Oahu Jumbo Model 71K Conversion Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Kay, c. 1937, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer with stenciling finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
This Oahu has undergone an excellent conversion from its original Hawaiian setup to Spanish style. This is the earlier, 14 5/8" body 12 fret version of the classic Oahu Jumbo with a factory X-braced top giving a much more sophisticated tone than the later, larger heavier ladder braced examples. This guitar was originally sold through Oahu's teaching studios for $98.00, quite a sum in the late 1930's, and was touted as a fully professional grade instrument. The dark sunburst top has an elaborate gold scroll decoration, and the back and sides are subtly sunbursted as well. The elaborate headstock shape is a trademark of this model. This instrument was in the highest echelon of what Kay in Chicago built, and is a very nice example of one of the 1930's most distinctive guitars.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). A superb conversion to Spanish style for standard play; the neck is rounded down to a deep "C" profile with an excellent period style refret and arched fingerboard, and a perfect replica bridge with a slanted saddle. The guitar body has some average finish wear, a sealed crack to the rim near the treble side of the heel and several repaired top cracks, all well done but not overfinished. The original tuners (the very first Safe-Ti-String style) and the original bakelite screw-on pickguard are intact (now mounted, but the guitar was played for some time with it off as there is wear underneath). A striking looking and very powerful sounding prewar guitar, with a nice maple bite underlaid with an X-braced depth. Excellent - Condition.
