Kay K1160 Deco-Note - USA c.1950s

Kay made budget and mid-tier guitars in Chicago by the truckload through the 1950s and 60s, but the K1160 "Deco-Note" is one of the more instantly recognisable models to come out of that factory, thanks to its oversized musical-note-shaped pickguard sweeping up from the bridge toward the soundhole. It's a small, ladder-braced parlor guitar built for the entry-level market of its day, but the styling has made it a genuine favourite with collectors and blues players chasing that boxy, snappy, lo-fi parlor tone.

This example is finished in two-tone sunburst over a faux-flamed top, with cream body binding, a bound fretboard carrying painted rectangular block position markers rather than pearl or celluloid inlay (standard for this tier of Kay), and a rosewood bridge paired with a chrome trapeze-style tailpiece rather than a pin bridge, a construction choice Kay leaned on across its budget flat-tops of the era for extra structural stability over ladder bracing. The peghead carries Kay's shield "K" logo, in use across the brand from the late 1940s through to the mid-1960s, consistent with a 1950s build. Tuners are open-back with cream buttons.

It shows honest, general playwear consistent with age, scuffing to the lacquer on the back and edges, and small dings and finish loss here and there, nothing that affects structural integrity or playability. It comes complete with its case.

Specifications:

Weight: 1.56kg / 3.43lb
Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm
Action at 12th Fret: 2.0mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.54mm
Nut Width: 45.2mm
Width at 12th Fret: 54.57mm
Model: Kay K1160 "Deco-Note" Parlor Guitar
Origin: Made in USA (Kay Musical Instrument Co., Chicago)
Year: Circa 1950s
Finish: Two-Tone Sunburst, Faux-Flamed Top
Body: Plywood Construction, Ladder Braced
Neck: 14-Fret, Poplar
Fingerboard: Bound, Painted Rectangular Block Position Markers
Bridge/Tailpiece: Rosewood Floating Bridge, Chrome Trapeze Tailpiece
Tuners: Open-Back, Cream Buttons
Pickguard: Oversized Musical-Note Shape ("Deco-Note")
Case: Included