Stromberg DeLUXE 1929-1932

Initially, Stromberg primarily made banjos and mandolins, but when the guitar began to replace the banjo among professional musicians in the 1920s, Stromberg followed suit and produced their first carved-top archtop guitars in 1927. The company produced only approximately 640 guitars between 1906 and 1955 and is known for its craftsmanship, comparable to the high standards of John D'Angelico. 

This DeLUXE dates from the early period of Stromberg's archtop production, between 1929 and 1932. Strombergs did not have a serial number, but instead a business card glued into the body. The phone number on this card allows for a rough dating of the guitars. This DeLUXE has the number Bowdoin 1878-R, which was used from 1929 to 1932. The guitar features laminated maple back and sides and a laminated spruce top with a natural satin finish. The five-piece maple and ebony neck has a comfortable C-profile with an extreme compound radius of 10" to 20" on the rosewood fingerboard, which features beautiful mother-of-pearl floral inlays. The ivoroid binding with multi-line purfling and the segmented F-holes give the guitar its refined appearance. The headstock is slightly arched thanks to the use of multi-layered plastic veneer that Elmer Stromberg applied to the front of the headstock to create a multi-layered binding effect. 

This Stromberg has undergone considerable work over the years. In 1991, the guitar received a completely new top by renowned Kentucky luthier Ted Ramsey, who also applied a new natural matte finish. The guitar has also had work done to the neck, where the fretboard was sanded down near the nut and part of the headstock was removed. Part of the neck binding was also lost, and some holes on the fretboard have been filled, though some are still visible. Despite these adjustments, the guitar has a beautiful, clear voice and plays comfortably. The guitar is in good condition and comes in a hardshell case.