with 3 screws on it. It does not have a tail piece. The Headstock has a Kay tin punch over type emblem nailed to it. It has the American symbol of Kay from me looking around on there website. The only serial number I can find is in the body you can see it right by looking into the sound hole. The number on the inside is L 9193. I would appreciate it so much if any one has any info on the guitar.
: I have a guitar that i’m restoring and I think it is a Kay it has N1 and L7284 wrote on the inside please give me some info.
I have a N1 8296 please let me know of any information. Thank You Rollie —- [email protected]
: I have a guitar that i’m restoring and I think it is a Kay it has N1 and L7284 wrote on the inside please give me some info.
I have a N1 8296 please let me know of any information. Thank You Rollie —- [email protected]
From reading here, I haven’t seen one response to anyone’s questions. Am I doing something wrong or doesn’t anyone have info on Kay guitars? I just bought a couple Kay acoustics and need info.
I got this new around 1985, it is a "Kay State of the Art Series Model KE-55 Electric guitar". I still have the factory warranty card that was on the neck. I have searched online and taken it to music stores, I can not find any record of it even existing! Nobody has ever seen it or heard of it before…. I would like to know something about it. It is a starbody shape with 1 exposed coil humbucker, a strat style tremolo and a strat style headstock. Maple neck and fingerboard. Anyone have any info about this guitar? I have owned very nice and very expensive guitars such as Jackson Randy Rhoads, Dean Razorbacks, etc. and this guitar plays and sounds just as good as any of them. The only thing I don’t like is the strat tremolo, so I took the bar off and don’t use it.
I know it’s been a long time since you posted about your guitar, but figured I’d let you know what little info I have on it.
When I was 11 or 12 years old, which would have been around 1987-1988, an older friend of mine had the same guitar as yours in red, and it was the very first electric guitar I ever picked up, and what got me started playing. I tried to get him to sell it to me but he never did, and I think his cousin ended up with it or something and I never saw it or another like it in person again. I’m still trying to this day to find one like it in that same color. They were/are very nice guitars, and even after playing and owning more expensive guitars over the past 23 years, I still think they’re very cool looking and I want one.
I do have a guitar that is very, very close to the same thing though–a Hondo Deluxe Series 775 in a natural finish. It is solid wood (not plywood), and it looks like it might be mahogany with 4 strips of walnut running through the body forming parallel lines toward the centerline, and the top of the body has binding around it. The lines formed by the walnut or whatever the darker wood is run through the pickup cavity and the tremolo spring cavity as well, so I know they’re not painted on or otherwise faked. Altogether I count about 10 pieces of wood making up the body of the guitar. Supposedly this guitar was made on the same assembly line with the Kay KE-55 (I never knew the model number of the Kay version; thanks for posting that) in the Samick factory in Korea from about 1983-1985. The headstock is shaped a little differently than the Kay version; that is the only difference I can pick out from pictures on the internet of the Kay version. Apparently the Hondo version is also fairly rare, but more common than the Kay version.
Hi Mike. Ah yes, another long time. I forgot all about this forum and my question on it! lol
Anyway, I looked at your pics of the Hondo. Very nice, I like it. I have always loved the 80’s guitars with odd shapes!
I do have a few pics of my KE-55 on p.bucket, here’s the link:
i would like to know how much this guitar is worth. it’s the kay star*ter series acoustic electric model K500E. the one i have is in decent shape and i would like to sell it but i don’t have any idea what to ask for it
: i would like to know how much this guitar is worth. it’s the kay star*ter series acoustic electric model K500E. the one i have is in decent shape and i would like to sell it but i don’t have any idea what to ask for it
I have one that I bought in 1993. I still have the price tag and I paid $279.95 for it then. So maybe that helps a little
Hi, I just bought an older Kay model kj-70. An acoustic six stringer with some neat engravings on the back. If anyone has any info I would love it thanx.
does it possibly have a sunflower leaf vine kinda deal on eht back i have one and i cant tell it the seriel number is kj70 or 72 , it was made in korea …
Can you tell me how old this is? It was my grandfathers and it is a Kay Classical KCL333 – 101075. It is in it’s original case, no scratches, no warping. Perfect condition. What do you think it is worth?
I’m an Korean and I guess i have the same one.
Mine says American Heritage Series Model:K503 Made in Korea
Established 1890.
I have no idea about this guitar since this one wasn’t mine from the beginning. My uncle have left this and never came back to bring it back. I could ask him someday but till then, tell me about your story getting yours.
Where and how did you get it?
Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... sylvia kulwicki
sylvia kulwicki
I would like to buy a Kay electric guitar. It was brown maple color. I sold it back at the 80"s so now looking for a replacement. I really wished I kept it. I have a Yamaha acoustic I would part trade towards it I used to play folk group. I jamed with my friend and realized how much I missed my electric Kay. I know it isn’t a gibson etc. But I had good times with that guitar. My old girlfreind looked me upa after 40 years as she lived in arizornia and even then was trying to track me down, We had seen the beatles together and her mom taught me guitar. Of course I had my mom get me the guitar. I have photo of me long ago playing and another of what the guitar is. I know it might be impossible to get it now but would love to find one or if anyone has insight on what type would be good to jam with my girlfriend now. (We are sooooo rusty) Seniors. I am not a dealer and have references . Just miss the guitar. Sigh@@@ Many thanks for help/ sylvia
Can anyone give me any idea how much a Kay electic guitar can value? It was purchased ‘used’ for my late grandfather around the mid 1960s. From the KAY logo, I’d guess the guitar was made sometime in the 1950s. The only number I could find on it — if it’s the serial number — is "L 5839". It has a faux alligator cardboard case with velvet lining, extra picks and extra strings, also has an old amplifier by another brand, Kalamazoo "Model One" with it’s original cables. Any information would be helpful. Thanks
: Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
: : Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
: i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
I have one too, black case, yellow stripes and big yellow "Kay". What I have learned was that Kay generally made inexpensive instruments for schools. They did make a few nicer instruments but generally the company was more a mass produced biz model. I’ve had mine since the mid 70s. It’s very solid, slightly hard to play for beginners but it made my hand strong. It takes a lot of effort to get it to go out of tune.
: : : Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
: : i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
: I have one too, black case, yellow stripes and big yellow "Kay". What I have learned was that Kay generally made inexpensive instruments for schools. They did make a few nicer instruments but generally the company was more a mass produced biz model. I’ve had mine since the mid 70s. It’s very solid, slightly hard to play for beginners but it made my hand strong. It takes a lot of effort to get it to go out of tune.
Can anyone tell me what woods were used on it(back and sides)Is it some time of rosewood?
Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Nancy
Nancy
Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
This is an excellent guitar has a unique sound which has improved with the years This well preserved instrument it was made with great detail. I wouldn’t part with it. Not for sale.
please be aware of your 1977 Kay japan as it may worth good money (no like the ignorant that says $50).
note that I sold a wooden color like yours from 1977 in perfect condition with not scratches for over $500 about 3 years ago. It might not be a great guitar but is a real piece of vintage collection.
good luck.
mg.
That one is not worth anything. Maybe $50 if nice guitar. What can you get for $50? Laminated top and sides. Plywood back. It is for poor people to play when they should be working. Like old red label Yamahas. They are junk. there were some good ones in the 80s. 60s and 70s guitars arenot good at all. Lokk at the 30s too. They are like $60.
my dad left it to me when he passed i know nothing about it i can’t find a serial number on it it’s small 6 string that he bought new in 1959.it still works fine he played for me 2 weeks before he passed. i want to have a case built for it to preserve it. any ideas?
I have an acoustic Kay 6-string guitar that has the archtop pointy shape, but with the "KAY" in all capital brown letters in a white design that points down to the "K" logo. The body is a dark sunburst with no pickguard. Stamped inside the body is "L 887"
I’m not looking to sell, I was just curious as to the approximate year it was made/sold.
Re: Kay Flattop tenor guitar: model number and date please?
Len Liechti
Further research into the excellent Silvertone World website turns up a page on the Silvertone 661 tenor guitar, which is exactly my Kay with a Silvertone screenprinted logo in place of the Kay tinplate one. Offered in Silvertone catalogues only for 1964 and 1965, and as the site says, well after the folk craze and the need for a flattop tenor to emulate the Kingston Trio had passed. Catalogue entry refers to solid spruce top and "mahogany-finished body" – presumably laminates then, as the back is one-piece. I assume the Kay itself dates from the same period. Would still appreciate original Kay model number, unless that’s the L-2351 code? Best, Len 🙂
Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Len Liechti
Len Liechti
I have just obtained a Kay flattop tenor guitar with what looks like a spruce top, mahogany back and rims, and mahogany neck with rosewood board. It has separate open-back Kluson tuners and the smaller type Kay aluminium headstock plate logo with the "K" symbol in a circle. Rectangular rosewood pin bridge with scalloping to sides of the slightly compensated saddle. Tortoise teardrop screw-on pickguard, tortoise/white binding to top and soundhole, tortoise only to back. Lower bout is just under 15 inches wide and the shape is roughly OM/OOO. Printed inside the soundhole are the codes L2351 and N4. The Klusons are inscribed Kluson Mfg. Co., Chicago Ill. and Pat (but no patent number). Nearest info I’ve found online is for a model 661 (?) tenor on sale on Silvertone World, clearly an identical instrument apart from the logo, whose seller says the Silvertone version was only offered in 1964-65. Can anyone please confirm actual Kay model number and probable date(s) of production, and whether body woods are solid or laminate? Len Liechti, Bath, UK.
