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2009 Rumley Strumberg
Price and Status: For pricing and hold status of this instrument, please check here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold. To be notified of examples of this or any other model in the future, please email your specific requests to [email protected].
Dated: 6/16/09, by maker
Body size at lower bout: 18 3/4" Body Depth: 3 7/8" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 11/16"
Finish: Sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved spruce top; handcarved birdseye maple back and sides; 3 piece flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo and truss rod cover; multi-ply body and neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Hardware includes custom engraved brass tailpiece; solid art deco ebony finger rest; gold Grover Imperial tuners; compensated stairstep adjustable ebony bridge. PUTW Powerstrip piezo pickup installed under bridge, with 1/4" jack near endpin.
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. A super jumbo guitar in the classic tradition, the Rumley Strumberg is a tribute to their Master 400 model, the largest archtop guitar ever commercially produced, and one of the true "Holy Grail" instruments of the 20th century.
Handbuilt for D'Angelico biographer Paul Schmidt by Denver luthier John Rumley, the Strumberg has extravagant art-deco styling, including a hand engraved gold tailpiece, compensated ebony stairstep bridge, and multi-ply binding throughout. The solid hand carved body is crafted of birdseye maple, with a bookmatched solid Sitka spruce soundboard that is a full 18 3/4" at the lower bout, and braced in the traditional style with a single transverse tone bar. Most remarkable is the phenomenal level of detail, with hand-inscribed pearl inlay of scrimshaw precision, with Durer-influenced floral designs stunningly executed by master engraver John Ennis.
With all original hardware and finish, she's been maintained without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The neck profile is full and solid in the prewar style, with a strong D profile, and smooth low action over fine pro fretwork. The voice is warm and buttery, ideal for comping styles from Western Swing to smooth chord melody, with a non-invasive PUTW Powerstrip piezo pickup resting under the bridge foot, with a 1/4" jack near the endpin.
A one-of-a kind creation, never to be duplicated by the maker, the Strumberg is most attractive alternative to the scarce originals, whose cost can run well upwards of $50K. There will *not* be another one on your block. Call now.
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: Ultra premium Ameritage arched plush lined hardshell case.
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