Kay Acoustic Guitars hold a special place in the history of American music. Often overshadowed by brands like Martin and Gibson, these instruments, particularly those from the mid-20th century, possess a unique charm and sonic character that continues to captivate players today. Luthier Scott Baxendale, a seasoned veteran of guitar repair and restoration, recognized the hidden potential within these vintage gems. Through his innovative remanufacturing process, Baxendale is breathing new life into Kay acoustic guitars, transforming them into instruments that can rival guitars many times their original value. This article delves into Baxendale’s journey, his unique approach to revitalizing vintage guitars, and why Kay acoustic guitars are becoming increasingly sought after by musicians seeking exceptional tone and vintage mojo without breaking the bank.
Scott Baxendale deconstructing a vintage guitar for remanufacturing
The Baxendale Transformation: Unlocking the Kay Acoustic Guitar’s True Voice
Scott Baxendale’s career path in guitar repair reads like a roadmap of American lutherie history. From his early days at Mossman Guitars to his time at the legendary Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Baxendale has immersed himself in the world of acoustic instruments. Now based in Athens, Georgia, he dedicates much of his expertise to a unique mission: remanufacturing vintage guitars, with a particular focus on Harmony and Kay models.
Baxendale’s inspiration for this endeavor arose organically. When his son expressed interest in learning guitar repair, Baxendale turned to readily available Harmony guitars as learning tools. These guitars, often found inexpensively and in need of repair, provided the perfect canvas for hands-on education. As they worked together, Baxendale realized the potential to not just repair, but to fundamentally improve these instruments. He decided to incorporate the same scalloped X-bracing techniques he used in his custom guitar builds, replacing the factory ladder bracing found in many vintage Kay acoustic guitars. The results were transformative. The rebuilt guitars possessed a resonance and tonal richness that far exceeded their original factory specifications, and a new chapter in the life of these vintage instruments began.
The Heart of the Remanufacturing Process: Bracing and Beyond for Kay Guitars
The key to Baxendale’s remanufacturing process, especially for Kay acoustic guitars, lies in his proprietary bracing system. Vintage Kay guitars, like many guitars of their era, often utilized ladder bracing. While functional, ladder bracing can sometimes limit the top’s vibration and overall tonal complexity. Baxendale replaces this with scalloped X-bracing, a design inspired by the pre-war Martin guitars he studied closely during his time at Gruhn Guitars.
His deep dive into vintage Martin bracing revealed crucial insights. By examining guitars with a light source inside, Baxendale observed the precise positioning and scalloping of the braces in relation to the bridge. He noted that in the highly sought-after pre-1939 Martins, the thinnest points of the braces converged directly under the bridge. This configuration, he hypothesized, contributed significantly to the instrument’s resonance and sustain.
Applying this knowledge to Kay acoustic guitars, Baxendale meticulously installs his scalloped X-bracing. This new bracing pattern allows the soundboard to vibrate more freely and efficiently, unlocking a richer, more dynamic tone. The transformation is often described as remarkable, turning what were once considered budget instruments into guitars capable of competing with high-end models.
Close-up view of Scott Baxendale's custom scalloped X-bracing inside a guitar body, enhancing resonance and tone
Vintage Tone, Modern Playability: The Appeal of Remanufactured Kay Acoustic Guitars
The appeal of remanufactured Kay acoustic guitars extends beyond just improved tone. These instruments offer a unique combination of vintage character and modern playability. Baxendale’s process addresses common issues found in older guitars, such as neck angle problems and fret wear. Neck resets, planing refrets, new nuts, bridges, and saddles are all part of the comprehensive remanufacturing process. This ensures that the rebuilt Kay acoustic guitar not only sounds exceptional but also plays comfortably and reliably.
Furthermore, the use of aged wood is a significant factor in the allure of these guitars. As Baxendale points out, the wood in vintage Kay guitars has often aged for decades, undergoing natural drying and stabilization. This aged wood contributes to a maturity and resonance that is difficult to replicate in newly built instruments. Players are drawn to the “mojo” and patina of these vintage guitars, appreciating the history and character they embody.
A Sustainable Approach to Guitar Craftsmanship: The Green Aspect of Kay Guitar Remanufacturing
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Baxendale’s remanufacturing work also carries a strong “green” element. By repurposing existing vintage Kay acoustic guitars, he is engaging in a form of upcycling that is both sustainable and resourceful. Many of these guitars were originally made with mahogany and Brazilian rosewood fingerboards, materials that are now endangered or restricted. Baxendale’s process gives these instruments a new lease on life, preventing them from becoming landfill and preserving valuable tonewoods.
He highlights the environmental benefits, stating, “I’m doing the greenest tech in high-end guitars. We’re repurposing old, endangered mahogany guitars with Brazilian rosewood fingerboards.” This commitment to sustainability resonates with environmentally conscious musicians who appreciate the opportunity to own a high-quality instrument with a reduced environmental footprint.
Kay Acoustic Guitars for the Modern Musician: Value and Inspiration
Remanufactured Kay acoustic guitars are finding favor with a diverse range of musicians, from touring professionals to discerning hobbyists. Their unique sound and vintage aesthetic set them apart from mass-produced modern guitars. As Baxendale notes, “The remanufactures look cool and sound cool; they don’t look like everyone else’s instruments.” This individuality appeals to musicians seeking an instrument with character and a story to tell.
Moreover, the value proposition is compelling. Baxendale’s remanufactured Kay guitars offer a way to access vintage tone and quality at a fraction of the price of comparable vintage Martins or Gibsons. He estimates that these rebuilt instruments, particularly those from the 1930s to 1950s, can sound as good as or even better than Martins costing tens of thousands of dollars, while selling for around $2,000. This accessibility makes high-quality vintage tone attainable for a wider range of players.
Ultimately, for Scott Baxendale, the most rewarding aspect of remanufacturing Kay acoustic guitars is the inspiration they provide to musicians. He believes that a truly great instrument should spark creativity and unlock new musical ideas. By putting these revitalized vintage guitars into the hands of artists, Baxendale is not just restoring instruments; he is fostering musical innovation and ensuring that the legacy of Kay acoustic guitars continues to resonate for generations to come.