I recentley bought a baeutiful K 250 seriel # 0103078. I t has been in a case for years and all it needed as new strings. It is in mint condition. can anyone tell me anything about it? Please!
Re: who old is my guitar and how much is it worth?
KAY L840-1160
: I recentley bought a baeutiful K 250 seriel # 0103078. I t has been in a case for years and all it needed as new strings. It is in mint condition. can anyone tell me anything about it? Please!
I’m trying to find anything about a 12-string flat top acoustic with a Kay logo on the headstock, laminated zebrawood back and sides, spruce top with double pick guards, tailpiece, and the model number is G-312. I can’t find a Kay model 312 or any models starting with "G". Could be something else with a Kay logo (round disc) stuck on. Any ideas?
I have a Kay 6string electric guitar model number L 2208 N-3 with a Kent electrical system model number wc-16. Could u tell me what it is worth and when it was made.
: I have a Silvertone arch top L 9696 N-4. Is this a Kay model? Can’t find any info re. date etc.
: Thanks, Bob
I have a archtop N1 8296 ???? does your’s have Silvertone on it?
Rollie
Hi,
I am looking for a wiring diagram for what I believe to be a Kay 102. Configuration is 2 DeArmond hershey bar p/us, 3-way toggle, volume-tone-volume-tone, in a curved line conformation.
The leads from what I believe to be the neck p/u (this harness isn’t mounted on a guitar at this time) are a shielded cable, the leads from the bridge p/u are two separate wires.
The neck reads 6.2K, bridge reads 9.2K. Can this be right?
If any one can help I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Paul
I have a white strat style solid body Kay guitar with 2 pickups and fan or guitar pick shaped pearl neck inlays. It has the old style Gold
Circle with a K inside it and under that a tag saying Kay in gold on the head stock. It plays nice and easy and has a good sound that is reminiscent of Rickenbacker. How much is it worth?
I have one. My dad bought it brand new back in the middle 70’s. It’s been a great guitar.
: i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
dont know if this helps any one , i ran a recording studio in 1978 one of my clients hard up for cash said he would like to swap his guitar (kay kdg88 ) in exchange for recoding time so that’s how i got mine .in the years that followed many bands that came to record on nearly all the time having heard how well the kay sounded left both their Yamaha’s or martins in the case . im very fortunate that to this day besides recording i have also used it to teach quite a few play they have all treated it with respect and mine has only minor wear , would i part with it ( not a chance )
: i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
I acquired the same model recently and also know nothing about it but i am showing it to a guitar buildr soon and will let you know what he says
: : i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
: I acquired the same model recently and also know nothing about it but i am showing it to a guitar buildr soon and will let you know what he says
:I’ve had this same guitar since the early 70’s purchased new with hard case, etc. and it’s beautiful. The inlay detail on its back is as impressive as it’s tone. I’ve kept it like new. I believe the sound has improved with age. I’m still trying to teach myself to play it. I’ve been told that it’s worth over $500 in it’s present condition. They tell me it’s rare.
Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... jared
jared
i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
My uncle bought new and passed to my dad who passed to my brother who passed to me. Easy player , great tone. I searched for a better guitar and the only thing that beat it was a Taylor 416 I have. Never will sell the Kay.
