1930s Kay Kraft 2-Point Archtop Mandolin



Overview: This guy is the mandolin equivalent to the classic Kay Kraft/Kay 2-point archtop guitars. It's likely a late-'30s model and has all of the features of the time. It sounds nice -- chirpy and midsy and direct -- and looks great in its decalcomania glory. It's not really aggressive enough for bluegrass, but it will do old time, Celtic, country blues, and whatnot just dandy.


Repairs included: This got a neck reset from Tim, a fret level/dress job and side dots from Molly, and a setup from Jose. It originally did not have an adjustable bridge but we had a spare, vintage one to use and that got compensated and fit to this one. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

  • Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
  • Scale length: 13 15/16"
  • Nut width: 1 1/8"
  • Neck shape: medium V
  • Board radius: flat
  • Depth at first fret: .78"
  • Depth at seventh fret: .85"
  • Body width: 10"
  • Body depth: 2 1/2"
  • Top wood: solid spruce
  • Back & sides wood: ply mahogany
  • Bracing type: tonebar
  • Bridge: adjustable rosewood
  • Fretboard: ebonized maple
  • Neck wood: maple or poplar
  • Action height at 12th fret: 1/16”
  • String gauges: 34w-10
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: There are lots of light scratches and scuffs throughout the finish and weather-check here and there, too. The decals on the pickguard are quite worn-down. The bridge is unoriginal but everything else is original. 


It comes with: It doesn't have an official case, but I will include something if I have a spare at the time of shipping.


Consignor tag: CKAM

















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Comments

Nick R said…
In the late 30s and on into the early 40s the Kay Kraft name was revived and seen on just Montgomery Ward retailed Kay made mandolins- be they the Venetian versions like this or the pear-shaped model that Kay introduced in 1939. The Wards Venetians had the gold decal on the body and also the pickguard- as well as the Kay Kraft name and this one has the other typical detail the mail order companies offered- the initials of the buyer.
February 8, 2026 at 4:43 AM
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