Not a Cigar Box Guitar, but I’m posting this in the hope that some of our more knowledgeable Friends on Cigar Box Nation, may know a bit more about this particular Brand and Type of Guitar than yours truly.I have always been intrigued by, and liked the look of Parlour Guitars. I noticed this Little Critter when it popped up for auction on Ebay a couple of weeks ago for $150 + $30 Postage, sat there for a week with no bids, so not really aware of what I was buying, I posted an unopposed bid and became the owner of a Japanese Acoustic Guitar for $180 delivered.The item was described as a Vintage Acoustic Guitar. Jap. Has a small hole which has been filled. Collectors piece. Approximately sixty years old. Fitted with nylon strings. Has a few minor scratches and Does not play well.When opening and inspecting, I discovered the probable reason for the “Does not play well” comment was, when measuring the distance from the Nut to 12th Fret, which was 12”, indicating the Scale Length is 24”, I found that someone, somewhere along the line had moved the Bridge back (and off centre)to a scale of 25¾”, there is also a light faded mark as to where it once was, I’m also guessing it was originally fitted with Bronze Wound & Plain Steel Acoustic Strings, and not the Nylon ones it arrived with, indicated by the thicker Nylon Strings didn’t fit properly in the Bone Nut Slots, and sat above the Zero Fret.While not looking to fully restore this thing, I will replace the Nylon Strings with very Light Acoustic Steel Strings, adjust it to the right Scale Length, clean up the white paint spots, probably Hot Steam Iron some of the Dents and Polish out some of the Scratches, wish me luck in my attempt to come up with a Playable Instrument. :-)
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"Thanks Doug", there's no actual Truss Rod, but a Label on the Headstock reads Steel Reinforced Neck, so that along with the Tailpiece suggests it was originally strung with Steel strings :-)
Nice looking parlor! Looks like a fun project Alan! Is there a truss rod or is the neck light? Might be a clue as to whether or not it was originally strung with steel or classical strings.
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Makes sense to me Alan! I’ll look forward to seeing and hearing the completed restoration.
"Thanks Doug", there's no actual Truss Rod, but a Label on the Headstock reads Steel Reinforced Neck, so that along with the Tailpiece suggests it was originally strung with Steel strings :-)
Nice looking parlor! Looks like a fun project Alan! Is there a truss rod or is the neck light? Might be a clue as to whether or not it was originally strung with steel or classical strings.