This may help. the kay guitar we’re talking about is maid from the matsumoka factory in japan and also the dark parts of the guitar is Brazilian Rosewood and that is back and sides the front of the body is stika spruce and the fret board has mother pearl and I think the v either maid of walnut or maple im not for sure about the walnuts or maple … oh yeah a little advice what I did ..well im 16years old someone’ else did this hand maid Thay took the old plastic nut out and put bone nut in on the bridge and neck
I been told that it has mother of puruel and has in its presence Brazilian Rosewood which is really really rear because of the lumbar people are not supposed to cut it doun because its almost extinct and my guitar teacher ses its inlays are beter then his Martin also it sounds so great because of how old and itswood which is the Brazilian Rosewood how its maid to copy Martin best guitar which is a Martin d-45 which that Martin Faveret guitar
this might help, back some time before 1977 i had started a four track recording studio being the only one in our area of bristol (england) i got to know a lot of fellow local musicians one of which hard up for cash suggested we swap time for an acoustic he was no longer using since he had gone electric ,i only wish now i had asked him how long he had ,had it for . Having got it i thought it might be good for any band recording a track to add an acoustic to. over the coming years i was surprised the number of bands that turned up with quite fancy Yamaha’s and martins , to be told I’ve only a kay , but you can try it if you like . Then being able to sit back and watch as having heard how well the kay recorded and not to mention it played so well , it was great to watch as their guitars went back in the case in favour of the kay for the recording. i was lucky to get a guitar that had with only home use and all the bands that recorded with it, treated it with respect, hence now in 2013 i still have a practically unmarked
I’ve had my KDG 88 since 1990, and i wouldn’t trade it for a martin d 35. this guitar is my baby, and no other guitar can duplicate the sound. Simply amazing
i have what i know to be a 1937 model kay acoustic six-string
it’s amber colored with f-holes, cutaways top & bottom, set up for a left-hander
does anyone know what the model number is?
i can’t find it anywhere on the guitar
what’s the approximate value?
it is in relatively good condition, good tone
would L82198900 be a serial number for a kay archtop acoustic. i was given one with no markings except the serial and the pick guard is missing. no evidence of a logo on headstock. u shaped non adjustable truss rod and not a bolt on neck. any idea what it maybe
We have a Vintage L9634 KAY guitar in good condition. Can you
tell us how much money this guitar is worth now? Thanks!
Lynn
Kay acoustic "Autographed by ELVIS " , markings inside says" K-15 7049" then below that has "P4" ,could send photo , any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
: Kay acoustic "Autographed by ELVIS " , markings inside says" K-15 7049" then below that has "P4" ,could send photo , any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
hi i have a kay starter k-103 #10278815 guitar and wondering your opinion on the current value? thank you
just got a kay model #kg310 is it worth any thing and how old is it?
: just got a kay model #k172s is it worth any thing a 1956 model
I have an old Kay bass hollow body single f hole, plays and looks great. I can find nothing like it any where and any info will be appreciated.
Hi, need info on this guitar , was told to be a Kay Guitar Alpha 1- has built in effects , tremelo, fuzz, wah wah , leslie and echo , anyone out there have info as to year and repairs. thanks
I am trying to find the value of my K 22T Kay Electric Guitar. I also need parts.
Looking for the year of my yellow or if they call it blonde, archtop kay guitar,# L 9421…..non electic,,,and if possible if it’s worth anything..? Thanks, from Astoria Oregon
Can anyone tell me what quality guitar this is as I can’t seem to locate any information about it? I was wondering if it’s a solid top and also about value?
I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
This popular thread has been given its own page : Re: Kay Archtop L 8296 N1
: : I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
Hello, I have the same model # with N1 inside the box also. Please get back to me, [email protected]
: : I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
Tom, I have the same numbers as you but added (N1) Same guitar. Kay seems to have the numbers. [email protected] get back to me. Thank You
: I have a Single Cutaway Archtop. Has trussrod. Full 3 1/2" body. 17" wide lower bout. F hole. 3 Plank tuning keys. Orignally no pickups. I think probably 60’s. No name on headstock. I think its a Kay or one kay made for someone else. Looks like solid Flame maple back. Top could be laminate- not sure. Dot neck markers. Any help on Identifying it. I can’t seem to find anything on the net. thanks. Tom
i have a 50s model Kay 38″ long with a number L3239 i cannot find anything on the internet about it. would you please assist me.
I wish someone would take their Kay Guitar and shove it up Obama`s ass so far it comes out his big nigger mouth.
Hi,
I’m looking for a Thin Twin, Kay K161 guitar made in the 50s, not a reissue. Will consider guitars in need of repair as well. Please send me an email. Thanks.
I bought an old Kamico Steel Lap Guitar. Made by Kay but not marked with any serial number or model. Lap guitar looks like a big "paddle". Condition is a bit shakey on the metal comnponents (surface rust) but the body is nice overall. Junk or any value? Thanks.
Trying to locate a Kay Vintage/Heritage copy of a 175, issued circa 1999. Mine was stolen, circa 2003
I got this guitar off of craigslist I heard of Kay before but I have never seen this guitar before. It has a white pick guard nailed with 3 screws on it. It does not have a tail piece. The Headstock has a Kay tin punch over type emblem nailed to it. It has the American symbol of Kay from me looking around on there website. The only serial number I can find is in the body you can see it right by looking into the sound hole. The number on the inside is L 9193. I would appreciate it so much if any one has any info on the guitar.
