Kay K113 Parlour Guitar - USA 1966-68

Here is a Kay K113 3/4 acoustic guitar, produced between 1966 and 1968 during Kay’s era as one of America’s most prolific and accessible instrument manufacturers. Known for their focus on affordability and mass production, Kay instruments played an important role in bringing guitars to a wider audience throughout the mid-20th century.

This example features a compact 3/4-sized body with a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, balanced tone with a focused midrange and easy response. The smaller body size makes it highly comfortable to play, while still offering a surprisingly full voice for its proportions.

This example features period-correct styling details including tortoise-style soundhole binding, black body binding, and a rosewood fingerboard, along with a distinctive tortoise-shell pickguard that reflects the classic aesthetic of late-1960s Kay instruments. The chunky C-profile neck adds a substantial, vintage feel in the hand.

Playability is relaxed and approachable, with a comfortable neck profile and compact body size making it ideal as a travel instrument or casual player’s guitar. It responds well to light strumming and simple chord work, offering an easy, enjoyable playing experience.

Condition is very good for its age, showing light signs of use consistent with a well-kept vintage instrument. Structurally and cosmetically it presents cleanly overall, with only minor wear visible across the body.

Specifications: 

Year: 1966–1968
Country: USA
Model: Kay K113 3/4
Finish: Natural
Body: Spruce top with mahogany back and sides
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: Not specified (3/4 scale model)
Pickups: Aftermarket Fishman pickup system
Case: Gig bag (good condition)