1960s Kay K-300, Natural

A superb 1960s Kay K-300, finished in Natural, complete with its original card case.

Built in Chicago, USA, the K-300 is a fantastic example of the affordable catalogue-era guitars that have become increasingly appreciated in recent years. Full of quirky period detail, great looks and a sound all of its own, this is a very cool slice of American vintage at a far more accessible price point than many of its better-known contemporaries.

The guitar is in excellent condition overall. The laminated maple top and back are clean and present very well, with plenty of attractive figuring visible through the Natural finish. Construction comprises of a three-bolt neck join, single-piece maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard with rounded block inlays.

The period Kay details are all present and correct, including the “music stand” truss rod cover, tortoiseshell celluloid peghead cover with K logo, matching pickguard, gold hardware throughout, wooden adjustable bridge and gold plated bridge cover.

Electrically, the guitar retains its original Kay “Speedbump” pickups, which sound superb. One has been rewound by Aaron Armstrong and both were wax potted. They have a bright, open and slightly raw single coil character, with plenty of attack. The loom was corroded, so it has been replaced, with the original loom retained in the case. The control layout comprises a three-way rotary pickup selector and a four-knob configuration, giving individual volume and tone controls for each pickup.

Measurements are very comfortable, with a nut width of 42.5mm, a neck depth of 23.5mm at the 1st fret and 25mm at the 12th. Pickup readings are 5.52k at the neck and 5.60k at the bridge.

A fantastic affordable vintage guitar with loads of personality, great period looks and a genuinely superb set of "Speedbump" pickups. Complete with its original card case and bridge cover, this is an excellent set and a very charming example!