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Mid-30's LaSalle Model 'C'

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Body width at lower bout: 16 3/4" Depth: 4". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .98/1.29 1st/10th frets

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved flame maple back and sides; handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; bound ebony fingerboard with variegated engraved pearl inlay; 6 ply top binding; pearl peghead inlay.

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes Grover open-back tuners; engraved gold trapeze tailpiece; compensated adjustable ebony bridge. Vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard installed, original engraved tortoise guard included.

Notes: A rarity among rarities, this ornate instrument is estimated to have been built sometime in the mid 1930's, as one of several custom brands produced by the custom shop at Regal in Chicago, makers of Dobro, Bacon and Day, and numerous other prewar marques. Little is known of the LaSalle nameplate today, but it was almost surely made for a distributor or music store chain before the Second World War.

The unique design of the LaSalle combines a number of features quite unlike any other prewar guitar. Handcarved of all solid tonewoods, the body is a full 4" in depth, an unusually large sound chamber for an instrument of its size. Further enhancing the guitar's robust tone is the long 25 1/2" scale, and the X-braced soundboard, both extremely rare to find on any prewar 16" archtop.

A number of premium features suggest the Model C must have been at or near the top of the LaSalle line. The solid pearl inlays are deeply inscribed with a variegated floral pattern, a labor-intensive technique more common in instruments from the 19th century. The gold tailpiece is handsomely hand-engraved along the trapeze, not stamped as in mass-produced models. The body is constructed of solid hand carved tonewoods: figured bookmatched flame maple with a quartersawn solid spruce top with tone bar bracing. A special pleasure is the neck strap button, a unique design which straddles the heel.

This example is in fine condition, with 100% original hardware and finish, no cracks and only typical random lacquer dings on the body. The original hardware and binding are in excellent condition, with a vintage correct bound tortoise pickguard installed. A single small hole near the peghead logo has been filled, and the action is smooth and low over a fresh high precision setup. The neck profile is a solid, comfortable light V shape and the deep, X-braced body combines powerful archtop projection with added bass response and sustain.

A unique and finely crafted instrument, the LaSalle Model C is a remarkable discovery from an all-but-forgotten chapter of fine American luthiery, and a highly distinctive voice in a true prewar classic. One only: call now.

Setup: Bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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 deluxe arched black plush-lined hardshell case.

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