jmorno - Posted - 06/08/2026:  12:57:56

Hello All,
Newbie here.

I just aquired what is probably a 1940's - 50's Kay 5 string resonator. It does not have a truss rod.

Once I do all the neccessary nurturing to bring it back to life, including flattening the fingerboard etc., what gauge strings should I try first?

Can this thing handle mediums?

Thanks!
John

jmorno - Posted - 06/08/2026:  13:13:37

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tdennis - Posted - 06/08/2026:  18:02:55

Upload some pics of the neck. Explain what you mean by "flattening". Is your neck bowed ? You might think twice about putting mediums on a neck that already needs straightening.

tdennis - Posted - 06/08/2026:  18:35:34

kayvintagereissue.com/

Have fun finding your instrument among the catalogs. I don't think it is as old as you state.

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/08/2026:  19:03:01

Light gauge is usually the safer bet to get started in all cases. For one thing, easier on your left hand fingers!

35planar - Posted - 06/08/2026:  19:13:44

Yours is around late 50s to mid-60s. I love these and everytime I get one I sell it and swear I'm keeping the next one. I've always put light gauge strings on 'em. Though, I use mediums on my banjos, anything without a truss rod gets light or extra light. There's nothing worse than a lower end instrument, though a very unique sounding and pretty well made instrument, with a bowed neck and no truss rod. I'd go light gauge, but it's not my banjo. ; ))

jmorno - Posted - 06/09/2026:  15:50:55

quote:

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Originally posted by tdennis

Upload some pics of the neck. Explain what you mean by "flattening". Is your neck bowed ? You might think twice about putting mediums on a neck that already needs straightening.

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It has more relief without strings than I would want with strings. 

I just removed the frets and started leveling the fingerboard. I will use light gauge strings when I get it set up.

Thanks!

jmorno - Posted - 06/09/2026:  15:53:23

quote:

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Originally posted by 35planar

Yours is around late 50s to mid-60s. I love these and everytime I get one I sell it and swear I'm keeping the next one. I've always put light gauge strings on 'em. Though, I use mediums on my banjos, anything without a truss rod gets light or extra light. There's nothing worse than a lower end instrument, though a very unique sounding and pretty well made instrument, with a bowed neck and no truss rod. I'd go light gauge, but it's not my banjo. ; ))

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Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

The person I got it from gave me a set of mediums. I will put them in the drawer...