I have a guitar that i’m restoring and I think it is a Kay it has N1 and L7284 wrote on the inside please give me some info.
: I have a guitar that i’m restoring and I think it is a Kay it has N1 and L7284 wrote on the inside please give me some info.
I have a N1 8296 please let me know of any information. Thank You Rollie —- [email protected]
: I have a guitar that i’m restoring and I think it is a Kay it has N1 and L7284 wrote on the inside please give me some info.
I have a N1 8296 please let me know of any information. Thank You Rollie —- [email protected]
From reading here, I haven’t seen one response to anyone’s questions. Am I doing something wrong or doesn’t anyone have info on Kay guitars? I just bought a couple Kay acoustics and need info.
I got this new around 1985, it is a "Kay State of the Art Series Model KE-55 Electric guitar". I still have the factory warranty card that was on the neck. I have searched online and taken it to music stores, I can not find any record of it even existing! Nobody has ever seen it or heard of it before…. I would like to know something about it. It is a starbody shape with 1 exposed coil humbucker, a strat style tremolo and a strat style headstock. Maple neck and fingerboard. Anyone have any info about this guitar? I have owned very nice and very expensive guitars such as Jackson Randy Rhoads, Dean Razorbacks, etc. and this guitar plays and sounds just as good as any of them. The only thing I don’t like is the strat tremolo, so I took the bar off and don’t use it.
Hi Brian,
I know it’s been a long time since you posted about your guitar, but figured I’d let you know what little info I have on it.
When I was 11 or 12 years old, which would have been around 1987-1988, an older friend of mine had the same guitar as yours in red, and it was the very first electric guitar I ever picked up, and what got me started playing. I tried to get him to sell it to me but he never did, and I think his cousin ended up with it or something and I never saw it or another like it in person again. I’m still trying to this day to find one like it in that same color. They were/are very nice guitars, and even after playing and owning more expensive guitars over the past 23 years, I still think they’re very cool looking and I want one.
I do have a guitar that is very, very close to the same thing though–a Hondo Deluxe Series 775 in a natural finish. It is solid wood (not plywood), and it looks like it might be mahogany with 4 strips of walnut running through the body forming parallel lines toward the centerline, and the top of the body has binding around it. The lines formed by the walnut or whatever the darker wood is run through the pickup cavity and the tremolo spring cavity as well, so I know they’re not painted on or otherwise faked. Altogether I count about 10 pieces of wood making up the body of the guitar. Supposedly this guitar was made on the same assembly line with the Kay KE-55 (I never knew the model number of the Kay version; thanks for posting that) in the Samick factory in Korea from about 1983-1985. The headstock is shaped a little differently than the Kay version; that is the only difference I can pick out from pictures on the internet of the Kay version. Apparently the Hondo version is also fairly rare, but more common than the Kay version.
Here’s a few pics of my guitar:
http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa308/24vCTD/Guitars/Hondo%20Deluxe%20Series%20775/
I’d be interested in seeing pics of your Kay if you have any?
Mike
Hi Mike. Ah yes, another long time. I forgot all about this forum and my question on it! lol
Anyway, I looked at your pics of the Hondo. Very nice, I like it. I have always loved the 80’s guitars with odd shapes!
I do have a few pics of my KE-55 on p.bucket, here’s the link:
http://s5.photobucket.com/user/scorpion_bsk/library/Kay-State%20of%20the%20Art%20KE-55%20Guitar?sort=3&page=1
Any ideas on what these are even valued at these days? I don’t ever want to get rid of mine but I’m curious about it.
i would like to know how much this guitar is worth. it’s the kay star*ter series acoustic electric model K500E. the one i have is in decent shape and i would like to sell it but i don’t have any idea what to ask for it
: i would like to know how much this guitar is worth. it’s the kay star*ter series acoustic electric model K500E. the one i have is in decent shape and i would like to sell it but i don’t have any idea what to ask for it
I have one that I bought in 1993. I still have the price tag and I paid $279.95 for it then. So maybe that helps a little
Can someone help me identify my Kay guitar in the year it was made and current value?
L9857 is the identification stamp on the inside.
Trying to find out the year of my guitar. Bought in a flea market for 5$. L1604 Six string. Any feedback appreciated!!
Hi, I just bought an older Kay model kj-70. An acoustic six stringer with some neat engravings on the back. If anyone has any info I would love it thanx.
i have one with a sunflower/ leaf vine design and i cant find anything about it what kind of engravings?
does it possibly have a sunflower leaf vine kinda deal on eht back i have one and i cant tell it the seriel number is kj70 or 72 , it was made in korea …
i am trying to find out how old &any other info.i have had it since the 60s &it was old then
Does anyone have any information about the Kay Bass guitar model K-2b?
