Kent Guitar

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Sweet find
Date: 21 Oct 17 - 09:55 PM

Bought a beautiful $2.50 Kent KF220 acoustic guitar made in Korea. Missing one string- one loose fret-- nice sound. No cracks-- a little dusty-- but ready for a loving home (mine). Daughter was out on the porch strumming it all evening.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jan 17 - 12:15 PM

In short $20 used guitar, .good for practice. Sounds better in Open D. Got a scratch...who cares?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest Tank
Date: 11 Oct 14 - 11:26 PM

I have a Pre Gibson Lawsuit 12 string in mint condition what is the net value of this beautiful Guitar. I ran the numbers and that's what came up

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,draco j
Date: 31 May 13 - 09:31 PM

i have a 1967 kent blonde 820 semi hollow body...looking for an original tremolo bar, spring and the felt that goes on the mute bar....any suggestions?? i will not compromise by replacing the original equipment with bigsby or gibson aftermarket crap....i want it to be all original...PLEASE HELP

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Timber
Date: 23 May 13 - 09:43 PM

oh by the way, Kent wasn't even in business in 1962, they started importing guitars into the USA in 1965. So if you hear anybosy say "I got a 1960 Kent Polaris Model 2000", you know they're out in sideral space.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Timber
Date: 23 May 13 - 09:39 PM

funny how things change, Kent made a particular model, the 820 that is simply a very fine guitar. They were sold from 1965 thru 1970 give or take. Cheap they are NOT!

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: Beer
Date: 15 Aug 12 - 08:48 PM

right on gnu. Good for you GUEST.

I started this thread way back in Jan. of 2005 and still laugh at Kendall's response.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 12 - 08:20 PM

Sounds like a love story. Good on you and yer old Kent.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 12 - 06:59 PM

i have had my kent 202 since 1962. I have owned many guitars, many
top brand names that cost a lot. The older my Kent gets the better it sounds. I have never had one problem with it in all these years and I play a lot. Guess its like everything else take care of it and it will take care of you.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 03:59 AM

Ebay is your friend! But what I'd do in your situation is put a cheap tailpiece on it and use a floating bridge.

I have a three pickup Kent electric that I love! It might not have the finesse of more "upmarket" electrics but I use it for slide and through a single-ended tube amp the tone takes some beating...

Some discussion of the "Lou Reed" model above - I think this is the one I have (the Copa model). The body, neck and most of the hardware are identical to a Guyatone LG-130T which I also have, so I don't think there is any connection to Hagstrom with these models, they are japanese.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 08:13 PM

I just recently got my hands on a Kent 12-string acoustic. I would least like to get it back to playing condition to see if it's a keeper. The only problem is that I got it third-hand and the bridge is gone. There's no string holes in the top (this model is a string-through-tailpiece model), just a shadow in the finish where the bridge once sat. I'm not going to complain because I got it for free. But what I'm asking for is does anyone know where I can find a replacement bridge for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,andy
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 12:50 AM

Ive got a 2 pup gold foil toaster and also a 3 pup the same, sunburst, f holes archtops. identical except for # of pups. americana/guyatone decals.

cant give the model #s at this time as both are in a private shop getting serviced. the 2 pup is getting one pup rewired and restringed and a setup, while the 3 pup with tremelo is also there getting full service.

ive owned the 2 pup since new and just aquired the 3 pup after going on a bit of a guitar buying spree and interest again in guitars.

just thought i,d write and see what interest may develop

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Pappy
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 12:15 PM

I have a 1967 Kent 820. I've have it almost 20 years. It's in perfect shape, just been sitting in a case. I've never been much into the thin surfy type sound. Been thinking about putting it on ebay to see what it will catch. It's the same as this one, except mine still has the original sunburst finish on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kent-820-semi-hollow-body-1960s-PLAYS-BEAUTIFULLY-/300581425831?pt=Guitar&hash=item45fc0c92a7

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,mark aaron james
Date: 30 Apr 11 - 02:09 PM

GUEST,Dave , I believe I have the guitar you're looking for. Friend found it in the back of his closet after buying it 30 years ago. He gave it to me. email me at markaaronjames at hot mail
and I'll send you a pic.
MAJ

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,awej1
Date: 22 Apr 11 - 12:58 PM

I have a Kent Iberia Classical with no markings on the label. It got damaged when a tree fell on my roof and I have no way of valuing it for the insurance company. It plays nice and has a great sound but I don't know the year or anything else. Any info would help. Contact me at [e-mail] if you know anything.

