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Vintage Kay 4/4 Cello with Bag, Bow and Rosin

This a wonderfil sounding 4/4 cello, believed to be a Kay. Unfortunately most of the label is missing. However, all signs point to this being a genuine Kay as it is identical others we have sold.

Vintage Kay cellos, produced from 1937 to 1969, are durable, laminate-construction instruments popular for school, folk, or student use. Known for being rugged and often featuring durable, geared tuners , they offer a vintage, warm tone. Key models include the C-1 and M-1.

Key Aspects of Kay Cellos
  • Construction: Most Kay cellos are made of laminated plywood, making them sturdy and less prone to cracking than solid wood, but not considered high-grade orchestral instruments.
  • Common Models:
    • C-1: Introduced in 1937, it was the most popular model with gamba-style corners.
    • M-1: The flagship model with traditional violin-style corners.
    • Model 165: A typical 1950s student model