KAY Barney Kessel Jazz Special Late 1950s Vintage Electric Guitar
Description
The Barney Kessel Custom has arrived.Jazz guitarist Barney Kessel's exceptional playing technique earned him Down Beat magazine readers' polls for three consecutive years from 1956 to 1959. He was also named top guitarist by Esquire and Playboy magazines around the same time, further solidifying his popularity.In the late 1950s, he signed an endorsement agreement with KAY, leading to the creation of numerous signature models.This model is the top-of-the-line "Jazz Special" among the Barney Kessel signature models.While it shares the distinctive headstock and pickups with its variants, the Pro and Artist, the main difference is its top-of-the-line specifications, including a large 17-inch wide body and luxurious decorations such as a split block and oval inlay on the ebony fingerboard.Features include a laminate spruce top, maple body, ebony fingerboard, and medium-scale maple neck.Hardware includes Grover Imperial tuning machines, a Melita bridge, and a Lyre-designed tailpiece.Equipped with two original Kleenex box pickups, it produces a clear, warm jazz tone.The overall weather checking gives it a dignified and beautiful finish.The string height is a little high, but playability is excellent.The rod is recessed in the neck heel, so it cannot be checked for functionality, but there are no major issues with the neck's current condition.Pots, switch, and jack replaced. Fingerboard side touch-up.Includes hard case and reproduction pickguard.Product DetailsKAY/Barney Kessel Jazz Special [Late 50s Vintage]Color: SunburstCondition: B+: Excellent for normal useYear of Manufacture: 1950sOptions: Hollow/Semi-HollowTremolo: NoneNeck Joint: Set NeckAccessories: Hard Case