1950s Kay-made K&K Seranola Archtop Guitar

Update 2021: this guy's back for resale to cover some repair costs for its owner, so I've updated the post with some fresh pics, a slightly-updated description, and a second (new) video.

While this all-ply-mahogany box might not be upscale in the materials department, it does look like a winner. The design style suggests mid-to-late '50s in build and it's definitely made by Kay in Chicago. It has their typical very-long 25 7/8" scale length and the press-arched body is lightweight and fun to handle.

Unlike the average Kay archtop for the time, this one features nice-looking ply mahogany throughout the body and an actual mahogany neck (rather than dark-stained poplar). That neck, when combined with the cherry-sunburst finish and high-contrast cream accents, gives it a classy appearance. 

I recently added a K&K acoustic pickup to it with a jack near the endpin. I couldn't resist it since the headstock says K&K. It sounds faithful but does sound best with a little extra bass dialed-in at a mixer or acoustic amp's EQ.

Work included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, side dots install, new tuners, compensation of the bridge topper/saddle, mild cleaning, and a setup. I also added a K&K acoustic pickup and jack to it.

Made by: Kay

Made in: Chicago, IL, USA

Top wood: ply mahogany

Back & sides wood: ply mahogany

Bracing type: tonebar

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 54w, 40w, 30w, 22w, 16, 12 custom set

Neck shape: medium-big C

Board radius: ~10"

Truss rod: non-adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium

Scale length: 25 13/16"

Nut width: 1 3/4"

Body length: 20"

Body width: 15 1/2"

Body depth: 3 3/4" + arching

Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz

Condition notes: minor scratching, scuffs, and usewear throughout, but overall quite clean and pretty. All original save new tuners and an extra strap button at the heel. There is one patched-in tiny screwhole on the side, upper-bout where someone installed a strap button poorly. There's a pickup jack below the endpin.