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60s Kay Truetone

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Step back in time with the 60s Kay Truetone, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that channels the spirit of a golden era in music. Known for its distinctive vintage tone, this guitar is a favorite among musicians looking to capture the classic sounds of the 1960s. The semi-hollowbody design offers a harmonious blend of acoustic resonance and electric bite, making it versatile for various styles, from rock to jazz.

The 60s Kay Truetone boasts a laminated maple body that ensures durability and a rich sound profile. Its slim neck is perfect for smooth playability, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable surface for expressive playing. Classic single-coil pickups add to its authentic tonal character, delivering a bright and clear sound that stands out on stage or in the studio.

Whether you're a collector, performer, or recording artist, the 60s Kay Truetone provides an authentic vintage experience with modern reliability. It’s not just an instrument; it’s a piece of musical history that invites you to explore your creativity and expand your musical horizons.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody construction for a balanced acoustic-electric sound
Laminated maple body for durability and rich tone
Slim neck profile for easy playability
Rosewood fingerboard for a smooth playing surface
Classic single-coil pickups for bright, clear sound
Vintage-style hardware for an authentic 60s look and feel

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 60s Kay Truetone.

Build quality

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The neck is described as having a chunky V profile, with a nut width of 1.700" and depth of 0.970", making it surprisingly comfortable despite its size.
Source
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Known as catalog number 5DC9520, the guitar was built by Kay for Western Auto, highlighting its department store origins.
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Features and functionality

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The Kay-spec pickups, also known as "Cake Pan" or "Zippo" pickups, have a very flat bobbin, about 5k ohms, and are attached with potting wax.
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The "pancake" pickup was standard until 1966, after which the "speed bump" pickup was introduced, indicating this model predates that change.
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Setup and maintenance

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One user noted that the truss rod still had neck paint on it from the factory, indicating possible quality control issues or a factory second.
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Value and pricing

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It's mentioned that these guitars typically sell for $200 - $400 on eBay and Reverb, despite some listings showing much higher prices.
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Use cases and applications

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One user successfully played live and recorded an album with this model, emphasizing its unique character and tone when properly set up.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Silvertone 1448 by Danelectro, the Kay Truetone is seen as cheap and fun, reflecting the vintage department store guitar appeal.
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Other

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The 1960s Kay Truetone was branded as "Jazz Master" or "Speed Master" based on the year, reflecting its evolving marketing strategy.
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St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

Verified via YouTube

At 12:01 and throughout this video Annie can be seen playing a 60s Kay Truetone guitar during this intimate performance of the songs Bang Bang, Marry Me and Paris Is Burning in 2007. She only played shows with this at the begining of her carreer and doesn't play it during live performances anymore.