old kraftsman venetian solid top?

LYNYRD L · #1 11-09-2019, 02:25 PM

Any idea year/value? I cant find any info on this exact model.. especially any with no sound hole like this one .. plays and sounds greaT!

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DanR · #2 11-09-2019, 06:48 PM

I can't help with info but that is a cool looking guitar.

LYNYRD L · #3 11-09-2019, 11:10 PM

my guess is that its from the 30s and made by Gibson? since it has the dovetail neck joint?

MC5C · #4 11-10-2019, 08:02 AM

It's a Kay Kraft from the 1930's, made by Kay and sold under several names including Old Kraftsman for the Spiegel department store. https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...t-archtop.html Some had unique adjustable neck joints to adjust neck angle. https://uniqueguitar.blogspot.com/20...ft-guitar.html

LYNYRD L · #5 11-10-2019, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the info! My dilemma is this particular guitar has the dovetail neck joint that isn't adjustable and only f holes and no sound port.. I cant find a single spec of info or even a pic like the one I got..

Dadzmad · #6 11-10-2019, 05:52 PM

I remember seeing Old Kraftsman guitars on the used racks occasionally decades ago and was told they were sold by Sears (not at all disputing the above) looks pre war Chicago area built. If Sears they listed models as good, better, or best in the catalog - you have the latter there. An an old American gem for sure.

MC5C · #7 11-11-2019, 01:57 PM

Sears sold Silvertone brand instruments and electronics in their stores and catalog. While often made by Kay, they were also made by many other manufacturers. Sears did not offer Old Kraftsman branded instruments.

John Arnold · #8 11-13-2019, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Sears sold Silvertone brand instruments and electronics in their stores and catalog. While often made by Kay, they were also made by many other manufacturers. Sears did not offer Old Kraftsman branded instruments.

Sears also sold Supertone before Silvertone, and I believe Harmony was one of the other makers.
Probably confused with the Craftsman brand, which is Sears.
Isn't a sound port a recent fad?

twanguero · #9 11-29-2019, 12:42 PM

I have one of these but it's a 12 fret, round hole model from the 20's. It sounds really great! I use it for country, blues, gypsy jazz...it's got a nice bite/twang to it and it's loud

I haven't seen the F hole version, but it's definitely a Kay Kraft made in Chicago in the 30's. You're lucky the neck is set and doesn't have one of those plastic adjustable bushings...