Stromberg-Voisinet started out as the Groeschel Co. in 1890 making mandolins.  

By the 1920's they we making banjos, ukuleles and guitars and in 1921 the company was incorporated as Stromberg-Voisinet.  In 1928 they produced what is recognised as the first electric guitar operating out of 312 Union Park Court, Chacago.

The Kay Musical Instrument Company was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1931 by Henry Kay Kuhrmeyer  from the remnants of Stromberg-Voisenet of which he was president 1928.                                                                                                                                                   Images courtesy of James Fabian