It seems like no other guitar is as synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll as the Gibson SG. But how does a Kay knock-off stack up? Today we’re looking at two guitars that look very similar but are actually worlds apart. Delve into the history of the …
Episode 5: The Kay Vanguard – Genius or Fluke?
In this episode of The Local Pickup, Jason and Chris continue wearing red shirts and talking about vintage guitars! This week’s subject is a Kay Vanguard from the ’60s, one of the most successful guitars of that era. This simple, inexpensive guitar was available everywhere, including …
Episode 4: 1960s Japanese Guitars
In Episode 4 of TLP, Jason and Chris talk about a few different guitars made in 1960s Japan and what makes them each so special and uniquely Japanese. During the ’60s, many American and Italian guitar companies outsourced manufacturing to Japan, which had a very distinct …
Late 1960s Kay K1 SG Made in Japan
Kay K1 SG Kay was a large guitar manufacturer in the US in their own right (one of the largest) in the 50s and early 60s. Then in the late sixties and seventies, they became a brand importing Japanese-made American guitar knock-offs. The Japanese guitar makers …
1963 Kay Vanguard
This vintage Kay Vanguard electric was made in the USA in 1963. The guitar is completely original except the knobs and one of the tiny screws in the pick guard. The De’Armond pickup has very warm tone. The guitar plays great and sounds great. It has …