Kay Guitars unveils reissues of Barney Kessel signature models
Recreations of three jazz guitars from the 50s.
Kay Guitar Company has reissued three Barney Kessel signature models: the K1700V Pro, K6700V Artist and K8700V Jazz Special.
Kessel, a legendary figure in jazz guitar history, had originally worked with Kay Guitar on three hollowbodies in the late 50s. Taking cues from their forebears, these reissues are a hat tip to the Wrecking Crew axeman. Here’s a closer look:
Elements from the original
The three reissues share features inspired by the original Kessels. The Artist and Jazz Special each sport a Bat Wing-shaped lucite pickguard with a gold leaf Barney Kessel signature and gold “K” chevron emblem. The Pro’s lucite pickguard, however, only features Kessel’s signature.
Other familiar elements include a Kelvinator headstock (a nod to Kelvinator refrigerators of the era) and a pair of gold, Kleenex box-shaped single-coils voiced for a warm 50s tone. These pups can be shaped by four reflector “radio knobs” – two volume and two tone – as well as a three-way pickup selector.
Design specifications
All three axes feature a single-cut, arched top hollowbody build. The Artist and Jazz Special have a parabolic arched flame maple back, flame maple sides and a three-ply spruce top with f-holes. The Pro shares similar tonewood specs, but features a three-ply flame maple top instead.
All three guitars have a 24.75-inch scale length. Their body widths, however, differ. They measure 13-, 15.6- and 17-inches for the Pro, the Artist and the Jazz Special respectively.
All three models are available in Natural Blonde and Tobacco Sunburst finishes. The Pro has an added option of a Jet Black finish.
Each guitar lists from $800. More info at kayvintagereissue.com.
