Description
What makes this guitar special: A century old piece of American history, built with simple, but unique appointments. Solid quartersawn oak makes up the back & sides of this guitar, which are balanced against a solid spruce top. The small body size & 12-fret design make this piece incredibly comfortable for fingerstyle picking and provide a well-rounded and responsive tone, with surprising projection. The origin and age are very difficult to pin down exactly, but based on similar models and build specifications, we believe this one to be built between the 1910’s and early 1920’s, in Chicago. This one has certainly seen its fair share of play, and showcases plenty of wear consistent with its age, but plays beautifully and has plenty of stories left to tell.
Cosmetic condition: This one was partially restored at some juncture, and showcases some modifications in addition to its typical wear. The fingerboard has been replaced, and appears to have been refretted. The entire body of the guitar has been refinished, and the bridge is a custom cut replacement. There are a handful of body cracks, some of which have been repaired, but most of which have not. The body edges show wear from years of playing, and the top and back have been reglued in a few areas. The original tuners show notable oxidation, and the D-string post is bent, however, all tuners work great. The heel cap on at the neck joint shows some separation, however, the neck joint is solid and stable. The separation is limited only to the cap. Beyond these issues, there is typical wear, including various scratches, dents, dings, nicks, chips, and scuffs, with areas of finish wear throughout.
Body: Solid oak back & sides with X-braced solid spruce top and multi-ring rosette. Carved replacement rosewood bridge with bone saddle and ivoroid bridge pins. Lower bout width measures 11 1/2" with 3 3/4" depth.
Weight: 2 lb, 13.8 oz
Neck: Chunky V-shaped one piece quartersawn maple neck with white side dots and replacement markerless ebony fingerboard. The neck has been refretted, and frets have a ton of life left in them. Slotted peghead with original 3-to-a-side strip tuners and ivoroid buttons. 1 3/4" nut width, 24” scale length. Neck is straight and plays beautifully up and down the length of the instrument. Action measurements at the 12th fret are 6/64” on the bass side and 5/64” on the treble side.
Case: Unoriginal, zippered semi-hard shell case.
