Kay Vanguard III

$169.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (3)

1 Review

Find out who is using Kay Vanguard III

5 wishlisted

9 saved

Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (6)

$169.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $169

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Kay Vanguard III is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Kay Vanguard III is a classic reborn, bridging the nostalgic charm of the '60s with modern playability. Designed originally for budding rock enthusiasts, this guitar has found new life among musicians seeking vintage aesthetics and authentic sound. Its offset double-cut slab design not only offers a unique visual appeal but also enhances comfort during long jam sessions. The hardwood body paired with a maple veneer top delivers a resonant tone that is both rich and dynamic.

Equipped with a single pickup, the Vanguard III provides a raw and punchy sound, ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and clarity in their music. Whether you're strumming chords or unleashing a solo, this guitar ensures that every note resonates with character. While it retains the classic design elements that made it a staple in the '60s, the Kay Vanguard III also embraces a subtle modern edge, making it suitable for a variety of genres and playing styles.

Perfect for both collectors and players, the Vanguard III isn't just a guitar—it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire.

Key Features:

Offset double-cut slab design
Hardwood body with maple veneer top
Single pickup configuration
Originally produced from 1961-1966, making it a sought-after vintage model

Videos

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The Local Pickup

Episode 5: The Kay Vanguard - Genius or Fluke?

The Local Pickup

1965 Old Kraftsman (Kay Vanguard) Demo

drowninginguitars

Kay Vanguard ´60s-Headbanger Rare Guitars-DEMO

Headbanger rare guitars

G-Sharp Guitars - Vintage Kay Vanguard 099

G-Sharp Guitars

Ronin Guitars Mod Shop: Truetone Kay Vanguard

Dan Phelps

1960s Kay Vanguard electric guitar (heavily modified)

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Kay Vanguard III Deluxe features three gold foil pickups and a 4-bit selector switch, providing a unique sound profile.
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Build quality

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The red burst finish and the back of the neck on the Kay Vanguard III Deluxe are particularly appreciated by owners.
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Mods and upgrades

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A kill switch modification is favored for ease of transitioning between strumming and using the switch, enhancing playability.
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User experience

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Owners express long-term satisfaction with the Kay Vanguard III's sound and appearance, even after decades of use without modifications.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

ant_30thoffeb

107

about 8 years ago

fun little guitar

i have the early 3 on a side headstock version with one pickup. nasty little guitar, ive used it with a fuzz pedal on recordings and live a few times when my other short scales weren't set up or gig worthy

Artist usage

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John Dwyer

Singer, Guitarist

Thee OhSees

Verified via Photo

John Dwyer can be seen using a modified red Kay Vanguard live. The guitar has a Seymour Duncan Invader pickup in the bridge and the stock Kay gold foil in the neck. Both the volume and tone controls have been removed, and the neck pickup is dead. The Invader simply runs directly to the output.