I've been away for a while. I've missed you heathens.
I have a story to tell here. Last year I spoke with a friend in southern Illinois about a guitar that he's had forever. It was an old, beat-up Kay acoustic. And when I say old, I mean old. It was a 1937 model. He had often talked about restoring it but, finally came to the conclusion that he would never get it done. He offered to sell it to me. He said he wanted to be sure he got it to someone who would restore it and play it.
I didn't know at the time that it would be the last conversation I ever had with my friend. A couple of weeks after I got this beat-up guitar in my hands I was informed that he had died. So, getting it restored was now not just an honor for me but, an obligation. One that I took seriously. The restoration is now complete and I will try to get a video recorded playing it in the next week or so.
I have attached a "before" and "after" picture. I think she looks rather splendid for 81 years old.
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45 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Fantastic... I’m a vintage collector and love your story. My friend Bob died last week, I’ll be finishing the song we were working on in his honor with plenty of schtick, because he loved schtick
ArdentAtheist
Level 8
Apr 24, 2018
1
So sorry about your friend...
I admire you! Good person and craftsperson! And sense of humor!
Okraqueen45
Level 1
Apr 10, 2018
5
She's beautiful, Duke. Can't wait to hear you play for us.
LuckySeven
Level 4
Apr 10, 2018
4
That is a beautiful guitar. I'm sure you'll enjoy playing it. can we hear your music, by any chance?
springlover
Level 7
Apr 10, 2018
4
Duke:
Yup! There is a video posted on my profile page. And, I'm about to post one playing this guitar.
That guitar is awesome. I love old Kay guitars.
BrightTyger979
Level 6
Apr 10, 2018
4
Really nice work! I look forward to the recording. Is that fingerboard made of Rosewood or Ebony? It's hard to tell from the pics.
kensmile4u
Level 8
Apr 10, 2018
4
Duke:
I believe it's rosewood. I'm not 100% certain though. It's so old it's become discolored. So, it could be rosewood that's darkened with age or, it could be ebony that's faded a bit. But, its the original fretboard and, I think Brazilian rosewood was the go to material in the 30's.
I just saw this posted on Everything Guitar on facebook. Great job!
Tomfoolery33
Level 9
Apr 10, 2018
3
Magnificent. I look forward to hearing you make the old girl sing in honour and memory of her first owner.
FrayedBear
Level 9
Apr 9, 2018
3
You did him proud. That is a nice job of restoration.
Spinliesel
Level 9
June 3, 2018
3
Looks great. I have never even heard of Kay guitars. Hope you enjoy it!
Free2imagine
Level 4
May 21, 2018
3
Wonderful way to honor your friendship! Sorry for that loss....
LucyLoohoo
Level 9
May 16, 2018
3
Enjoy being online again!
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