Michael Nemick
From:
Caseville, Michigan, USA
|
Posted 1 Nov 2013 9:58 am |
|
Rare early 1930's BHronson squareneck guitar
·
You will NOT find a better representation of this instrument anywhere, in sound or appearance.
· all birch body construction with original Kluson tuners!
· amazing tone and seriously loud volume!
· a very rare and collectible guitar from the golden age of acoustics!
· stays in tune, sounds like a dream and functions great!
·
This is an auction for a very rare example of a Regal made acoustic 'Hawaiian' guitar labeled with the Bronson brand name. It is a lovely pre-War American made piece of history that sounds great and is in wonderful shape.
Bronson was a sort of spin off company to Oahu, or rather, a direct rival company that came from two relatives parting ways. It is as close to a Shakespearean tale as you get out of Flint, MI. It all started when Harry Stanley and George Bronson (his half-brother) formed the Honolulu Conservatory of Music in Flint in the late 20's. They specialized in instruction and lessons for guitar in the Hawaiian and Spanish methods. America was full on crazy for all things Hawaiian, from the music to the Island motifs that appear in all kinds of Art Deco objects of this time. It was something all Americans were exposed to in the World's Fair of 1915, and had only grown in popularity since then. At this point, it was almost more common for a young beginner to start out playing slide as it was the more common' Spanish' method of today, and these two brothers where cashing in on that popularity. It is unclear what followed after they opened a store in Cleveland, but they soon parted ways, only to become rivals in business. They parted ways in early 1930 and opened almost identical companies overnight. The Honolulu Conservatory dissolved and from its ashes sprang Oahu (Harry Stanley in Cleveland) and Bronson (George Bronson in Detroit). Both offered similar acoustic square guitars like this one before you (and most were even made at the same factories of either Regal or Stromberg/Kay!) and both were quick to launch a lap steel electric line. Both had a line of instruction and musical notation books with which any person could learn (or even teach) Hawaiian method guitar, but it seems like Oahu's did better in the market. And in this respect, Oahu won out. It crawled its way across the country, and several regional music stores used their lessons to teach students. I have also found Oahu guitars and sheet music in some of the most remote areas of the Midwest. Part of this was their ability to advertise their products in catalogs and national magazines for mail order it seems, while their rivals Bronson never took hold as well (although also did a brisk business in the 1930's). As best I can tell, Bronson seems to have faded by the mid 50's (like Oahu) as the Hawaiian guitar craze fizzled as well.
While most Oahu electrics were probably also made by the same guitar factories as their acoustics, the Bronson electrics was a different story. It seems George Bronson could see the writing on the wall and he knew the Hawaiian guitar style had a future apart from the acoustic, and he sought out the best makers he could. The electric lap steel was the way to go for him and as a result his Melody King line is still sought after today for their tone. That is why most of the models that were produced under this label where made by Rickenbacker or Valco (Supro/National). I posted some links to photos of them below for you to check out. I have had a few Bronson labeled Rickenbachers and Valcos, and they are killer guitars! I have seen a few examples of Hawaiian acoustic guitars made under the Bronson label, but haven't ever owned a version like this one. Although I have probably had several dozen Oahu's like this, it seemed like Bronson acoustic guitars were often more high end and rare, and it probably came and went quickly. Some of the acoustic ones Regal made for Bronson at this time get some serious cash! So I was excited to land this one. It really fills in a piece of the puzzle for me on the history of these two rival companies.
The original unbranded Kluson tuners work and it stays in tune well. It is all solid birch like most of the Chicago companies were doing around this time. It has a lovely reddish brown dark sunburst similar to what was on Oahu guitars, and it still shines nicely. The neck looks to be birch or maple as well, and has a headstock shape like many early Oahu models as well, with a neato pointed Art Deco beveled edge to it. Pretty unusual. The bridge and fingerboard are probably ebonized birch or maple (a method they used to make it darker looking). The nut has plenty of height on it and is slotted evenly. It has frets even though it was never intended to be fretted. The finish is shiny and clean.
How does it sound? It sounds great! And it is loud. Especially with a pick! It really holds its own with bigger bodied acoustics, and has sustain for miles and miles. It is one of the better sounding slide guitars I have owned in the last few years. The single note tone is bright and plucky, with a nice punch but not too spanky sounding. It is setup well at the nut and as a result sustains and sings all across the neck. Not much else I can say than that! Other than I am having a hard time letting it go! It has a throaty, responsive tone that can be both refined or nasty if you lay into it with a pick. It would be great for doing an old school Americana sort of vibe, a retro Hawaiian thing or some Blues or Country stuff. Heck it would even be great for a modern acoustic instrumental thing!
I describe anything Iist accurately and to the best of my ability. What you see is what you get, therefore all sales are final. If you have questions please ask before purchasing. Comes With OHSC in good condition. Asking $395.00+ Shipping OBO
_________________
"I shall pass through this world but once, any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not deter or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again" Stephen Grellet
Last edited by Michael Nemick on 4 Nov 2013 6:33 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
Michael Nemick
From:
Caseville, Michigan, USA
|
Posted 4 Nov 2013 9:15 am
|
|
I have not received a PM, 
_________________
"I shall pass through this world but once, any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not deter or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again" Stephen Grellet |
|
