Please help w/ dates/models for these Kay guitars

[theehman]

These are my Kay acoustics. I've been unable to find any others like them which has made it difficult to properly date them or identify the model.

1) Kay tenor archtop with asymmetrical headstock. Kluson tuners, custom tailpiece. Would like to make a new pickguard like the original but I can't find another pic of these anywhere. No numbers inside.


2) Kay Cutaway flattop. This is a huge guitar (17" across at widest) and a great player. Replaced tuners. Numbers inside: L8444 8234


3) Kay cutaway archtop. Same dimensions as the flattop above except slightly shallower. All original. Numbers inside: L9314 8900


Any info will be greatly appreciated and I can provide pics for anyone who like additional ones.

[theehman]

Found info on these 2 in the Kay catalogs:

2) Kay Cutaway flattop. K-24 (1956 catalog, page 6)


3) Kay cutaway archtop. K1-B (1956 catalog, page 4)


Looks like the catalogs don't go back far enough for the tenor.[/quote]

[VintAxe]

Thanks for doing the work on these Ron.

I'm doing my best to fill out the Kay section of the Catalog Library. The old litererature is becoming outrageously expensive. sb