~1930 Kleartone (Regal) Gem burst w/hsc
1930s Kleartone (Regal?) Gem 00 size w/hsc
Super cool and rare Kleartone Gem 00 size (14 1/8") parlor guitar from the 30s. Not exactly sure who made this, I suspect Regal but that's just a hunch (and unsubstantiated), but based on several construction and design details that this guitar shares with some other Regal made instruments. Solid birch back and sides, solid red spruce top, maple neck, pearloid head stock overlay with the Kleartone Gem logo. The scale length is 25 3/8." The bridge is a rosewood replacement, slightly over sized. The top is ladder braced. The current tuners are 60s Klusons that have two slightly bent keys, they work fine. The back, sides, top and neck are entirely crack free and other than the replaced bridge free of previous significant repairs. The finish shows plenty of nicks and dings, much of it obvious play wear revealing that some previous owner(s) played this one a lot. The frets and fret board are in great shape, no visible wear to the frets (not sure about their originality) or the fret board. The neck was reset when the guitar came in to the shop and the saddle slot was re-routed to improve intonation. The result is action that measures 7/64" at the low E and 6/64 at the high E with plenty of saddle left to lower the action if desired. The guitar is currently strung with custom lights (.011-.052) and the neck (which has no reinforcement) shows about .01" relief. The nut width is 1 3/4" with a pin spacing of 2 3/16". The tone is dry and woody, weighted toward the midrange and treble as is common with ladder braced guitars but there's enough bass to balance out when called upon. An excellent and fun little finger picker for country blues and ragtime or light strummer for old time style play. Comes with a modern hard shell case that is just slightly over sized, with some padding added to improve the fit. $1425
Kovacik Guitars and Fretted Instrument Repair
8:59 AM
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Items are sold with a 48 hour approval period unless clearly marked "AS IS" in the listing. AS IS items are not returnable. If an item is going to be returned it is at the buyer's expense and the item must be shipped within 24 hours of the buyer notifying Kovacik Guitars of intent to return. Any returned items must be shipped in the original packaging and MUST be fully insured when returned. Once an item is returned to Kovacik Guitars and judged to be in the same condition as when originally sold a full refund will be issued.