~1966 Kay K6835 Red 'burst
Kay K6835 Archtop Acoustic c 1966 | $425 | (v2133) A spectacular example of a mid to late 60s Kay archtop acoustic guitar, near mint condition. The combination of red, black and white is particularly attractive. Kay, in Chicago, made a wide variety of acoustic archtops and this one falls in the middle range of quality. The K6835 appeared in catalogs as early as 1966 but was discontinued within a few years. Guitar historian Michael Wright reports that the K6835 was produced from 1966-1968. The oral history of this one-owner guitar suggests that it was purchased new in 1966. They are not often seen in the vintage market today.
The body is made from maple ply, bound in white celluloid and painted in a jaunty red/black 'burst on the top, back and sides. The fingerboard is rosewood with five large pearl position dots, and is bound in white celluloid. The rosewood bridge is adjustable, and the tail piece is the 'trapeze' type. The pick guard is white celluloid and sports the Kay logo in black paint. The head stock is painted black and sports the metal Kay plate found on the K6835 model. The neck is carved in a 'C' shape and has an adjustable truss rod. The frets are brass and fairly 'modern' in size and feel.
The body measures 15 1/2" across the lower bout, a size which Kay describes as 'super auditorium'. Scale length is 25 3/4". The fingerboard measures 1 5/8" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/16" across at the saddle.
The guitar is in excellent + original condition, with only a few nicks here and there from age and use. There were no prior repairs evident. Two of the position dots have sunken below the plane of the fingerboard (or maybe came that way from new?). Since the neck had kicked out from the dovetail joint, we removed it and reset the angle. Action is set at 6/64" with plenty of room to lower it if desired.
The guitar plays easily and puts out a surprisingly bright sound with good sustain and projection. This guitar is a good looker, an easy player and a great vintage value.
Comes with its likely original soft case.
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Forty-eight hour test drive on all instruments..if not to your liking, return for refund minus shipping costs.