1950\'s Tempo (Kay) P4 Archtop guitar; violin-burst...RARE
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1950\'s Tempo (Kay) P4 Archtop guitar; violin-burst...RARE:
$225.00
Up for sale is a vintage Tempo archtop guitar, made by Kay and branded for Tempo back in the day. This is a P4 model, with maple top, back and sides, and a violin brown burst finish. I can\'t find a datestamp inside, but based on the Kluson tuner markings, and the shrinking tuner knobs (3 original, and 3 replacements from a later, but period correct era) I am pegging it between 1956 and 1958.Other markings inside are \"L6770\" and \"P4\". I can find no reference to the L6770, but the P4 is definitely aKay designation.
This guitar is very good condition for a guitar this age. The finish is very good, with only the odd chip hear and there on the top, the back and sides are nearly immaculate. The metal on the tuners has lots of patina, but the trapeze tailpiece has only slight patina and looks to have been cleaned. The painted on binding on the body is worn a bit on the edges in spots; thesimple painted \'Tempo\' logo is all intact , the body is crack-free, and theneck/heel joint is solid as a rock, with only a slight separation of the very base of the heel from the guitar\'s body. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard and bridge are aged nicely, and nicely figured. There is zero fret-wear or fingernail divots; and zero of the normal pick marks or buckle-rash you\'d expect. The pickguard is missing, and the two holes where it was screwed on appear to have been filled with a color-matching putty. I haven\'t removed this. This guitar looks to hardly have never been played.
The only items that keep me from listing as excellent condition are some miniscule finish nicks; a handful around the headstock, a few on the top near the lower bout edges, and the areas of the painted binding where the finish has worn off. There are no cracks or other structural issues.
Tonally, she has that dry, woody \'bark\' that archtops aresought after for The action is medium, at about 9/64th at the 12th fret.There is no truss-rod, and the neck hasa \'set\'relief of just shy of straight.The actioncould be lowered by modifying the bridge to lower the string slots, but I\'ve left the bridge as found, and the action suits me fine. Your tastes may vary, but she is eminently playable as is. As mentioned, the neck joint is rock solid.
Although this is a budget, entry level guitar, even for Kay, I\'ve never seen another Tempo acoustic, archtop or otherwise. THis is a rare bird indeed for the collector of old Kay and Harmony \'catalog\' guitars.
Although I am sure you\'ll be pleased with the guitar, this is an as-is sale with no returns accepted unless I have misstated or misrepresented something.All photos are high-res; please zoom in for a closer inspection of the areas depicted, and ask any questions before offerding.
Please check my response and offer with confidence; I have sold many guitars, and always take great care todescribe any repairs. flaws, or issues clearly and thoroughly. My response speaks to myhonestyandthoroughness; no surprises or dissatisfied customers. I always pack professionally and securely, and ship insured (insurance at my expense) in a true, sturdy guitar shipping carton. Shipping to the continental US is free with Buy-It-Now, otherwise is a flat $45. If you opt for the Buy-It-Now purchase, please wait for me to invoice you before submitting payment. The guitar will be shipped withing 2 days of payment.
1950\'s Tempo (Kay) P4 Archtop guitar; violin-burst...RARE:
$225.00