1950’s Kay K-43
The K-43 was Kay’s effort to thwart the popularity of Gibson’s 17” archtops amongst guitarists of the 1950s. Needless to say, it didn’t work, but the 17” jumbo-bodied Kay K-43 remains a pretty darn cool guitar.
This one sounds great. With a 17 inch-wide top and all that airspace underneath to offset the otherwise heavy build, the guitar has an open voice and woody low end that makes everyone who plays it smile. It’s a really big guitar, and it feels that way, so if you’re 5’8” or shorter or are looking for a first guitar for your 8-year-old to learn on, maybe consider a different instrument. The neck has a fairly massive and clubby D-shaped carve too, which adds to the big feel of the guitar.
With great action and an easy-playing set-up this K-43 is a fun guitar to add to the arsenal. It’s a bluesy and rootsy lo-fi thing that sounds better than its price suggests.
This one sounds great. With a 17 inch-wide top and all that airspace underneath to offset the otherwise heavy build, the guitar has an open voice and woody low end that makes everyone who plays it smile. It’s a really big guitar, and it feels that way, so if you’re 5’8” or shorter or are looking for a first guitar for your 8-year-old to learn on, maybe consider a different instrument. The neck has a fairly massive and clubby D-shaped carve too, which adds to the big feel of the guitar.
With great action and an easy-playing set-up this K-43 is a fun guitar to add to the arsenal. It’s a bluesy and rootsy lo-fi thing that sounds better than its price suggests.