7-STRING RUSSIAN GUITAR, PROBABLY OF GERMAN MANUFACTURE, 1880-90

An interesting 7-string Russian guitar, probably built in Markneukirchen, Germany around 1880. It was obviously built for and sold into the Russian market, as some fragments of a Russian newspaper used during repair work are to be found inside the body (see photo).

 The body is built along Viennese lines, as are most of these instruments and it has the Viennese style adjustable neck, radiused fretboard and floating fingerboard. The bridge, which is original, is similar to late 19th century French bridges and the tuning head is typical later 19th century Saxon work. The machines of bone and brass are also typical of the Markneukirchen machines of the later 19th century.

This guitar has been fully restored and is in original condition. It has a perfect action and a very bright tone consistent with its Viennese, Legnani-style design. It plays very well both in Russian tuning and in standard guitar tuning, making it also very useful for the music of Coste and other 19th century composers who wrote for a 7-string instrument.

 It comes wih a hard case and a clock key for neck adjustment.

Price: $AUS3750.00