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I've been away for a while. I've missed you heathens.

I have a story to tell here. Last year I spoke with a friend in southern Illinois about a guitar that he's had forever. It was an old, beat-up Kay acoustic. And when I say old, I mean old. It was a 1937 model. He had often talked about restoring it but, finally came to the conclusion that he would never get it done. He offered to sell it to me. He said he wanted to be sure he got it to someone who would restore it and play it.

I didn't know at the time that it would be the last conversation I ever had with my friend. A couple of weeks after I got this beat-up guitar in my hands I was informed that he had died. So, getting it restored was now not just an honor for me but, an obligation. One that I took seriously. The restoration is now complete and I will try to get a video recorded playing it in the next week or so.

I have attached a "before" and "after" picture. I think she looks rather splendid for 81 years old.

Duke 8 Apr 9
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45 comments

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6

I'm sorry you lost your friend. You did a beautiful restoration job. You honored your friend's request, that must feel very satisfying.

Betty Level 8 Apr 10, 2018
5

I admire you! Good person and craftsperson! And sense of humor!

5

Great looking...

5

Very nice, a fitting tribute.

5

Very sorry for the loss of your friend. It's good that you got to see him before he died.
She's a beauty! He obviously knew he was putting her in the right hands.
Looking forward to the performance!
Glad to see you back!

5

Awesome tribute!

4

She's beautiful, Duke. Can't wait to hear you play for us.

4

Wow what a beauty classical peic of history

Rosh Level 7 Apr 10, 2018
4

That is a beautiful guitar. I'm sure you'll enjoy playing it. can we hear your music, by any chance?

Yup! There is a video posted on my profile page. And, I'm about to post one playing this guitar.

4
4

Looks awesome! Reborn, not restored. =] Nice work!

4

How beautiful.

4

Excellent, Good Tribute.

Coldo Level 8 Apr 10, 2018
4

That guitar is awesome. I love old Kay guitars.

4

glad you are back

4

Beautiful! I play a little. I have an Ibanez accoustic electric. I wonder how yours sounds?
Sorry about your friend.

Keech Level 5 Apr 10, 2018
4

Really nice work! I look forward to the recording. Is that fingerboard made of Rosewood or Ebony? It's hard to tell from the pics.

I believe it's rosewood. I'm not 100% certain though. It's so old it's become discolored. So, it could be rosewood that's darkened with age or, it could be ebony that's faded a bit. But, its the original fretboard and, I think Brazilian rosewood was the go to material in the 30's.

4

It must be satisfying for you to honor your friends memory this way. He will live on with the sound of it. I'm proud of you! It is what I would have done.

4

OMG! She's beautiful. I don't know why but just felt she was of the female persuasion. Duke you done your friend proud! Congrats!

4
4

I just saw this posted on Everything Guitar on facebook. Great job!

4

Magnificent. I look forward to hearing you make the old girl sing in honour and memory of her first owner.

3

You did him proud. That is a nice job of restoration.

3

Looks great. I have never even heard of Kay guitars. Hope you enjoy it!

3

Wonderful way to honor your friendship! Sorry for that loss....

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