Age, value, etc.
Any help is appreciated. Thank you!
PG
: I was wondering if you located any info on your K-2B. I have one also and am striking out on Background.
Can you tell me how old this is? It was my grandfathers and it is a Kay Classical KCL333 – 101075. It is in it’s original case, no scratches, no warping. Perfect condition. What do you think it is worth?
any info on Kay 503 american heritage series?
I’m an Korean and I guess i have the same one.
Mine says American Heritage Series Model:K503 Made in Korea
Established 1890.
I have no idea about this guitar since this one wasn’t mine from the beginning. My uncle have left this and never came back to bring it back. I could ask him someday but till then, tell me about your story getting yours.
Where and how did you get it?
Below is the website where i posted the specification of my guitar, K503. Check it out if it’s the same one as yours
http://club.cyworld.com/50678157156/177593442
Email me sometime since i’m not sure i would be sure to visit your blog again.
[email protected]
Take care bro. (or sis)
I just confirmed now that you cannot check the photos i uploaded on the website mentioned.
I’ll email you if you email me.
Let’s dig it. haha
This popular thread has been given its own page : Kay electric guitar
Ps my email is [email protected] (my girlfriend and I also got our pictures in the newspaper as it was for a contest to see the beatles. )
I would like to buy a Kay electric guitar. It was brown maple color. I sold it back at the 80"s so now looking for a replacement. I really wished I kept it. I have a Yamaha acoustic I would part trade towards it I used to play folk group. I jamed with my friend and realized how much I missed my electric Kay. I know it isn’t a gibson etc. But I had good times with that guitar. My old girlfreind looked me upa after 40 years as she lived in arizornia and even then was trying to track me down, We had seen the beatles together and her mom taught me guitar. Of course I had my mom get me the guitar. I have photo of me long ago playing and another of what the guitar is. I know it might be impossible to get it now but would love to find one or if anyone has insight on what type would be good to jam with my girlfriend now. (We are sooooo rusty) Seniors. I am not a dealer and have references . Just miss the guitar. Sigh@@@ Many thanks for help/ sylvia
Can anyone give me any idea how much a Kay electic guitar can value? It was purchased ‘used’ for my late grandfather around the mid 1960s. From the KAY logo, I’d guess the guitar was made sometime in the 1950s. The only number I could find on it — if it’s the serial number — is "L 5839". It has a faux alligator cardboard case with velvet lining, extra picks and extra strings, also has an old amplifier by another brand, Kalamazoo "Model One" with it’s original cables. Any information would be helpful. Thanks
This popular thread has been given its own page : model KDG 77 with AWESOME case
: Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
: : Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
: i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
I have one too, black case, yellow stripes and big yellow "Kay". What I have learned was that Kay generally made inexpensive instruments for schools. They did make a few nicer instruments but generally the company was more a mass produced biz model. I’ve had mine since the mid 70s. It’s very solid, slightly hard to play for beginners but it made my hand strong. It takes a lot of effort to get it to go out of tune.
: : : Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
: : i dont think that they are worth very much. i have one too
: I have one too, black case, yellow stripes and big yellow "Kay". What I have learned was that Kay generally made inexpensive instruments for schools. They did make a few nicer instruments but generally the company was more a mass produced biz model. I’ve had mine since the mid 70s. It’s very solid, slightly hard to play for beginners but it made my hand strong. It takes a lot of effort to get it to go out of tune.
Can anyone tell me what woods were used on it(back and sides)Is it some time of rosewood?
Can anyone tell me a little about my guitar, 1977, made in Japan, model KDG 77 Original case AWESOME, all blue with large orange Kay logo across the front. I have had massive interest in the case but no offers were made as I wasn’t selling. Would love to know the worth of both.
This is an excellent guitar has a unique sound which has improved with the years This well preserved instrument it was made with great detail. I wouldn’t part with it. Not for sale.
Hi there,
please be aware of your 1977 Kay japan as it may worth good money (no like the ignorant that says $50).
note that I sold a wooden color like yours from 1977 in perfect condition with not scratches for over $500 about 3 years ago. It might not be a great guitar but is a real piece of vintage collection.
good luck.
mg.
That one is not worth anything. Maybe $50 if nice guitar. What can you get for $50? Laminated top and sides. Plywood back. It is for poor people to play when they should be working. Like old red label Yamahas. They are junk. there were some good ones in the 80s. 60s and 70s guitars arenot good at all. Lokk at the 30s too. They are like $60.
my dad left it to me when he passed i know nothing about it i can’t find a serial number on it it’s small 6 string that he bought new in 1959.it still works fine he played for me 2 weeks before he passed. i want to have a case built for it to preserve it. any ideas?
