1960 Kay Kelvinator K8127 "Solo Special" Model
Description
This was the Top-of-the-Line acoustic flattop offering from Kay and I feel it looks quite majestic!
This model was available from 1957 until 1965 based on both my online and Kay catalog research.
Dating Kay guitars isn't straightforward and the serial numbering system doesn't seem to offer much in the way of clues. As far as i can tell, this particular version of the K8127, which features a Half-Kelvinator (Black) headstock, is short lived. From what i can tell, this Kelvinator headstock model runs from about 1959 until about 1962. Before and after that, the headstock isn't a Kelvinator, making this version 1 of the cooler looking versions. The tuners are single-line Klusons, which is another clue as to the age of the guitar. I don't see a Kelvinator Headstock on this model after 1962 in the Kay catalogs, so this tells me, this guitar was most likely made between 1959 - 1962 guitar.
This model has some cool features. I am including a shot of the 1960 catalog which outlines the features of this model. The Sunburst Maple back and sides with a Natural Spruce top is a really interesting look and that headstock can't be beat!
Overall length is 43" it's 17 1/4" wide at lower bout and 4 1/2" depth.
The Scale length is 25 3/4" and the Nut Width is 1 11/16".
I have owned this guitar for 35 years and it is in excellent all-original condition as the photos reveal. The action is good and it plays nicely but it CAN be lowered, if you notice the bridge saddle can come down. I was collecting this and wasn't playing it so i didn't ever change the setup. The neck appears healthy and the frets are in very good condition too, but it would benefit from pro setup.
The guitar is overall in EXCELLENT condition, there are no cracks and it has a healthy condition Spruce Top that has not warped or cracked.
When strummed, the sound is warm, and deep. This guitar is heavily built, i'd consider it more of a strummer than a finger-picker.
The Case is original and in decent, usable condition. The handle and all latches are working, although cosmetically, it looks a little rough, but it's 65 years old.
Insured Shipping to any Continental US location is $149.90
This model was available from 1957 until 1965 based on both my online and Kay catalog research.
Dating Kay guitars isn't straightforward and the serial numbering system doesn't seem to offer much in the way of clues. As far as i can tell, this particular version of the K8127, which features a Half-Kelvinator (Black) headstock, is short lived. From what i can tell, this Kelvinator headstock model runs from about 1959 until about 1962. Before and after that, the headstock isn't a Kelvinator, making this version 1 of the cooler looking versions. The tuners are single-line Klusons, which is another clue as to the age of the guitar. I don't see a Kelvinator Headstock on this model after 1962 in the Kay catalogs, so this tells me, this guitar was most likely made between 1959 - 1962 guitar.
This model has some cool features. I am including a shot of the 1960 catalog which outlines the features of this model. The Sunburst Maple back and sides with a Natural Spruce top is a really interesting look and that headstock can't be beat!
Overall length is 43" it's 17 1/4" wide at lower bout and 4 1/2" depth.
The Scale length is 25 3/4" and the Nut Width is 1 11/16".
I have owned this guitar for 35 years and it is in excellent all-original condition as the photos reveal. The action is good and it plays nicely but it CAN be lowered, if you notice the bridge saddle can come down. I was collecting this and wasn't playing it so i didn't ever change the setup. The neck appears healthy and the frets are in very good condition too, but it would benefit from pro setup.
The guitar is overall in EXCELLENT condition, there are no cracks and it has a healthy condition Spruce Top that has not warped or cracked.
When strummed, the sound is warm, and deep. This guitar is heavily built, i'd consider it more of a strummer than a finger-picker.
The Case is original and in decent, usable condition. The handle and all latches are working, although cosmetically, it looks a little rough, but it's 65 years old.
Insured Shipping to any Continental US location is $149.90