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
Bob said…
So similar to the unmarked Kay I bought from you a few years ago, including the big decal and the (in my case almost worn off) decal on the pickguard. But mine is lacking the KayKraft pearloid overlay on the headstock, and the tuners have black knobs instead of white. Still sounds great, and your setup has held up well. In fact the two look so similar, that I almost wonder if this could have been sold as a KayKraft, and some shy owner removed that gaudy nameplate? Or maybe it was just a lower priced option in the catalog?
Question, just in case you see this, does stewmac or someone sell an easy-fit set of replacement tuners for this model? Thanks!
March 5, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Bob said…
Initials of the buyer! So that's what the HE was about! I didn't think musicians were into announcing their pronouns 80 years ago! ;-)
March 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM
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