Funky thrift store find

[musical5]

Originally Posted by SixStingString

not a gibson - definately a kay,
I was able to match it to my encyclopedia. Possibly the lower end of their line looking at the plain headstock. It looks like a 1950's era. In 56 they came out with a "kelvinator" plastic headstock named for their resemblance to a sears appliance line. Later they came out with semi-kelvinator headstocks. My guess is this was a semi that they fumbled with the headstock and probably added the gibson label as the other poster stated. They did make solid and laminates for this so it fits.

Coud you provide a pic showing a Kay with that headstock? Appreciate it.

THx

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by musical5

Coud you provide a pic showing a Kay with that headstock? Appreciate it.

THx

There are actually quite a few different Kay "Kelvinator" headstock variations. Here's a sampling:
















The second pair of photos, with the silkscreened Kay logo, is probably the one closest to what's on that mystery archtop. There wouldn't have needed to be any removal of metal plates or filling of screwholes with this peghead, just stripping off the paint would be all it would take.

The last photo shows the same peghead design, though - strictly speaking - it's not a "Kelvinator" headstock.

Hope this helps.


whm

[Frwyguy]

That is one nice mama! I like it alot. Man, cool axe bro!

[Bobby1949]

Looks a lot like my 1957 Harmony Broadway Archtop.