I would like to know the year and value of my grandfathers guitar.
Could anyone help me?
My friend has a vintage 1947 kay guitar and was thinking about selling it. How much is it worth now?
I have an acoustic Kay 6-string guitar that has the archtop pointy shape, but with the "KAY" in all capital brown letters in a white design that points down to the "K" logo. The body is a dark sunburst with no pickguard. Stamped inside the body is "L 887"
I’m not looking to sell, I was just curious as to the approximate year it was made/sold.
Thanks in advance!
This popular thread has been given its own page : Kay Flattop tenor guitar: model number and date please?
Further research into the excellent Silvertone World website turns up a page on the Silvertone 661 tenor guitar, which is exactly my Kay with a Silvertone screenprinted logo in place of the Kay tinplate one. Offered in Silvertone catalogues only for 1964 and 1965, and as the site says, well after the folk craze and the need for a flattop tenor to emulate the Kingston Trio had passed. Catalogue entry refers to solid spruce top and "mahogany-finished body" – presumably laminates then, as the back is one-piece. I assume the Kay itself dates from the same period. Would still appreciate original Kay model number, unless that’s the L-2351 code? Best, Len 🙂
I have just obtained a Kay flattop tenor guitar with what looks like a spruce top, mahogany back and rims, and mahogany neck with rosewood board. It has separate open-back Kluson tuners and the smaller type Kay aluminium headstock plate logo with the "K" symbol in a circle. Rectangular rosewood pin bridge with scalloping to sides of the slightly compensated saddle. Tortoise teardrop screw-on pickguard, tortoise/white binding to top and soundhole, tortoise only to back. Lower bout is just under 15 inches wide and the shape is roughly OM/OOO. Printed inside the soundhole are the codes L2351 and N4. The Klusons are inscribed Kluson Mfg. Co., Chicago Ill. and Pat (but no patent number). Nearest info I’ve found online is for a model 661 (?) tenor on sale on Silvertone World, clearly an identical instrument apart from the logo, whose seller says the Silvertone version was only offered in 1964-65. Can anyone please confirm actual Kay model number and probable date(s) of production, and whether body woods are solid or laminate? Len Liechti, Bath, UK.
I bought an old ,f hole ,archtop 1 PU, electric with the last serial info L8365. single piece spruce top. any input please?
: : I am in need of an original hard shell case for the Barney Kessel PRO Guitar. Please advise what you have. My thanks
: I have two original Hardshell cases…Mike
Hey Mike, I might be interested in one of them…how much are you asking? Cheers, Lenny
I recentley bought a baeutiful K 250 seriel # 0103078. I t has been in a case for years and all it needed as new strings. It is in mint condition. can anyone tell me anything about it? Please!
: I recentley bought a baeutiful K 250 seriel # 0103078. I t has been in a case for years and all it needed as new strings. It is in mint condition. can anyone tell me anything about it? Please!
: : I recentley bought a baeutiful Kay seriel # L840-1160.
I’m trying to find anything about a 12-string flat top acoustic with a Kay logo on the headstock, laminated zebrawood back and sides, spruce top with double pick guards, tailpiece, and the model number is G-312. I can’t find a Kay model 312 or any models starting with "G". Could be something else with a Kay logo (round disc) stuck on. Any ideas?
I have a Kay 6string electric guitar model number L 2208 N-3 with a Kent electrical system model number wc-16. Could u tell me what it is worth and when it was made.
I’m looking for a truss rod adjustment "key wrench" for the 1950’s "balanced-tension" necks.
I have a K synth guitar from 1980. Can you still buy one new & is it worth anything
Dies Anybody Know Anything About a Kay Guitar Model 590?
: Does Anybody Know Anything About a Kay Guitar Model 590?
I’ve got one. A sunburst coloured 6-string dreadnought. Had it since 1981. Bit bashed about, but still my main acoustic guitar.
I have a Silvertone arch top L 9696 N-4. Is this a Kay model? Can’t find any info re. date etc.
Thanks, Bob
: I have a Silvertone arch top L 9696 N-4. Is this a Kay model? Can’t find any info re. date etc.
: Thanks, Bob
I have a archtop N1 8296 ???? does your’s have Silvertone on it?
Rollie
Hi,
I am looking for a wiring diagram for what I believe to be a Kay 102. Configuration is 2 DeArmond hershey bar p/us, 3-way toggle, volume-tone-volume-tone, in a curved line conformation.
