Washburn Parlor Guitar, 1917, Excellant Condition

This guitar is a Washburn Parlor Guitar, manufactured in 1917, this is the best date I can come up with, after much researching. The decal, on the inner back, as seen through the sound hole, has information which led me to the proper procedure in my reseach. Going on the internet, I found the following info: The Washburn trademark was originated by the Lyon & Healy Company of Chicago. George Washburn and Lyon & Patrick Healy were chosen by Oliver Ditson (Oliver Ditson & Co,inc.) in 1835, to pioneer music merchandising, distribution, and retail sales on the East Coast. The business expanded rapidly. In 1864 the first Lyon & Healy music store was opened. Due to expansion and companies absorbing one another, the Washburn Guitar Co. opened in 1883. The first Washburn Guitars were manufactured in 1887.

In the inner back, through the sound hole, the numbers 36683 can be seen. I have had some real conflicting data, regard the numbers, the "Curl-Y-que"bridge, and originality of the parts of this guitar. The conflicting info goes from one extreme to another. To make a long story short, The Washburn Guitar Co. became a subsidiary of Gibson guitars inc; and the "numbering system" was incorporated in the Gibson numbering sequence. As far as the "Curl-y-Que" bridge is concerned, I have heard some real wild stuff. Even as far as "the guitar was a total rebuild". Going by my own knowledge as a Luthier Hobiest (for 45 years), I am certain that the guitar is 100% original (except for some repairs done professionally, and excellent). I personally re-glued the bridge, which was lifting up from the top. The glue that I scraped off, was the old "Powder and Water" type, which is concurrent with the early 20th century.

The workmanship is astonishing. The binding; Ebony and Maple wood strips, is perfect, and awesome. The key rack is original, with Ivory Butter-Bean tuners. This is the easiest guitar to play that I have. The sound is beautiful, just like how the guitar looks. The back and sides are East Indian Rosewood, the top is Sitka Spruice. The neck is Honduran Mahogeny, with an Ebony Frett board. The Curl-y-Que bridge is Ebony, and original, in spite of what the "experts" have said. The width of the frettboard at the nut, is 1 15/16th", which is perfect (for me).

I have priced thius guitar at $1,400, which is fair. I have 3 (three) Parlor Guitars for sale, I will keep the last one. I can be reached by email; , or by phone; (808) 722-8874. Please call between the hours of 8AM and 9PM Hawaiian Standard time, (6 hours earlier than East Coast, 3 hours earlier than West Coast). I will probably be inclined to reduce the price, if a reasonable offer is made before Sept. 17th.

Lots of Aloha .......T