And Then There's The Weird Stuff

[László]

I have a friend who collects Kay jazzboxes from the 50s and early 60s. He's got a bunch, in great shape. Some look new 60 years after they were built (probably because they didn't get played, ever, LOL). Most of them were higher end for Kays, with original headstock trim screwed or glued on that looks like it came off the dash of a 50s Chrysler. He's the first to say he has no idea why he likes them enough to collect them; he admits they were pretty much second or third-tier guitars when they were new, and age hasn't necessarily improved them.

But I respect a guy (or gal) who has an interest, pursues that interest, and has fun while doing it. When I go over to my friend's house, I see his eyes light up when he pulls one of these dinosaurs out of its case, and gives it a go. He's just delighted. How can ya not be happy when you're hanging out with someone who's having a great time?

I know we have plenty of folks here who have beautiful collections of superb guitars, but what I want to see or hear about are the strange ones, the guitars you have that you look at and say, "Why the heck did I buy that?" and at the same time, you wouldn't sell it.

Here's the headstock of a 50s Kay jazz box:

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

Cool headstock. Art deco never had it so good.

 

[László]

Cool headstock. Art deco never had it so good.

I know! It's clear plastic and the gold is all under the plastic. Maybe lucite? Hard to tell. Reminds me of a 50s car dash, or maybe an old Kelvinator appliance.

I think you should have PRS do a plastic headstock overlay like this on your next PS, Hans!

 

[FlameTop]

My 'weird one' is an RKS from the early 2000s. Basically a design consultant and Dave Mason put together a guitar. Lots of big name celebs were pictured with them (Ronnie Wood, Johnnie Depp etc). But the 'plastic' versions were a bit to radical, and the wood ones too expensive for mass market. Shame as they are really quite good

 

[László]

My 'weird one' is an RKS from the early 2000s. Basically a design consultant and Dave Mason put together a guitar. Lots of big name celebs were pictured with them (Ronnie Wood, Johnnie Depp etc). But the 'plastic' versions were a bit to radical, and the wood ones too expensive for mass market. Shame as they are really quite good

Now that's a cool piece! What's the reasoning behind the unusual - almost catamaran - appearance? Looks, tone, weight, what?

 

[FlameTop]

Their main design was based on 'plastic' (not sure just what substance was used) side wings.

The idea appears to be something that was a little familiar overall shape wise, but with a strong future fashion ethic (Jetsons? ) The idea was also that you would buy different coloured 'wings' for the body. The controls are on the side of the main body 'stem'; pup switch on the top and volume/tone as thumb wheels on the bottom. I think incase the plastic models were too radical they then had the 'custom' models with wood side wings (like mine). Trouble was that the wood models RRP was up there with PRSi etc. I got this one super cheap when the company folded and the UK distributor was left in the lurch.

The association with Nick Mason meant they got into the hands of quite a few of his mates

Ronnie

Don Felder

Mr Depp

 

[László]

Very cool!