c.1957 Kay K8990 Upbeat
The Kay Gold Line Upbeat models were built from 1956 to 1960 and featured the company’s Gold Line (AKA Kleenex-box) pickups, Kelvinator headstocks, sparkle pickguards and black finish. These were showy guitars that were positioned near the top of Kay’s pricelist, and were designed with a decidedly modern look. At nearly 17” wide, they are quite large and very well suited for Jazz, especially given the Gold Line pickup’s characteristic clean and clear tone.
This example is a wonderful sounding guitar, with a smooth and even response, nice brightness, and excellent clarity. It plays nicely, thanks to some in-depth set-up work done here that included a new bridge top. The Bigsby is non-original but a welcomed addition, and the pickup heights have been adjusted for optimal balance. The guitar plays well with original frets that are in better-than-average shape as well as original electronics. Original tuners, pickguard, and control knobs.
C-shaped neck carve with 1-3/4” nut width, long scale, and good neck angle.
With 50’s Epiphone Hardshell case
This example is a wonderful sounding guitar, with a smooth and even response, nice brightness, and excellent clarity. It plays nicely, thanks to some in-depth set-up work done here that included a new bridge top. The Bigsby is non-original but a welcomed addition, and the pickup heights have been adjusted for optimal balance. The guitar plays well with original frets that are in better-than-average shape as well as original electronics. Original tuners, pickguard, and control knobs.
C-shaped neck carve with 1-3/4” nut width, long scale, and good neck angle.
With 50’s Epiphone Hardshell case