Topic: 12 String Trash Can Find - IT'S HOME!

[frankie]

Here's a pic. Was told this was probably a Regal or Harmony. No name, but rather large - hence Boris.

That does look big, but doesn't particularly say Harmony to me... neither Regal. Can you post some closeups of the purfling?

[Prof Scratchy]

On my campervan travels at the moment, Frankie, but will try to do so when back home...

[Prof Scratchy]

Hi frankie - here's a close up pic of the binding and soundhole rosette. I think this inlay was factory produced and appeared on a number of brands in the '20's.

[Mr.OMuck]

Looks like a Larson Bros. to me.

[Prof Scratchy]

Tee hee!

[Mr.OMuck]

Why don't you send a photo to Steve Ulrich at Retrofret ? He'd be able to tell you exactly what it is. It also reminds me of some New York early 20th century Italian made guitars I've seen on rare occasions. Pat Conte might know, I'll send him a pic.

[Johnm]

I don't know who the maker of Boris was, but he (it?) is a spectacular-sounding guitar--the best-sounding twelve-string guitar I have ever heard, I think.  And the guitar also plays very easily, despite the big neck.  I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to try the guitar out last summer.  Thanks, Prof, you have a great one!
All best,
Johnm

[Mr.OMuck]

Pat says he thinks its a Holzapfel which I think is right, http://www.folkwaymusic.com/museum/other-acoustic-guitars-/holzapfel-beitel-0113/

[Mr.OMuck]

How about a demo youtube?

[Prof Scratchy]

I think it may always be a mystery, but yes, as Johnm says, it does sound good and play well, and that's the main thing. I think it was Neil Harpe (in a previous thread) who suggested Harmony or Regal, and I'm sure he'd have said Holzapfel if he'd thought so, as he's a bit of an expert on those. As regards the Holzapfel instruments, I think most if not all of them had a   zero fret - but Neil will correct me if I'm wrong. I recently found one of those on ebay and pointed Neil in its direction. It was pick up only, so I couldn't buy it even though I've always wanted to play one! I'll try and do a youtube demo one of these days.

[Mr.OMuck]

Holzapfels

[Prof Scratchy]

Hmm? Body shape looks familiar...?

[Mr.OMuck]

Holzapfel might have been low on fret wire that day, or someone replaced the fretboard without a zero fret.

[frankie]

I'd say it's enough to know it's a great sounding and playing guitar...  it's interesting to look at the details and speculate on a builder, but there's no point in getting overly enthusiastic about a particular maker's name. It's not gonna make it play or sound any better.

And not to put too fine a point on it:

mightⁿ <> is

[Mr.OMuck]

True, but its a spillover from my compulsive painting attribution jones....jest gotta knows..!