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Custom Kraft guitars were the house brand of St Louis Music and manufactured by Kay until about 1970 when they moved production to Japan and the brand to 'Electra'.

This was a very expensive Kay for it's time, costing $199.95 which equals $2114 in today's money!!!!! Which makes these very rare. Crazy!


USA made by Kay circa 1965 (dated by pick up stamp).

Beautiful red burst finish

Original Kluson tuners replaced with newer Kluson tuners in 2016. (original not included)

Original nut replaced in 2003.

Everything else is original including:

Kay Barney Kessel Kleenex box” pickups.

Rosewood Bridge.

Tailpiece.

Awesome Clear Yellow knobs (volume, volume, tone, tone).

Three way switch (I believe it isn't functioning at the moment, my luthier is taking a look at it now, which is why I can't take better pictures at the moment).

All frets.

All binding throughout guitar. Etc.

I just purchased this guitar from the original owner!!! He got it on his 12th birthday in 1965.

It currently has a neck shim, and a bridge shim from the original owner. Lol My luthier is going to set it up tomorrow, I will update the listing as to whether or not he keeps the neck shim, gets rid of it, or makes a new one.

(The current pictures of the electronic are just as they came out of the guitar, my luthier hasn't cleaned anything yet!) Note the awesome original switch craft switch!


This instrument has a straight neck, great frets, truss rod works and low action. It plays and sounds great for its age. There is one crack in the curve of one of the horns. It's luckily not very noticeable due to the dark paint job there. Other than that there is very little checking on the back of the neck, you can only see it in the sun. There are zero cracks in the top or back of the guitar, it's shocking how good of condition it's in!


Model is essentially the same style as the Kay “Red Devil” with a unique Red Burst finish not offered on Kay-badged counterparts.


Finish Details: Original Lacquer

Top Material: Flamed Maple

Body Material: Flamed Maple

Side Material: Flamed Maple

Neck Material: Flamed Maple

Fingerboard Material: Brazilian Rosewood

Neck Profile: Soft V Neck

Thickness (IN): 1st - 0.93" 12th - 0.97"

Fingerboard Radius: 9.50"

Nut Width: 1-5/8"

Scale Length: 24 3/4"

Neck Details: Flamed Maple with bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and pearloid triangle inlays.


Electronics: All electronics are original. Controls include a 3-way pickup selector and volume and tone pots for each pickup.


Hardware: All original Weight: 6lbs 12oz

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed15 days ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Custom Kraft Red Devil
Finish
  • Black Cherry Burst
Categories
Year
  • 1965
Made In
  • United States
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Body Type
  • Semi-Hollow Body
Number of Strings
  • 6-String

Product safety information may be available here.

Mir's Cool Gear

Warren, MI, United States
Joined Reverb:2026

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