Just when I thought I’d seen all the guitar ‘styles’ Weymann had to offer this one surfaces:
Photos by Ben’s Gear Emporium
This is a c.1908 ‘Auditorium’ size (lower bout 14 1/2″) Weymann guitar with abalone and pearl trim. It is currently (Nov 2021) owned by Ben’s Gear Emporium and Ben has it for sale on Reverb. He describes the guitar as:
“A 1908 Weymann Flat-top. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fretboard. Recently appraised at Carter Vintage Instruments in Nashville. I’ve never seen a Weymann with this much inlay work done. It’s a looker but it sounds even better than it looks — this guitar is loud for it’s size and the notes blossom with ease.
The guitar has had a neck reset, side cracks have been nicely repaired and a top cleat has been put in the area under the fingerboard — done at Carter Vintage.
This guitar plays great and sounds amazing. It’s in very good condition for being over 110 years old! This ladder braced guitar has a very interesting history. It was previously owned by Chris Hillman (founding member of The Byrds) and Garry Tallent (bassist in the E Street Band)”.
Some more photos:
The gold decal label says “Highest Grade” which was reserved for their top end instruments. Others were labeled “High Grade”.
To me this is further evidence that H.A.Weymann & Son was a quality manufacturer. It’s a pity their manufacturing arm didn’t survive the depression in 1930 and the demise in the late 1930’s of the driving force behind the company, H.W. (Harry) Weymann.
Thanks for reading
Charles
Thanks for posting this beautiful little guitar Charles.
Hi Guy, thanks for your comment. I have to point out however that this is not such a little guitar. With a lower bout of 14 1/2″ it is very close to ‘Auditorium’ size. At this stage I do not have any other measurements of this guitar however I am hopeful the owner will supply those soon. It also has to be said that any guitar in 1908 of that size is very unusual. All the best, Charles
Hi Charles, wow, this really is a beautiful guitar! The inlay work seems beautifully done! As you say, this looks like a very high-quality instrument. I’d love to hear it! Thanks for showing it to us here.
Hi Pat, It has been sold and I’m trying to get in touch with the new owner in the hope he/she can let me link to a recording of the guitar. All the best, Charles
“Thou shalt not lust…”. Too late! I’ve already lusted. Thanks for the temptation, Charley.
I was willing Jim but my wallet was empty. Owner informed me it has now sold. Hope you are well, too many friends of mine are packing their bags and leaving this world! All the best, Charley