I recently picked up a cool old KENT guitar in excellent condition, and I'm trying to find some more info on the model, best would be an old announce...
This is what the seller told me.:
KENT produced a series of guitars beginning 1960's out of Japan and this was through another company (resulting in different versions of the "KENT" logo and it's models apparently). This one is related to the 830 Model produced with Gold-Sunburst, however as I say "related" is because the original 830 made during the 60's had uneven or offset cutouts in the body-- obviously this model has equal cut outs into the body. As a matter of fact, most of all Kent Models represent offset cut outs. Finding this out, I did some local research at a Music Distributor; as old as the fellow was, even he couldn't identify for which model class of KENT in particular this model belongs to. By the way there is no discernible model number present on the guitar.
Needless to say a rare one indeed.
After going over it's history, the actual guitar is in wonderful condition. The electrical work was evaluated and I needed a wire replaced on one of it's tone knobs and input. After it was re-strung, we hooked it into a Fender Tube Amp (can't remember the model), and turns out both single-coil pick-ups are hot and active. The first one MUST be turned on for the second coil to pick up; the result was no electric buzzing or humming, very little to if any static from the switch board (where you activate the coils) and all 4 knobs (2 volume and 2 tone) worked perfectly. Did I mention how sweet of a tune the guitar produces? I was impressed myself, but the small width of the neck took some getting used to.
The body suffered very little physical impact damage-- impressive for it's age. Body imperfections include some narrow fissures on both front and back of the guitar, some worked away paint near the edge of the strap hook, and the fret board could stand some refurbishing. Other than that the guitar looks and even feels great when you hold it. There are NO CHIPS on the neck...or on the body for that matter now that I'm looking at it.
In conclusion, this 1964 Kent is completely original with all parts as the day it was made, is in very good to excellent condition and is fully playable and operational.
Cheers Allan
