Kay Kraft Style C Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Kay, c. 1932, made in Chicago, natural lacquer finish, rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebonized maple fingerboard.
A nice example of the top model in the early KayKraft line of "Venetian" bodied round hole archtops. This guitar has a beautifully grained laminate rosewood body along with fancy appointments and topped Kay's 3-guitar "KayKraft" line,with an original list price of $45.00. The natural spruce top has flashy checkerboard binding over two inner layers; the back, fingerboard and soundhole rim are similarly appointed. The adjustable neck is secured by a huge wing nut internally on neck block, which actually works quite well for setting the action although a fairly short-lived feature. The fingerboard has large shaped pearl inlay, the white pearloid headstock is adorned with a gold-painted raised "Kay Kraft" logo and edge decoration. This is a very rare guitar; the mahogany-body Style A was sold in large numbers at $25.00 but the Style C's higher price probably made it a difficult sale during the depression-the model is seldom seen today. A very well-made and uniquely attractive instrument.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 3/4 in. (654 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). A nice example with some wear overall; tuners are modern replacements and elevated pickguard is missing. Original bridge solid wood has been reworked somewhat. Very good sound from this rare Depression-era gem! Overall Excellent Condition.
