Projects: Vintage parlour guitar
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This small-bodied guitar (often called a 'parlour guitar') probably dates from the early years of the 20th century. There's nothing to indicate the make, and the proportions of the headstock don't suggest any of the well-known makers, but my guess is that it's probably Chicago-made. It's certainly a good-quality instrument - check out the Brazilian rosewood of the back and sides.
The guitar has been refinished quite recently with French polish, and although I'd always prefer to leave a vintage instrument alone if possible it's been done very well. However, the replacement bridge was badly made. The saddle slot was placed too near the front edge, and has split. It was also made of stained whitewood rather than ebony.
We decided to replace it with a slightly oversized ebony bridge based on a 1900s Washburn design.
