1830's martin Stauffer-Style Guitar

[kingsransom]

I have owned this one for a while, but I never knew exactly what it was. At a guitar show this weekend, I confirmed with a well-known writer for Vintage Guitar magazine that it is indeed a Martin guitar from the late 1830's or early 1840's.

Does anyone know anything about these? How many made? Styles made? Any reference material?

Thanks!

[BlackHeart]

Sweet, there were lots of guitar makers in Europe like that, is that a pre-American guitar? Have any sound clips?

[ajferrara41]

That's great. It's amazing how little things have changed in nearly 200 years.

[kingsransom]

Last I checked, the USA was a country in the 1830's.

I originally purchased it as a "Stauffer-style" guitar, understanding that there are several makers from this era. However, the guy who looked at it yesterday said there were several features that identified it specifically as a Martin guitar.

He also said the neck was made of Cuban Mahogany, which is an extinct wood. That's pretty interesting...

[gitnoob]

Originally Posted by kingsransom

Last I checked, the USA was a country in the 1830's.

True, but Martin was a German until 1833. Before that he worked in Stauffer's shop.

Here's another Stauffer:



Did anybody sign the top? (Check from inside with an inspection mirror.)

Cool guitar, BTW.

[blue-wily-fox]

really cool guitar, unbelievable shape for that age, you should post this over at the Martin forum, I'm sure a lot of guys would love to see it, and may have some more info for you...

http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/

[Misifus]

For reference material on this guitar, you might want to try Mike Longworth's book, "Martin Guitars: A History". They're out of print and not cheap, but they're available if you want one.

-Raf

[Kitchen Guitars]

Thats beautiful! And in amazing shape. That Birdseye looks new! How does she sound??

[musical5]

Thats a Martin? Its got to be worth a small fortune!

[kingsransom]

I bought it with nylon strings on it, and I didn't want to put steel strings on until I verified it was okay. I'm guessing it was not designed for steel? Better safe than sorry.

So the combination of the small body and the nylon strings gives a tone that you certainly would not think of as "the Martin tone." Not bad, but I imagine this is worth more as an antique or collector's piece.

Thanks everyone for the info so far. Please continue to chime in with any other info or resources.

[sachi]

No, it was not designed for steel strings. Put nylon or gut on it only!

Please do head over to the UMGF to talk to the Martin experts!

[00016SRGT]

Originally Posted by Misifus

For reference material on this guitar, you might want to try Mike Longworth's book, "Martin Guitars: A History". They're out of print and not cheap, but they're available if you want one.

-Raf

That book has been revised and updated. Well worth reading:
http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Guitars...7768975&sr=8-1

[akadave]

Thats an amazing guitar!

[Howard Klepper]

I do not claim any great expertise in these matters, but that guitar does not look to me like a C.F. Martin. His Stauffer style guitars usually had the angled fretboard extension, a different, narrower bridge, more ornate neck with joined (bridle joint) headstock, and a relatively larger upper bout. They also always had a label, visible under the soundhole. Labels can fall off, but I see no traces of one having been glued there.

What features did your guy say were characteristic of Martin built Stauffer style guitars?

BTW, Cuban mahogany is not extinct. It has not been available in commercial quantities for 80-90 years, but it is available. If your expert said it is extinct, IMO that would cast some doubt on his other opinions.

It is, of course, a nice and interesting guitar.

[scooter74]

I have no idea what you have there but it's very nice indeed. Looks like the maple body is a new addition. Are you selling it?