Vintage Kay Auditorium Acoustic Guitar K5160 1963-65

Description

It was very hard to find information on this guitar.
The most useful source was an article by S. Nathaniel Adams called Identifying and Dating Kay Guitars. A google search will lead you to the website.
The year was narrowed down based on headstock shape and logo (T) type, fret markers, neck and reinforcements, tail piece, pick guard, and catalogues.
This is a true vintage item, and should be treated as such. The action is very high due to the neck not having a truss rod. If you have the ability to have a neck reset done, go for it. And try to keep string tension as light as possible to avoid further bowing. The strings that are on her are 11s. There are no markings or serial numbers anywhere on this instrument (quite common for Kay guitars, no standards were applied in manufacturing). This item is in fair condition.
Specs:
Manufactured between 1963-1965
Made in USA (All Kays until 1969)
25.5” Scale length (same as Fender)
Original Kay tailpiece
Floating bridge
19 frets (no fret sprout, incredibly)
Sunburst finish all around
The T shaped Kay logo is missing from the headstock, you can still see the original holes
Painted “binding” on top and back
Pinlines following body contour on the top
Original Kay pickguard
Bolt on neck has a D shape, very advanced for the time period
Open back vintage style tuning keys
This instrument is very tough to play due to the very high string height, and would not be recommended for a beginner
It works great as a slide guitar if you’re into that
Additionally, it should be taken to a professional who can perform a proper neck reset, and if desired, have a truss rod installed
Given the information provided, we arrive at this reasonable price for a vintage 60’s instrument
Make her sing!