Thank you,


Andy

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 17 Apr 11 - 08:07 PM

Hey, I'm looking for an early 70's 6 string Kent bonanza jumbo acoustic guitar. Anybody?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Guest Dave
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 07:19 PM

Found a green one neck pick up Kent. The guy is asking too much for it, but I'll go and see it. Intonation is off...

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 09:38 AM

I have a late 60's Kent semi-solid 3 pick-up off white with the pearl inlay. I played it with bands in the late 70's. It also has a wah wah bar that raises and lowers the bridge. It still plays well. I thought it was a good guitar of it's time. Does anyone have any information?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Dan
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 02:46 PM

I bought a Kent guitar at a pawn shop. I spent about 150 bucks restoring it. It seems to be a 1965 2 p/u solid body, starburst with rosewood neck and pearl inlays...but not dots...these inlays are like a solid upside down U shape and they are not in the middle of the fret board but on the side. I love it. It isn't that great of a guitar but it is light as a feather and plays well.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 11:21 PM

I have a Kent acoustic/electric guitar there is a label on it that reads "Kent no. 553 americana" does anyone know anything about these guitars

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,les
Date: 17 Oct 10 - 12:08 AM

I HAVE I BELIVED KENT 1960-67 HOLLOWBODY WHITE OR CREAM COLOR MODEL 820 CAN SOME LET KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS ELECTRIC GUITAR THANKS

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,oldboy
Date: 11 Sep 10 - 02:10 AM

l am a retired luthier worked mostly on vintage instruments . picked up a 12 string quite cheap . it turns out the back and sides are rosewood the top cedar appears solid , 12 fret neck with ebony finger board has a 5 digit serial inside. also its a slot head. this sounds really good . l have had as a collector had all sorts and its in my opinion one of the best l have heard. the shop was a gibson dealer so l gave my 60s american epi 12 to one of my sons. l still collect upper level early parlors as well as some 50s jazz boxs so l have quite a few to compare it to.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 06:14 PM

I`am from Mexico, I have an acoustic Guitar Kent Model KF 240, made in Korea, how much is it, Any idea?

Subject: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,LEON
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 05:49 PM

HOLA, TENGO UNA GUITARRA ACUSTICA, MARCA KENT MODELO KF 240, HECHA EN COREA, ¿ALGUIEN ME PUEDE DECIR DE QUE AÃ'O ES, Y CUAL ES SU VALOR ACTUALMENTE?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,B Daniels
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:45 AM

IDing year of manufacture and other historic info on most of these old imports is liketrying to id old tupperware. Not gonna happen. You just have to enjoy the funky vibe for its own sake. My first electric was a Kent played through a very tired Barcus Berry amp. I don't remember much about it aside from it was cheap to buy, made the neccessary electric guitar sounds....when it worked. Wish Id applied myself more to learning the guitar way back then. Wish I had that old Kent back? Not so much.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 02:18 PM

I recived a Kent solid body guitar from my grandfather. It has a polaris finish and it was made in japan. he said he bought it at a department store in the 60s. Its singe and optional double coil pickups give it a nice dirty and clean tone. It has a small body and a bridge thats not glued on. No truss rod or wammy bar.
Click this link for a picture
1960's Kent Guitar

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Rick C in Ct.
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 12:07 PM

I was "gifted" an old Kent last year after a freind heard I was trying to restore my old Ovation Balladeer. It has the inlay "Kent" logo in the headstock, a rosewood fretboard w/mother of pearl dots, an adjustable truss rod, an adjustable brass bridge saddle, and a beautifully bookmatched sound board. The action is about 2.5mm off the deck and rivals my strat. I opened one of the tuners (it was bent) and it is stamped "Japan"..so I know at least the tuners are pacific rim but can't find where it was actually made. With all the kent bashing I see in these posts I'm shocked at how well mine looks and plays...wouldn't give it up for nottin'! (model 3406...in case anyone is interested)

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Kent - Quality cues to look for?
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 03:48 PM

Sounds like the quality of Kent Guitars varies widely, since they were   built by assorted manufacturers.

Are there any simple visual cues that mark the better-made ones, or Japanese vs. Korean ones? For example:

a) Fender-style headstock with metal "K" logo

b) Gibson-style headstock with inlay script "Kent" logo

c) Kent made by Hagstrom models have ________

Thanks in advance for your help!

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Parker68
Date: 11 Nov 09 - 05:18 PM

I just found an acoustic Kent Model 3501. It has the number: 46.5.25 stamped on the bottom of the neck. The headstock has a pearl inlay with "Kent" in white. The neck also has pearl inlays. I found a website that listed the headstock pictures of vintage guitars and this one matched the line made in Japan in the 1960s. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,dav
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 07:44 AM

still no replies about the my or kats kent guitar with the dove and roses on the scratch plate?????
looked everywere n cant find any info on it?
mine needs re-stringin n needs new machine heads, is it worth doin or should i just buy a new acoustic?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Jefferey
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:27 PM

I was recently left a Kent and cannot find anything on it at all, I see a bunch of different names for the models being batted around, but nothing on the one I have, it is a Kent Newport. If anyone has any information on this, I would appreciate it.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 08:37 AM

I have a kent acoustic that my wife's grand father used to play. He died and we were cleaning out his shed back in 02 and found it and a JB Player professional series electric. In the inside of the body of the Kent, there is a sticker that says Kent model # KF 240 and Made in Korea. It sounds OK. I keep it at work and play it when I get bored. It's been thru 3 deployments and if it gets banged up, no biggie.

I was shocked at how well the JB player sounded though. I had never heard of them. It looks like a strat and has 3 emg pickups. I couldn't imagine an 80 year old man playing it but he dealt in junk and I figured someone must have owed him money.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Steve in Seattle
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 08:20 PM

I just found my mid-60s 2 pickup Kent solidbody in storage and I have to note that those dissing the Kent / Guyatone/ Teisco across the board are missing the point: not all the Kent's made from 1948-70 sound or play the same.
My 2 pup was a mojo monster that was well balanced and a pleasure to play. Very instant Jimmy Page with sustain for days.
I'm trying to find a Kent bridge or a replacement. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,k8ysk8y
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 08:08 AM

Hi guys.. I'm also someone who has just purchased a Kent with the dove and roses on the scratch plate!! so no replies yet?? Would be extremely lovely if someone could tell us anything about them..
Peace
Kat

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,RANDY8874-4250
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 11:23 AM

I placed a bid on a 70,s era l p copy I have naver seen anything like it,where the volume and tone controls are they are on a pretty good sized plate,where the tone controls and volume controls are ther are at least two or three other black up and down swithes on it.I know nothing about this guitar it says fx doesn't work.If anybody knows anything about this guitar let me know and i will be forever in your debt.email me at [e-mail] thanx

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,J Andrews
Date: 31 May 09 - 02:46 PM

I have a Kent 2 pu hollowbody 1965 or so i am looking to sell. It is in good general condition. missing one gromit for tuning spindle. Starburst finish. Original case inc. #551 Americana   
Kent Guitar Hollowbody 2pu

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,mkschrimpsher
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 11:41 AM

My mother loved playing any thing with strings and she was very good at it. I think she was one of those pickers that just had the gift.
And she loved her Kent 12, string acoustic guitar. Man she could make that thing sing.Now she is gone but she left me with her Kent.
I hope I to can play it as good as she could. But I need to what year Kent was made and hope to find all the info on ti I can.
Now I found me a Kent 12,sting ele, Can some one out ther tell me some info on ti as well Model number 821 and below that is the numbers 3516. It is a sunburst,with to pick up's .It is a very nice playing guitar the action is sweet and so is the sound I love it .
I think it is a grate find. Can some one help me on some info
thanks for all.::MK

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Apr 09 - 11:40 PM

i just recieved a classical acoustib kent and l have no imformation at all it looks nice and has a sticker on the inside with no other marks of identification please help

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,en4cer
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 11:07 AM

I've got a Kent Bass that I bought for $25 used in 1976. looking to replace the headstock logo if anyones got a line on them???? Don't think I would ever let it go, not because its the best bass in the world, but it is pretty cool and nostalgic. Plays fine.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: gnu
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 07:36 PM

I gave my first electric guitar, a Kent, to my nephew's lad years ago. Don't think he even plays now. So, I must see about getting it back. I gave it a wicked paint job when I was about 12 years old. It was so cool. Played a lotta a tunes on that old geetar.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,McAuley
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 07:10 PM

Don't trash all the Kents unless you've played them all. I've got a '66 Polaris I (one pickup, mid-body). You wouldn't want to play jazz on it but the pickup has this wonderful mid-tone with a sustain that reminds me of Waddy Wachtel playing on Jackson Browne's stuff (think "Running on Empty"). I can get that sound almost straight out of my amp with no overdrive pedal needed. The neck action is fine -- I had a luthier friend of mine adjust it. It still has the original plastic bridge, plastic knobs, and metal pick guard but I think I'm going to replace all that stuff (and keep the originals stowed away). The neck's a little thick for me, but then I'm used to Strats and PRS. It's not any thicker than a Les Paul.
It's a great "alternate" guitar for tuning down (maybe to Eb and popping some size 13s on it).

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 03:10 PM

Kent guitars were extremely useful for those scenes in movies where Elvis or Johnny Cash or some other guitar hero goes berserk and smashes his guitar into a thousand pieces to express his frustration with life. You can do this with a Kent and save yourself the crippling guilt of having ruined a perfectly good instrument in a moment of madness. In fact, it's sort of a favor to the world when you do this with a Kent. They're built pretty strong, so you can't hold back...just SMASH that thing up read good!

There's a wonderful scene in a small bistro in one of the Elvis movies where this obnoxious guy in a suit keeps laughing and talking loudly to his friends while Elvis is trying to play a song and Elvis finally loses it and goes over and smashes his guitar to pieces all over the guy's table. I feel sure they used a Kent in that scene. ;-) Well, I hope they did.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,wigg
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 09:59 AM

Kent resonator with suspension bridge action...no truss rod. Use it or slide, would like to lower the action BUT HOW???? Please help!!!

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Dash
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 05:58 PM

any body have the plastic bridge part from a 60's Kent Polaris or know where I could find one? It would be greatly appreciated!

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Josh
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 04:07 PM

I have a very early (1964-ish) Kent Polaris II. I don't see what any of you are talking about in terms of how "bad" it is. I love this guitar and I'd take it over any gibson or fender. It has a good clean tone, not perfect but good, it's growl is amazing (think Jack White's airline) and it has great sustain. The only real issue I have with it is the action which due to the hight of the bridge and no truss-rod is unable to be fixed, but in my opinion, if you're a good enough guitar player action is only a luxury not a necessity.

Always, all that said I'd like to learn more about it. I've found a good handful of information on kents, less information on polaris's, even less on polaris II's and nothing on polaris II's no. 6 (all have been no. 5) can anyone help me out? Does anyone else own one like this? thanks.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Big Dave
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 07:32 PM

I've got a Kent les paul copy 2 humbuckers very microphonic sounds very good action is GREAT!!! the body is crap (plywood)it ihas a tobaco burst finish looks cool sounds cool made in korea some are good most suck but if ya like it ya like it im not a brand name snob hell mine plays better than my strat

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,Thud72
Date: 22 Aug 08 - 08:37 AM

I found this link to a Kent site. http://www.geocities.com/kentking_2000/TheFabulousKentFrontPage.html Not much there but it mentions that Kent started to make copy guitars in 1970. I have a Hummingbird Acoustic copy that kinda fell into my lap. Since it is free, I am willing to put some new strings on it and see what it sounds like. Will keep you posted.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,dav ashton
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 08:54 AM

Does any1 know anythin by my kent guitar? its got a dove on the faceplate, it looks like a copy of the gibson dove. i think its from the late 60s or early 70s. Thanx

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,phill
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:07 AM

david you must have too much time on your hands. Good guitar and Kent is a contradiction of terms.

Subject: RE: Kent Guitar
From: GUEST,david
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 08:20 PM

I just bought a Kent, the body is crap but I though that I might make a project out of making it into a god guitar, better pickups and the works. Hey, it only cost 30 bucks.