There are several short cracks in the sides that have been repaired. There are several repaired top cracks, all cleated. Overall, the guitar has an attractive appearance. The bridge pins, end pin and tuners appear original. The fingerboard is Brazilian, bound in white celluloid and sports three engraved position markers. The neck is cedar and shaped into a soft 'V'. The back is inlaid with a colorful strip. The sound hole is inlaid with herringbone and colored rings. The top and back are bound in white celluloid and dark/light wood. The back and sides are choice, straight-grained Brazilian rosewood. The neck measures 1 13/16" at the nut, and string spacing 2 3/16" across at the saddle. The tone, though rich and mellow, possesses much volume and is quite powerful enough for all home purposes" Today, one would accurately call it a 'parlor guitar'. It is the popular style is a great favorite as a lady's instrument. This guitar is somewhat larger than the usual Ladies' size, but of beautiful proportions and a very elegant model. The numeral 1 in the style number represents the size, standard size. The serial number places the guitar at around 1897. Both the style number and serial number are stamped on the headstock. The Washburn line presented a dizzying array of models this example is a Style 123. The quality of workmanship and materials appears second to none.
Regardless of how many were made annually, a quick look at one of their instruments shows a well made guitar, on par with a Martin. The claim was 100,000 instruments made annually! Pleijsier, in his book on Washburn prewar instruments, states that a close examination of the serial numbers of the era could support the makers claim! In fact, the company claimed to be the largest manufacturer and importer of musical instruments in the world. Washburn guitars, manufactured by Lyon & Healy in Chicago, were marketed aggressively in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
0 kommentar(er)