The leads from what I believe to be the neck p/u (this harness isn’t mounted on a guitar at this time) are a shielded cable, the leads from the bridge p/u are two separate wires.
The neck reads 6.2K, bridge reads 9.2K. Can this be right?
If any one can help I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Paul
I have a white strat style solid body Kay guitar with 2 pickups and fan or guitar pick shaped pearl neck inlays. It has the old style Gold
Circle with a K inside it and under that a tag saying Kay in gold on the head stock. It plays nice and easy and has a good sound that is reminiscent of Rickenbacker. How much is it worth?
This popular thread has been given its own page : KDG 88! (real or illusion?) anyone help…
I have one. My dad bought it brand new back in the middle 70’s. It’s been a great guitar.
: i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
dont know if this helps any one , i ran a recording studio in 1978 one of my clients hard up for cash said he would like to swap his guitar (kay kdg88 ) in exchange for recoding time so that’s how i got mine .in the years that followed many bands that came to record on nearly all the time having heard how well the kay sounded left both their Yamaha’s or martins in the case . im very fortunate that to this day besides recording i have also used it to teach quite a few play they have all treated it with respect and mine has only minor wear , would i part with it ( not a chance )
: i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
I acquired the same model recently and also know nothing about it but i am showing it to a guitar buildr soon and will let you know what he says
: : i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
: I acquired the same model recently and also know nothing about it but i am showing it to a guitar buildr soon and will let you know what he says
:I’ve had this same guitar since the early 70’s purchased new with hard case, etc. and it’s beautiful. The inlay detail on its back is as impressive as it’s tone. I’ve kept it like new. I believe the sound has improved with age. I’m still trying to teach myself to play it. I’ve been told that it’s worth over $500 in it’s present condition. They tell me it’s rare.
i acquired a Kay Acoustic Mod # KDG 88. Made in Japan. Normally i wouldn’t care but the sound is so amazing and the internet has provided me no information, only evidence that other people have asked the same questions about the same guitar. any info is appreciated
My uncle bought new and passed to my dad who passed to my brother who passed to me. Easy player , great tone. I searched for a better guitar and the only thing that beat it was a Taylor 416 I have. Never will sell the Kay.
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[URL=http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/brianbbs67/media/guitar%20stuff/ab38cf5aaf54b943cb1423361438666b_zpsd5f840c5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h356/brianbbs67/guitar%20stuff/ab38cf5aaf54b943cb1423361438666b_zpsd5f840c5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
This may help. the kay guitar we’re talking about is maid from the matsumoka factory in japan and also the dark parts of the guitar is Brazilian Rosewood and that is back and sides the front of the body is stika spruce and the fret board has mother pearl and I think the v either maid of walnut or maple im not for sure about the walnuts or maple … oh yeah a little advice what I did ..well im 16years old someone’ else did this hand maid Thay took the old plastic nut out and put bone nut in on the bridge and neck
I been told that it has mother of puruel and has in its presence Brazilian Rosewood which is really really rear because of the lumbar people are not supposed to cut it doun because its almost extinct and my guitar teacher ses its inlays are beter then his Martin also it sounds so great because of how old and itswood which is the Brazilian Rosewood how its maid to copy Martin best guitar which is a Martin d-45 which that Martin Faveret guitar
this might help, back some time before 1977 i had started a four track recording studio being the only one in our area of bristol (england) i got to know a lot of fellow local musicians one of which hard up for cash suggested we swap time for an acoustic he was no longer using since he had gone electric ,i only wish now i had asked him how long he had ,had it for . Having got it i thought it might be good for any band recording a track to add an acoustic to. over the coming years i was surprised the number of bands that turned up with quite fancy Yamaha’s and martins , to be told I’ve only a kay , but you can try it if you like . Then being able to sit back and watch as having heard how well the kay recorded and not to mention it played so well , it was great to watch as their guitars went back in the case in favour of the kay for the recording. i was lucky to get a guitar that had with only home use and all the bands that recorded with it, treated it with respect, hence now in 2013 i still have a practically unmarked
I’ve had my KDG 88 since 1990, and i wouldn’t trade it for a martin d 35. this guitar is my baby, and no other guitar can duplicate the sound. Simply amazing
And what year would it be mod #KDG 88,what its worth
I would like to know more about it and what its worth
I have a kdg70 K acoustic guitar. Does anyone know how old it is, if it is considered to be vintage, or what quality?
Bought a guitar at a yard sale has the folowing serial # L1796 6533
Could you tell me how old it is?