DESCRIPTION:
Kay guitars are one of Americas iconic guitar makers with a history stretching way back to the 1930's and are recognised as pioneers in the development of the electric guitar. From the mid 30's to the 1960's, Kay produced some of the finest electric guitars around, even at one time they were on a par with Gibson. I have been collecting some of their models over the years and have seen them steadily rise in collectibility and value. Guitars like the K-131, known better as the 'Thin Twin' because of it's lipstick shaped pick, ups was used by the great Bluesman, Jimmy Reed and jazz greats like Barney Kessel endorsed Upbeat models with the famous 'Kleenex Box' pick ups, which I shall feature in a later edition. The guitar I want to show you in this article is the solid body K-136 single pick up model. In my humble opinion, this is one of the best all round electric guitars I own. I have demonstrated a few different styles and sounds on the accompanying video but it really has a far greater versatility than I can cram in. It even plays great slide and jazz chords. I have my one set with a slightly high action so I can play a bit of bottleneck occasionally when needs must. It's a mid 50's model. probably 1956 and is finished in spring green and white which gives it an art deco appearance. It won't be everyone's choice as a player because of the thick chunky neck, but after awhile, it's barely noticeable. These are quire rare in original condition and I have seen a few around where over the years, players have changed and added various makes of pick ups which may give the guitar a different sound, but have decreased it's collectibility value as it's not in original condition. These guitars over the last few years have become quite collectable and prices have increased considerably for models in vgc.