c.1900 J.F. Stratton “HARP” brand 12-fret parlor in spruce over brazilian rosewood and original X-bracing, 1 13/16” nut, 2 1/16” string spacing. bare fingerstyle players delight.

051717A

John F. Stratton built stringed instruments in New York from around 1860 to 1914. His “HARP” guitar model is recognized by the ceramic headstock emblem engraved with the harp insignia. This is the earlier parlor guitar that I’ve had in the shop that shows its original X-bracing. The tone is warm and sweet and sure to please the bare-fingerstyle player with a light touch. Ships only within the USA.

SPECS: parlor-size body, 12-fret neck, X-braced solid spruce top, solid brazilian rosewood rim and back, slotted headstock with original emblem, wood binding all around, period tuning machines with bone knobs, steel reinforced poplar neck with a soft “C” neck profile, ebony fretboard with new frets and funky MOP markers, ebony pyramid bridge, bone nut and saddle with bone pins. Nut width: 1 13/16”, String Spacing: 2 1/16”, Scale length: 24 1/2”, Upper bout: 8 7/8””, Lower Bout: 12 3/8”, Body length: 18 1/4“, Widest body depth: 3 5/8”, Overall length: 37 1/8” , Neck thickness at 1st fret: 3/4”, Neck thickness at 5th fret: 7/8”, Action: 1/8”, string gauge setup: 47-10s.

CONDITION: Solid guitar with 2 prior back repairs and one neck insert where capo marks once were. Touchup around the neck joint. Scuffs to finish from honest wear. Work included neckset with steel reinforcement added, new bridge, fretboard and frets, and repairs to seams, braces, bridgeplate, touchups and setup.

SOUND: Warm and resonant, this guitar plays best with bare fingers and a lighter touch. The 100 year old spruce and brazilian rosewood responds nicely with needing to dig in and rumble. Intimate player with a cool, funky vibe.

PRICE: $999

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