Want something different? Want something vintage and made-in-the-USA? Want to get some truly grouse vintage sounds that will do it all from Jazz, through Blues, to biting Rock'n'Roll?

This late '50s or early '60s Truetone Speed Demon was made by the Kay guitar company from Chicago USA, for the Sears & Roebuck Co., to be shipped to and sold by Western Auto Stores in the 50's & 60's.

The large Dakaware selector switches in each individual pickup, with the 4th position selecting all three at once for a really nice, slightly 'phasey' sound. There is a volume and tone control for each pickup so the range of sounds is very good.

Tuner buttons on the Kluson Deluxe tuners have been replaced, the pickguard replaced with reproduction made to the original shape, there are new volume and tone pots, and possibly the thumb-screws on the height-adjustable bridge have been replaced, but otherwise she's all original, right down to the beautifully ageing tobacco sunburst finish.

There are some minor bumps and markings on the guitar (check out the detailed pictures in the 'more pictures' link below), the binding is shrinking slightly, and the laminations on the inside of the cutaway moved slightly at some stage, but overall this is a really nice example.

Neck is gunbarrel straight, truss rod functions as it should, and frets are good. No issues at all with this vintage guitar - just plug it in and enjoy it, and watch the value rise and rise.

Sold to Bill

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