1970s Kay K-72S Starter Series Parlor Guitar Sunburst – Perfect Traveler

A tiny, scrappy 1970s Kay parlor that punches way above its weight – light, loud, and ridiculously fun to play. Perfect for travel, campfire duty or couch play. Nickname: “The Great Kay-holio”! 

This example has a sunburst finish, a black pick guard and a soundhole rosette motif. The headstock is branded with one of the later-era Kay logos. One of those little plastic hoohickeys on one of the capstans is missing. It has a “STAR-TER SERIES” soundhole label listing model number “K-72S” and “Made In Taiwan”. 

The Kay K-72S Starter Series parlor-sized acoustic guitar is a student special made in Taiwan in the 1970s. Built in the spirit of Harmony Stella-style folk guitars and similar catalog acoustics, only this one is a couple inches smaller than standard in both scale and overall length.

This little thing plays great! The action feels low for this kind of guitar – approximately 3mm at the 12th fret on the bass side. Cheap + cheerful, it’s a most effortless grab-and-go player.

SPECS

Make: Kay K-72S Starter Series Parlor Guitar

Nickname: “The Great Kay-holio” 

Year: 1970s 

Color: Sunburst w/ black pick guard, white painted border line, black and white rosette 

Serial No.: None 

Made: Taiwan 

Scale: 21-1/2" 

Frets: 18 (plus zero fret) 

Body: Plywood 

Neck: Wood 

Markers: Painted dots 

Nut: Synthetic 

Nut width: 1-3/4" 

Tuners: Kluson-style 3x3 single line 

Bridge: Nickel-plated trapeze tailpiece, floating timber bridge w/ synthetic saddle 

Overall length: 34" 

Body length: 16" 

Depth: 3" 

Upper bout: 9" 

Lower bout: 12" 

Case: No 

Strings: Martin MA535 Custom Light phosphor bronze – .011, .015, .022, .032, .042, .052 

Note: Information provided is to the best of our knowledge. This is a vintage instrument and shows normal wear consistent with age. Please refer to the listing photos for the cosmetic condition of each individual item prior to clicking the “Gimme!” button. Items are sold “as is”, no returns. Thank you for respecting that. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and have a Fun Time kinda day.