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1960s Kay Jazz II Vintage Electric Guitar Barney Kessel Kleenex Box P-35 w/ Case

Estimated price for orientation: 1 379 $

Category: Electric Guitar
Class:











Description
Dexterity: Right-Handed Model: Jazz II
String Configuration: 6 String MPN: Does Not Apply
Brand: Kay Exact Year: 1960s
Body Type: Hollow Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
UPC: Does not apply


Up for sale, a 1960's Kay Jazz II in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. One of Kay's top tier offerings, this Jazz II features a pair of Gibson made "Kleenex Box" P-35 pickups that have a big, articulate single coil tone. Not unlike a P-90, but with more sparkle and clarity in the treble frequencies, the Kleenex Box pickups were seen on the famed Barney Kessel model Kays, and a Jazz II was even seen played by Eric Clapton in his early years. This particular Jazz II has a very full and authoritative acoustic tone, with a rich sustaining quality that shines both on its own and through the Gibson-made pickups. Weighing only 7lbs on the dot and decked out with some of the finest hardware of its day including stock Grover Rotomatic tuners and a distinct cosmetic variation of the Bigsby vibrato made exclusively for Kay, this guitar is an incredible value and one of the nicest Jazz IIs we've had to date. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar and strung with a fresh set of nickel 10-46 strings, this Jazz II plays exceptionally well and has a huge sound.The neck has a chunky V profile that fills the palm comfortably, and has a very solid feel and consistent depth as you move up the fretboard. The stock frets are in fantastic shape, retaining their full, original height and showing only the faintest wear down near the nut with virtually no wear up the neck. The guitar frets cleanly all the way up the neck with no untoward buzzing or dead spots and this is hands down one of the easiest to play Kay instruments we've ever had in the shop. The neck is straight, the truss rod is responsive and this expertly crafted, USA-made Kay does not disappoint! On the headstock, the "Kay" metal shield logo is clean and intact, and the original pat. pending Grover Rotomatic tuners work very well. The original nut measures a full 1 5/8" in width, and the scale length is 25 1/2".On the body, all of the electronics work as they should and all of the original hardware is intact including the very cool and rare Bigsby vibrato with gold insert. Seen only on select high end Kay instruments, this rare Bigsby works great with its original spring and jumps back into tune well. The Brazilian rosewood bridge and saddle add a certain mellowness to the tone, and thumbwheels on the bridge have plenty of height left for future adjustment. The clear DeArmond-made knobs with silver inserts are intact and very clean as well, as is the original "flag" shaped Kay pickguard.Cosmetically, the guitar is quite clean with the original two-tone ice tea sunburst finish. The lacquer finish is 100% original and unfaded, with the grain of the curly maple body showing consistent, subtle figuring, especially on the back of the instrument. The guitar shows very light vertical lacquer checking across the body, as well as faint surface oxidation on the Bigsby and light wear on the edges of the pickup rings. There are a few assorted light scratches and nicks on the body as a whole, along with a couple finish chips around the neck bolts, along the lower bout back edge near the strap button, and along the top edge of the headstock. Overall, this Kay is a particularly nice example with zero cracks or repairs and no serious wear of any kind. The Kay Jazz II is one of the most enduringly popular models produced by the Kay company and a great choice for gigging or studio work!A vintage gray chipboard case with blue interior is included. The case retains original latches and handle, although there is wear consistent with the age of the case around the stitching on the top in particular.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $60, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!