Kay K-142 1956 Copper

A Kay K-142 from around 1956, manufactured in Chicago. Kay's response to the rise of solid-body guitars in the 1950s, such as the Gibson Les Paul.

The K-142 has a neck-through-body construction and is equipped with two original pancake pickups. The Kay has a completely original copper finish with some light flaking here and there. The neck has a chunky profile, but despite its substantial shape, it is surprisingly comfortable. The rosewood fingerboard features block inlays.

We had the Kay refretted and professionally adjusted, which has greatly improved its playability. The original Kluson tuners are still present; however, the knobs had started to shrink, so they have been replaced. The original knobs are of course included.

All electronics work perfectly, with original Stackpole potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors (one capacitor has been replaced, but the original is still present). Furthermore, the guitar is completely original, from the bakelite knobs to the aluminum switch tip.

In short: a rare Kay K-142, with comfortable action and almost completely original, ready for both studio and stage use. Comes with the original, battered chipboard case.