1930's - 1940's Kay archtop?

[nlfolst]

I am looking for assistance for determining what year my Kay is from? There are no markings, just the little green Kay guitar company seal inside. Thanks.



[/img]

[VintAxe]

Hey nlfolst,

Have you seen this VG article by Michael Wright that discusses these instruments?

[nlfolst]

Thanks for the article. It gives some general idea. I am trying to find out the exact time period of this piece though. If someone can identify certain parts that makes it a specific year, etc. This guitar has so much volume, and i'd like to answer the question, "what type of guitar is that, and how old is it." Thanks much, Noel

[VintAxe]

Hi Noel,

At the moment, I'm thinking your Kay is a post WWII model. Although the headstock style on your instrument was introduced in 1938, I don't think it has a 1938 logo. Judging from the photos, your archtop is made completely of Honduras mahogany (If I'm wrong about this, let me know).

Here is a picture of an all mahogany K20 from 1939. Although it is difficult to make out, I don't think the logo looks like the logo on your guitar. The K20 also has 9 pearl dots rather than the 5 dots seen on your guitar. It is possible you have the K5 which is a smaller version of the K20 but I don't have a picture of the K5 to confirm that possibility.




Now back to my hypothesis that your Kay is post WWII. Here is a picture of a 1947 K36. It is hard to make out, but I think the logo matches your logo. However, notice this K36 also has the 9 dots rather than the 5 dots on your instrument. Other than that, I think we have a decent match.





The problem with assigning an exact date is that these guitars were made from 1947 to 1951. So, I don't think we have an exact model, or an exact date but if the guitar were mine, I would focus on trying to find 47-51 Kay literature to establish a positive ID.

[nlfolst]

I do thank you for your info. It is very helpful. Indeed, it is Mahogony. I agree it looks like the later model with the exception being the fret markers, and the tailpiece.