Straight from the era of Marilyn Monroe comes this big curvy blonde! I’m leaning more toward’52, as this guitar has the “trident” fretboard inlays. Later models came with split rectangle inlay. It’s 17 1/4 wide. The sides are 3 1/2″ and the neck is 1 5/8″ wide at the nut. From the top of the bridge to the peak of the back, I’d guess it’s around 5 thick. She’s a BIG girl that’s built for comfort. Like many Silvertone/Kays from this era, the neck is clubby, but is surprisingly comfortable. It appears the neck has had a reset of some kind. There is a gap in the heel, but it’s been stable for the 20+ years I’ve owned this guitar. As far as I can tell, this is all original, except for the tuners. I don’t think this guitar originally came with split posts, but I could be wrong. Luckily this wasn’t bored out to accommodate Schallers or Grovers along the way. You can put new or vintage Klusons on there without a problem. But the scroll bridge, knobs, tailpiece and pickguard are right on, and it comes with a non-original, but very nice hard shell case. Yes, it has it’s share of dings and marks all over it, but it still looks better than Marilyn’s looked in years. Don’t be afraid to make a reasonable offer. But do it quickly as this guitar will also be listed on Reverb. Com and Los Angeles craigslist. The item “1952-56 Silvertone 1354/Kay Aristocrat Blonde Archtop Guitar” is in sale since Tuesday, May 16, 2017. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Electric Guitars”. The seller is “headstock” and is located in Woodland Hills, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Brand: Kay
- Model Year: ’52-’56
- Model: 1354
- Soundboard Style: Archtop
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Items Included: Hard Shell Case
- Dexterity: Right-Handed
- Body Color: Blonde
- Features: Engraved Headstock/Pick Guard
- Body Material: Spruce
- String Configuration: 5 String
- Body Type: Hollow
- Size: 17″