Legnani Model Guitar, probably by C. F. Goram, Markneukirchen, Saxony, ca 1840.

This very well built instrument exhibits many characteristics of the circle of guitar makers who worked in Markneukirchen around the time that C.F. Martin left for New York. The single sided machine is from the same factory that supplied Martin and the pearl work around the soundhole is reminiscent of the “thumbnail” Martins. The choice of timber is excellent and the guitar, now fully restored is in excellent playing condition, with a big, strong, typical Legnani style tone and a great dynamic range.

This guitar came from the USA, where it had been modified with a “pyramid” bridge and a full-width fingerboard. The current fretboard and bridge are based on marks on the belly from the original bridge, which give the impression of a typical Markneukirchen style bridge for this model of guitar. A model based on Hoyer was chosen as most closely fitting the marks on the belly. The belly cracks are reinforced with silk paper.

2 worm holes have been closed and reinforced in the back and a section of spruce spliced into the upper part of the belly on the bass side of the fretboard to stabilise a crack and to remove damage to the belly caused by the unoriginal fret board. The current bar frets (22 in number) are of 1mm nickel silver.

The guitar is fully playable and very stable. The tuners have some wear, but work smoothly and well.

Price: SOLD.