1945 – 1946 Kay Imperial Archtop Acoustic Guitar ALL ORIGINAL Exc + Orig Case

1945 – 1946 Kay Imperial Archtop Acoustic Guitar ALL ORIGINAL Exc + Orig Case

This beauty was made right at the tail-end of World War II in Chicago. This is a 1945 or 1946 Kay Imperial archtop acoustic guitar with serial number 795. Kay made this model only in those two years. It is in all-original condition, with original finish and hardware.
 
Kay had a bunch of high-end guitar models, and this is definitely one of them. It has a solid carved spruce top and an incredible flame-maple back. The bindings are very interesting, because it actually has two bindings. The outer binding is white and the inner binding is tortoise-shell style. The top and bottom boards have both sets of bindings, as well as the f-holes and fretboard. The double bindings gives the guitar a more elegant overall look.
 
The headstock is highly unusual and rare. It has a layer of tortoise-shell style celluloid with a mini binding along its edge. Wow!
 
It seems that Kay made at least two variations of the Imperial guitar. This is certainly the higher-end model. The custom-looking headstock, the double bindings, the diamond-shaped dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard, the carved spruce top, and the five-part neck speak of a higher quality instrument.
 
The guitar has an amazing full sound that comes from it’s beautiful design and construction, its solid woods, and its large (near jumbo) size.
 
A vintage case is included with the guitar. I cannot guarantee that it is original or not, but it is an older chip-board style case.
 
Condition:
This guitar is in very good to excellent condition and everything is all original. 
  • There are minor scuffs, light scratches and nicks on the body (front, back and sides).
  • There is a minor nick at the top of the headstock. 
  • The frets are narrow and thin, and in great condition. 
  • The neck is fairly straight. 
  • Newer pickguard.
  • Light tarnish on the tailpiece.
Dimensions:
  • Nut width: 42.7mm or 1 11/16″
  • Scale (nut to bridge length): 25 3/4″
  • Action:
  • Overall width: 16 7/8″
  • Overall depth: 3 3/8″
  • Overall length: 42 5/8″
  • Fretboard radius:
We are now using more recycled packing material in all of our guitar shipments!

 

Free shipping in the United States. Please feel free to ask questions.

Stand in the pictures is not for sale.

Description

This beauty was made right at the tail-end of World War II in Chicago. This is a 1945 or 1946 Kay Imperial archtop acoustic guitar with serial number 795. Kay made this model only in those two years. It is in all-original condition, with original finish and hardware. Kay had a bunch of high-end guitar models, and this is definitely one of them. It has a solid carved spruce top and an incredible flame-maple back. The bindings are very interesting, because it actually has two bindings. The outer binding is white and the inner binding is tortoise-shell style. The top and bottom boards have both sets of bindings, as well as the f-holes and fretboard. The double bindings gives the guitar a more elegant overall look. The headstock is highly unusual and rare. It has a layer of tortoise-shell style celluloid with a mini binding along its edge. Wow! It seems that Kay made at least two variations of the Imperial guitar. This is certainly the higher-end model. The custom-looking headstock, the double bindings, the diamond-shaped dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard, the carved spruce top, and the five-part neck speak of a higher quality instrument. The guitar has an amazing full sound that comes from it’s beautiful design and construction, its solid woods, and its large (near jumbo) size. A vintage case is included with the guitar. I cannot guarantee that it is original or not, but it is an older chip-board style case. Condition:This guitar is in very good to excellent condition and everything is all original.

  • There are minor scuffs, light scratches and nicks on the body (front, back and sides).
  • There is a minor nick at the top of the headstock.
  • The frets are narrow and thin, and in great condition.
  • The neck is fairly straight.
  • Newer pickguard.
  • Light tarnish on the tailpiece.

Dimensions:

  • Nut width: 42.7mm or 1 11/16″
  • Scale (nut to bridge length): 25 3/4″
  • Action:
  • Overall width: 16 7/8″
  • Overall depth: 3 3/8″
  • Overall length: 42 5/8″
  • Fretboard radius:

We are now using more recycled packing material in all of our guitar shipments!

Free shipping in the United States. Please feel free to ask questions.

Stand in the pictures is not for sale.

Additional information

Brand

Kay
Model

Imperial
Year

1945

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