The K-125 was KAY Guitars first solid-body. This model was
introduced in 1952, the same year as the Les Paul...
Welcoming-in the dawn of Rock 'N Roll.
The K-125 or the "Peanut" guitar, as it was called because
of its peanut-shaped silhouette, was slightly crude looking
but reflected that early raw Rock 'N Roll era. This K-125
featured a sunburst finish with a tortoise pickup ring
and control plate.
This model is very highly sought after by blues-oriented
players. So I wasn't surprised when a session player from
Tutwiler, Mississippi requested it be set-up for slide, with
a little higher action. He actually left his 1940's
National Dobro in the case during for session to use
the K-125.
This player tuned the guitar to open-G. How did it sound?
Seriously Incredible! That "RED HOT" Thin-Twin
(Jimmy Reed / Howlin' Wolf) single pickup ROARED.
The Bluzy Delta K-125 sound filled that studio with
sustain, timbre, and tonal clarity... like it was cut from
the same cloth as the likes of Son House and Robert Johnson.
BTW, Elmore James, The King Of The Slide Guitar, embodies the
essence of urban Chicago Blues of the 1950's and early 60's. Elmore
James used a K-125... Need I Say More!
Finding an identical K-125 today is almost impossible as they were
only in production in 1952. Consequently, this K-125 has all but
been forgotten, until now.