1955 Kay Thin Twin Semihollow Electric Guitar

Overview: Heart, be still! I love these gorgeous old Thin Twins. This one is in just about as ideal a condition as you could want, too, as it's completely all there except for some replacement tuner buttons. These guitars were used by scores of blues and rock players back in the day and this one has a sales receipt from '55 which pegs it right in the middle of all that mess of music.

Tone: The output from these "blade" pickups is low but warm and clean -- and as you might expect, they sound amazing when put through a driven amp. That's where you can nail that Howlin' Wolf vibe. The extra-long scale length gives it some snap and presence, too.

Feel: The neck is a full C-shape so it's on the heftier side. It has a narrower nut and tightly-radiused board, though, which makes it feel faster than at first appearances.

Interesting features: Well, I mean -- come on! It's got that amazing firestripe pickguard, the multicolor headstock veneer, big block inlay in the board, and trim up the wazoo with figured maple top and back. It's got contrasting mahogany sides and neck, too, which looks grand. I mean, it just keeps going on..

Repairs included: I gave it a neck reset and Ancel leveled/dressed the frets, compensated the bridge for 3-wound, 3-plain stringing, and set it up. It's playing spot-on and ready to go. I think Ancel may have fit a new bone nut as well.

• Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
• Scale length: 25 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 5/8"
• Neck shape: medium-full C
• Board radius: 9 1/2"
• Body width: 14 7/8"
• Body depth: 2 3/4"
• Body wood: ply maple back/top, mahogany sides
• Bridge: rosewood adjustable
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany 2-piece
• Pickups: 2x blade single coils
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 46w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium-wider

Condition notes: It's very clean and completely original except for the tuner buttons which are replacements. There's weather-check throughout the finish and mild wear and tear here and there from use but nothing major.

It comes with: It has its original chip case (in decent shape, but worn) plus original sales materials.

Consignor tag: CKM