Guitars in the old west

[Galloway]

Does anyone make a replica or similar guitar to one that was around from say 1860's to 1880's? And if so what kind of music might have been played on it at the time. Thanks

[River City John]

Great majority of guitars were the small "parlour' type, strung with gut. Many of the smaller classical guitars of today, nylon strung, would fit the bill. Don't be looking to generate the volume of steel strings. The playing style was different than the strumming of today. There are tapes available by period artists using period instruments, often through Civil War reenacting sites or Sutlers who sell tapes of period fare. (Too numerous to mention.)
Tuners were friction peg early, with geared tuners coming in later in the 19th century. No steel reinforcing rod in neck, so never put steel strings on an antique guitar. For the purists, you can still buy real gut strings out of Europe, but they are Gawd-awful expensive.

Stephen Foster, for one, composed, or rather, to be more accurate, arranged quite a bit of music for the guitar.


Here's one of many sources for period sheet music. Mr. Google should point you in the right direction.
http://library.duke.edu/music/sheetmusic/collections.html

Here is an interesting site with additional information.
http://www.19thcenturyguitar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=75


RCJ

[GunClick Rick]

I have a catalog of old west sheet music,i just can't read music.I wonder who some of the makers were.?

[GunClick Rick]

Got my eye on an old Stella parlor size right now,bueatiful condition and sounded pretty dang good,80.00

[Doc Neeley]

Or a gourd banjo? http://www.gourdbanjo.com/

[Django]

Now that we are  in my teritory for once, hopefully i can give advise rather than asking for it!!
(my website is below)

The best authentic guitar being made for our period of interest in my opinon is the re-issue 125th Anniversary Washburn Parlour.

These guitars have been manufactured in Chicago since 1883.

On Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Washburn-R320-SWRK-Parlour-Guitar-Aged-ALL-SOLID-/290438315025?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item439f78fc11

This is the fancy one, they make three in the series all "aged"., not cheap but beautiful and authentic as they come.
A bright tone favoured for fingerpicking and blues, also perfect for just strummin' along and LOUD, great projection for a small guitar!
They do have a "V" shaped neck as the originals did, not everyone can get on with it but i love 'em!

http://cgi.ebay.com/WASHBURN-R316-125th-ANN-VINTAGE-PARLOR-ACOUSTIC-GUITAR-/220615865014?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item335dbaf2b6
This one has a youtube vid' attached, not a great quality sound track , but a nice player.

Originals are still out there but because of their age they are collectors pieces.

I hope this helps.
Django

[GunClick Rick]

Take a look over here~shopgoodwill.com

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Walt-Disneys--Davy-Crockett-guitar-in-box--6344005.html#des

[Irish Dave]

That's a beautiful little instrument, Django. Kinda makes me want one. Then again, I haven't really played the ones I have for a spell. Still, a mighty handsome looking guitar.

Ahh, too many interests, too little time.
Tis true 'tis sad; 'tis sad 'tis true.

[GunClick Rick]

If a feller was to find an old parlor guitar or something similar,what would you look for in the construction of the instument to say it was a well made guitar??? I had an old one once and sold it,soon after i got to thinkin about the wood it was made of and thought,maybe i should have kept that one.The top had what i would call stripes or lines in the wood.

[Forty Rod]

Look at Lark In The Morning.  They have a plethora of instruments and a lot of music, instrument parts, instuction books, carrying cases etc.

Their print catalog is a real joy to look through.

[Django]

There is a nice Wasburn on Ebay UK at the moment...i'm getting tempted as it a very limited edition with all the  bells and whistles ..plus it will sound great as they all do.
Django

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130411913701&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Django]

It's not old west but  Thought i'd post this parlour guitar that is on Ebay UK, i've never seen such beautiful wood on an instument.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220654103941&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Django

[Dr. Bob]

For those of us on this side of the pond, that is $1,429!

[GunClick Rick]

Boy i sure would love to have one of them gourd banjos,those are very cool!!! All i have is this one,it's the size of a parlor geetar.Probably not worth much though

[rustyrelx]

I am at a show today and saw a Stella Mandolin for $25. Looks like its in good shape.. Any interest contact me immediately as the show is over on Sunday and who knows when this might sell.  DonI will need the price plus shipping costs  I'm 83705  Don

[rustyrelx]

sold, its gone now folks...... Don