1977 Kay Model No. K590 Acoustic Guitar

Vintage Korean Gibson Hummingbird copy with hardly a scratch on her, a true closet gem

I have to admit, I picked up this guitar just on looks alone and the fact that the seller lived about 2 miles away from my place didn't hurt either. This previous owner said that it was their grandpa's guitar and I would guess that it has sat in the case, in a closet or under the bed, for the better part of its existence.

This is a lighter acoustic, but definitely a better build than the Kay and Checkmate guitars that I've had in the past, which were produced in Japan in the 1960s. It does play and sound nice, just not quite as pretty as she looks or as nice as others that are laying around right now.

The sunburst finish, hummingbird pickguard and fretboard inlays all give it that classic look. This one not only has a vintage vibe, but is pushing 40 years old itself and looks relatively brand new. I'll slap some new strings on it and give it a shot. Worst-case scenario, it's a useable guitar that will look great on the wall...

Thanks for looking, more high-resolution photos here.

1960s-70s Kay? Model No. G440 Acoustic Guitar

Vintage parlor guitar, guessing on the brand, but it's nearly identical to others I've had, made in Korea

The label inside the soundhole only lists a model number and there is no brand marker on the headstock either. It's nearly identical to a Checkmate Model No. G235 that I also picked up right around the same time, so chances are they're related.

This one plays a little better, even though the neck is separating from the body, so it doesn't stay in tune for very long. Like every Checkmate acoustic guitar that I've ever seen, this one also looks great, which is probably the reason people still collect these to this day.

The double flowered pickguards just invoke the spirit of this one's glory days. These are purely for collectors, they don't play easy enough for beginners and they don't sound anywhere near the level needed for recording and performing.

Thanks for looking, more high-resolution pictures here.