~1905 Grunewald 3/4 Terz Natural

Grunewald 3/4 Size "Terz" Guitar c 1905 | $950 | (v2511) We believe that this guitar bearing the Grunewald label is from the Lyon & Healy factory in Chicago, and manufactured in the first decade of the twentieth century. The Grunewald label inside is surely interesting in that Grunewald was likely the earliest maker to market a ten and twelve string guitar, beginning at the end of the ninteenth century. In the latter part of the ninteenth century in New Orleans Louis Grunewald, along with his three sons, created a large musical enterprise which included mandolin and guitar making, as well as piano and organ sales among many other things musical. Having owned a small number of Grunewald instruments (very few are extant), we can guess that this guitar is likely not a Grunewald product; it's probably a 'jobber' instrument made in Chicago for the Grunewald music store, as per the label. Regardless, it's still a vey rare and unique piece of musical history. We've seen about six or seven Grunewald 10 or 12-string guitars, but never a 6-string version.

The ladder-braced top is made from spruce and bound in colorful marquetry and white celluloid, echoed at the sound hole. The back and sides appear to be mahogany, with the back bound in white celluloid. The neck is basswood or poplar, unbound, carved in the typical 'V' with a fingerboard that appears to be beanwood. The 'floating' bridge/tailpiece is typical of the era. The tuners and tailpiece appear original.

The body measures 11 3/16" across at the lower bout. Total length is 32 1/2" Scale length is 21 5/8". The fingerboard measures 1 11/16" across at the nut, with string spacing at 2 1/8".

We recently glued and cleated a back crack; reset the neck; shimmed the bridge to adjust action; leveled and dressed the frets; glued a brace; cleaned and lubed the tuners; glued a small hairline at the bottom of the bass slot. A tiny piece of back binding has chipped out. There are various nicks and dings from age and use.

The action is set at ~ 6/64" and the guitar plays well. The 'terz' is tuned a third higher than A440. The sound is a bit boxy due to its small size, but when played with a pick it can really cut! With its higher tuning, this could be a nice addition for someone looking to offer a different tonal spectrum in a small combo, or use it as a fun travel guitar!

No case.

Check out the sound clip!