1966 Kay Solo Special Jumbo Natural, Near Mint, Soft, Call For Price!

This is a top of the line Kay flat top acoustic from likely the mid-sixties. Kay produced a deluxe jumbo flat top, the K27, "..for the professional who demands exceptional playing qualities.." since at least the mid-fifties, and it was still in production catalogs into the late sixties listed as a K8130 Solo Special. This example fits the catalog description in terms of size, materials and quality, but not in ornamentation. The fingerboard inlays appear as early as the late fifties, but the head stock plaque only appears in the mid-sixties, which is why we make a mid-sixties attribution.
The body measures 4 1/2" deep, and 17 1/4" across at the lower bout. The top is spruce and X-braced; the back and sides are figured maple with a striking sunburst finish. Top, back and sound hole are all multiple bound in black and white. The neck supports a truss rod and appears maple; the fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood, inlaid with striking art-deco markers, and bound in white. The scale length is 25 3/4", and the nut measures 1 5/8" across. In the '65 catalog this neck is described: "Slim, balanced tension 'Speed Demon' neck, is fast and easy to play." The headstock has an art-deco profile, with a 'half-Kelvinator' logo attached. Tuners are enclosed Kluson, but may be older replacements.
The guitar appears to never have had any work or repairs. Finish is sparkly, with only a few nicks, and some capo wear on the back of the neck. Fingerboard and frets show minimal wear. Action is set at about 7/64 & 8/64 with a lowish saddle.
The guitar plays smoothly. The sound produced is quite pleasing, with a deep boom in the bass and an articulate midrange and treble. Flat picked, it's pretty assertive, but is also fun to fingerpick and feel the thump with minimal picking effort. Conjure up Blind Gary or Emmy Lou with ease! Be sure to check out the sound clip!
Comes with a soft case.