Sears marketing department wanted to add even more pizzazz to the Model 653,
so they named it "Kentucky Blue."
Why the unusual color scheme?
The initial catalog listing for the 653 gives us a clue, and I never saw it
justified again; 'Keyed to the latest in automobile design.' What? No tail fins?
Click for catalog listings
The 653 or
'Kentucky Blue,' was introduced in 1955, with the
catalog proclaiming 'color styling has come to arched guitars.' Well, styling
certainly came to this Kay-made guitar, lending a distinctive, unusual, and apparently very
popular look, as this guitar would be offered for the next dozen major catalogs
or so, until 1962.
All in all, the 'Kentucky Blue' gave you a distinctive look, a good player, a
sturdy machine, and a great value... pretty much the epitome of Silvertone, yes?
Introduced:
Fall/Winter 1955
Retired:
Fall/Winter 1962
