~1963 Kay Auditorium 6116 Walnut Sunburst

Kay 'Jumbo' 6116 c 1963 | | (v2428) Kay's "Gleaming Super Auditorium Model K6116" appeared in its catalogs from 1957-1965. Priced at $54.95 it was near the top of the acoustic lineup. In addition to the hyberbolic 'gleaming...' attribution, we find that the guitar is also promoted with a "THIN-LITE neck with adjustable truss rod". Overall, it's a big-bodied guitar made with decent materials, and this particular example arguably fits the 'gleaming' category.

The ladder-braced top is solid spruce with an attractive 'walnut' sunburst. The bridge is made from Brazilian rosewood and is the 'wrap-around' type seen on other makers guitars in this era. The top and sound hole are bound in black/white 'zipper' binding. The white celluloid pick guard is held to the top with wood screws. The body is maple laminate showing a very attractive 'tiger' grain and the same walnut sunburst. The neck is likely poplar with the same 'burst on back. The fingerboard is Brazilian, joins the body at the 14th fret, is bound in white celluloid and features the large Kay-style dot inlays. The neck is carved in a chunky 'C' and has an adjustable truss rod. The head stock features the Kay 'Kelvinator' metal plate which was commonly seen on their higher end models.

The body measures 15 1/2" across at the lower bout, and scale length is 25 3/4". The fingerboard measures 1 9/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/16" across at the saddle. Action is set a ~ 6/64".

The guitar is in near-mint condition, quite the survivor! The original finish sparkles in its 'gleaming' attractiveness, and there are only a few nicks that hint at its age. There is no evidence of prior repairs, and no cracks or damage. The original tuners have been replaced.

The guitar can really boom, especially when played with a plectrum, ..a nice rhythm guitar for a small combo.

Comes with a newer hard case.