This Kay (1957 or 1958) (Western Rhythm) K-6000 is the same (ultra-rare) model made famous by the great Elmore James. This instrument was a deluxe, high end and beautifully appointed instrument in the Kay lineup. It features a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides with cream binding. Ebony bridge, original Kanti-Lever truss rod system, original Kluson waffelback tuners, cream abound headstock with mother of pearl inlay. My research tells me that the serial numbers for, I guess, most Kay instruments are useless.
This guitar is a boomer with great tone and projection. Its a great player and takes medium gage strings easily.
I was surprised to see that the Kay-6000 is not listed in the 2023 Vintage Guitar Price Guide. I'm also surprised VG Magazine, Fretboard Journal or anybody else for that matter has never done a story on such an iconic and fine instrument. Maybe they have, and I missed it. I haven't searched, but if they had, Id assume it would have appeared in the Price Guide. How could an instrument this historically significant be so off the guitar aficionado radar? Correct me if Im wrong about any of this. I have it priced kinda high (or do I?) as I post this, partly because I'm not sure Im ready to sell it. Doesn't mean I won't consider reasonable offers. Please feel free to ask questions or contribute historical information.