1961 Kay K6533 Archtop - made in USA
Description : 25 Jul, 2023
1961 Kay K6533 Archtop guitar – this brilliant US made vintage archtop was part of the Value Leader range produced by Kay from 1960. The guitar is all original, except the metal floating bridge, but is missing its scratch plate. We have not been able to find a serial number on the guitar, however we know that the “Value Leader range was introduced in 1960, Kay’s “T” logo was used between 1961 and 1964 and the pot codes date to 1961. The guitar is in great shape, although it does have some marks and dings to show for its age (see last 3 pictures), and the \"cupcake\" knobs have lost almost all their silver paint. The neck and body back and sides look to be a lovely flamed maple, however Kay painted these flame effects to give the impression of a more expensive finish whilst keeping the costs down. The guitar needed a bit of tlc when it arrived with us – it has had it’s neck reset and a 90% refret so all good to go for another 60 years.
The guitar sounds great acoustically but es to life when plugged in and you crank up the “pancake” pickup. Some claim that Kay Guitars used DeArmond or Gibson pickups – they did not. The pickups were hand wound by Kay factory workers. The best known use of this guitar has to be Jack White on White Stripes Seven Nation Army
White’s archtop was believed to be a Kay K6533 Value Leader - The guitar was originally a tobacco sunburst model but was covered in Kraft paper in 2001. Whatever its finish, White’s use of the K6533 proved that great music could indeed be coaxed out of mass-produced ‘budget’ instruments by the likes of Kay and Harmony, and they remain very sought after in the vintage market.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24 hour courier service. Customers outside of UK should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is available at our Gullane shop.
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