Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Rediscover the golden era of music with the Kay Jazz II, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that brings the classic vibes right into the hands of the modern musician. Drawing inspiration from the iconic designs of the late '50s and early '60s, this instrument echoes the same craftsmanship and tonal quality found in the highly sought-after Barney Kessel signature models. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a blues enthusiast, the Kay Jazz II offers a seamless blend of nostalgic sound and contemporary playability, making it an indispensable addition to your collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for a rich, resonant tone that's perfect for jazz, blues, and beyond.
  • Inspired by the revered Barney Kessel signature models, offering a piece of music history.
  • Available in both single and double pickup configurations, providing versatility for your playing style.
  • Crafted during the peak of Kay's production years, circa 1959-1963, ensuring authentic vintage quality.

Product specs

Brand Kay
Model Jazz II
Finish Natural
Year 1960s
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 16
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Kay Jazz II?

The Kay Jazz II features a bolt-on neck with a comfortable C-shaped profile, making it suitable for various playing styles, from jazz to blues.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Kay Jazz II?

The Kay Jazz II is equipped with single-coil pickups, delivering bright and clear tones ideal for jazz and blues, with a vintage character typical of 1960s models.

Is the Kay Jazz II suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Kay Jazz II is versatile enough for both beginners and advanced players, offering easy playability and a classic sound that appeals to a wide range of skill levels.

How does the tremolo tailpiece affect the playability of the Kay Jazz II?

The tremolo tailpiece on the Kay Jazz II allows for subtle pitch variations, adding expressive capabilities to your playing without drastically altering the guitar's tuning stability.

What is the body shape of the Kay Jazz II, and how does it influence its sound?

The Kay Jazz II features a double cutaway hollow body, enhancing its resonance and sustain, which contributes to its warm and rich tonal quality, especially suited for jazz music.

accordoTV

accordoTV

Kay Jazz II di Alex Massari

Video thumbnail for Kay Jazz II di Alex Massari by accordoTV

Kay Jazz II di Alex Massari

accordoTV

accordoTV

Video thumbnail for Kay Jazz II Electric Guitar by Guitar Player Magazine

Kay Jazz II Electric Guitar

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for 2012 MINT Kay Jazz II Limited Edition Re-Issue Kelvinator Headstock by Lawman Guitars

2012 MINT Kay Jazz II Limited Edition Re-Issue Kelvinator Headstock

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Reviving Kay Guitars: The Roger Fritz Story - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Kay Jazz II

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Kay Jazz II can be seen in this photo. The picture is taken when he was in his first band called "The Roosters". More info : https://www.groundguitar.com/eric-clapton-gear/eric-claptons-1960s-kay-jazz-ii/

See how Hubert Sumlin uses Kay Jazz II

Hubert Sumlin

Guitarist

Savoy Brown

...
Verified via Photo

He plays Kai Jazz Ⅱ in this photo. More info : https://www.tdpri.com/threads/what-guitar-is-sumlin-playing.1010891/

See how Sarah McLachlan uses Kay Jazz II

Sarah McLachlan

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Sarah McLachlan has been seen playing a Kay Jazz II semi-hollowbody electric guitar, notably during a live MTV TRL set in the mid to late 1990s with her husband, who is also her drummer. Her use of the guitar is briefly mentioned in a Roger Fritz interview on Premier Guitar, highlighting its significance in her performances.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Kay Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides