Kay Mandolin Scale Length Question

[Matt Haugen]

Hi all. A while back I picked up a Kay 2 point mandolin that is missing the fretboard. I haven't been able to find the scale length of this mandolin on the internet, so I was hoping that someone might have one similar and could share that info with me. I attached a picture of a similar mandolin that I found on google images. Mine is similar, except it has a burst finish and a plain wood headstock.

Thank you_

[Ned Knepp]

Evening Matt,

 My fretboard measures out at 176 mm, nut to 12th fret which would give you a 352 mm scale length. I assuming you want it in metric but it's 13 7/8th in. for the scale length. 

[Matt Haugen]

Perfecto! Thank you Ned!

[Ned Knepp]

You're completely welcome, Matt.  

I think mine is a bit older with a mother of toilet seat head stock face plate, a bound fingerboard and an oval sound hole. Top is solid spruce but the back and sides are laminated mahogany. I refinished it without the original sunburst applying  french polish as the finish. It doesn't sound too bad but isn't nearly as loud as my old gibson. 

I may redo the top finish to include a sunburst. I have it apart again because I have trouble getting the ends of dove tail joints to fit tight and this one pulled up a bit after it had been strung for a few days. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but it fits tight right up until I have the neck down into the joint properly then suddenly the tip of the joint develops a bit of play and the neck rocks just a hair. I'm on my third try at this one. The good news is that I haven't actually pounded the neck on the table or thrown it through the window...yet.

[Kerry Krishna]

 Ned and M, I don't know if you knew it or not but I host Facebook's 'Kay Kraft Guitar' site. There is quite a bit of info and lots of pics of these axes over there.....https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kay-Kraft-Guitars/134357546584111

[Ned Knepp]

Yeah Kerry, I've been there and found a lot of interesting stuff. If I ever get caught up on the projects I have waiting in the wings I may get around to finding a Kay archtop guitar with the adjustable neck, that is, if you haven't reworked all of them by then :)

[Kerry Krishna]

Ned, if you want one, they are certainly around. There are usually only about 4 weeks a year that Ebay does not have at least one for sale. Contact me before you buy though, and I give you some pointers OK?
 

[Matt Haugen]

That is an intersting page Kerry. You certainly know your Kay Kraft instruments. How did this all start for you?

[Ned Knepp]

Kerry, I'll remember to "talk' to you before I do anything but don't hold your breath. I have a lot of stuff already in the wings and I may have to move out if I don't get some of it done before I get another instrument