Florentine K-72 Model Hollow Body Electric Mandolin, made by Kay, c. 1959, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer finish, maple body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original grey chipboard case.
This model is an unbranded version of Kay's fanciest electric mandolin from the later 1950's built with the company's own unique asymmetrical "Venetian" body shape in a reddish sunburst finish. This one is most similar to the company's K-72 catalog model but with a plain unbranded headstock. Internally there is a "N-3" ink stamp under the treble side F-hole; but this factory marking is generic and found on many older Kays.
Cosmetics are medium-fancy: The bound laminated spruce top has checkerboard trim, the bound rosewood fingerboard is decorated with pearloid block inlay. This one has the older style engraved and painted pickguard that harks back to Kay's early 1950s aesthetic; along with the older "blade" pickup this gives this 8-stringer a certain kinship with the celebrated "Thin Twin" model. The lack of a headstock logo (and no sign one was ever there) indicates this one was likely originally sold by a catalog jobber. While not a high-end piece this is a good sounding and very sharp looking electric mandolin, especially suited to a blues pedigree.
Overall length is 27 in. (68.6 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) width, and 1 9/16 in. (4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This is a relatively clean, all original fittings and finish with just general light play wear and no alterations. The neck is on solidly (most are not!)making this better player than many of there, It not only has a straighter neck than most but has received a recent well-executed neck reset. There are added strap buttons at the heel and under the tailpiece; the cover of which (like many) has gone missing. This is certainly a looker in its own slightly oddball way, a cool and functional electric mandolin complete with the original SSC. Excellent - Condition.
