The University Museum

GUITAR

The two guitars displayed here represent different sizes and styles of acoustic guitars. However, it is obvious that both instruments were frequently played and, judging by the names and initials carved into the guitars' bodies, were also used as a way to recognize the people that were important in the lives of the owners.

The larger guitar (left) was manufactured by the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1912. This instrument, an L-3 model, shows most of its fret wear around its first four frets, leading one to think that it may have been used mostly as an accompaniment instrument as was heard on the version of "Over The Waves Waltz". (The name of "Paul Weiss" has been carved into the soundbox top at the right edge of the fingerboard.)

The smaller guitar (right) is a Lakeside model that was marketed out of Chicago by the Lyon and Healy Company beginning around 1910. This one was purchased during the 1920s, and was played by Hugh Rector of Harrisburg, Illinois. Again, most of the fret wear is found around the first four frets, indicating its use as a backup instrument. There initials are carved into the guitar's body, commemorating the guitarist's many friends.

Acoustic Guitar. Dear A.G. Number 45/September 1996. http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag45/dear45.html
Fjestad, S. P. 1999. Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars. 6th edition. Minneapolis, MN: Blue Book Publications, Inc. http://www.gibson.com/downloads/bluebook/GibsonAcoustics.pdf