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2007 Rumley Strumberg
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Body size at lower bout: 19" Body Depth: 3 3/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"
Finish: Natural blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved solid spruce top; handcarved figured maple back and sides; 3 piece tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; triple bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Hardware includes engraved brass tailpiece; solid bound ebony finger rest; gold Grover Imperial tuners; compensated stairstep adjustable ebony bridge.
Notes: Fabled Boston luthier Charles Stromberg opened shop around 1905, and was joined by his son Charles some five years later. Over the next half century they created a body of innovative hand-built orchestra guitars that have become legendary among players and collectors alike. The Rumley Strumberg is a tribute to the fabled Stromberg Master 400 model, the largest production archtop ever made. The massive body is crafted of extravagant tiger flame maple, with a bookmatched solid Sitka spruce soundboard that is a full 19" at the lower bout, with the single long diagonal brace in the Stromberg tradition. Handbuilt by Denver luthier John Rumley, the Strumberg has classic art deco design, including an engraved, hand machined gold tailpiece, and inlaid stairstep bridge.
This rare example is in superb condition, with all original hardware and finish, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The neck profile is full and solid in the prewar style, with a strong U profile, and smooth low action over fine pro fretwork. Apart from a small footprint where the bridge was repositioned, and a few strands of checking in the deep amber finish, the instrument appears all but unplayed. The voice is warm and buttery, ideal for comping styles from Western Swing to smooth chord melody. Most remarkable of all is the price, a most welcome alternative to the astronomical cost of many contemporary American made hand-carved instruments. Complete with its ultra-premium Cedar Creek brown alligator hardshell case, the Rumley Strumberg is a unique throwback to a more elegant, and affordable, era.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze roundwound strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original Cedar Creek brown alligator arched plush hardshell case.
