www.vintageamericanguitar.com
1840 – 1850 Pre-Torres Spanish Guitar
This guitar is a beautiful–and more importantly, a beautiful sounding– example of a post-romantic, pre-Torres Spanish guitar. Though unsigned, the guitar carries a Chappell of Bond Street label inside. London-based Chappell imported fine Spanish and French guitars into England as early as 1811, and throughout the 19th century. The original bridge on this instrument reveals the guitar’s Spanish origin– the more common French guitars of this period did not have this larger more modern style pin bridge.
What really sets this all-original guitar apart is its ebony, ivory, and mother of pearl purfling and rosette, in a chevron pattern; and its exquisite Baker tuners. Baker tuners, very expensive at the time, were used on many Torres and Panormo guitars. These Baker tuners are stunning, and work perfectly. And their solid mother of pearl tuner buttons– as well as the gears– are in perfect condition.
This guitar was made circa 1840-1850.
- 100% original, down to the bridge pins
- Original finish, everywhere
- Solid Spruce top
- Solid Brazilian Rosewood back and sides (one-piece back)
- Ebony, ivory, and mother of pearl purfling, in a chevron pattern, around top of guitar, and rosette
- Ivory binding, on back
- Ebony fretboard
- Original Ebony nut
- Original frets
- Original Ebony bridge, with original brass saddle, and original ebony bridge pins
- Original Baker tuners, with machine heads, and Ivory rollers
- Ladder braced
- Lower bout: 11 7/8 inches
- Body depth (at lower bout): 3 3/8 inches
- Scale length: 24 inches
- Nut width: 1 ¾ inches
- String spacing at bridge: 2 ½ inches
The condition of this guitar, with its all original parts, is very good given its age. It has one repaired top crack, and several repaired back cracks.
This instrument has a Brazilian rosewood tone that is remarkable. And it's meant to be played, not hung on a wall. Rich bass response, and a wonderful sustain. Action is fine at first seven frets, and very playable all the way up the fingerboard, with good intonation.
With a modern hard shell case. No longer available..
More Images:
