What kind of Instrument is this?

[John E Giarrizzo]

Has old metal strings on it. It's in pretty bad shape. Back almost completely off and warped. Braces rattling around inside. But I think --- hope I can do a restoration on it.

Type of strings? Is it tuned like a mandolin? Ukelele?

Thanks.

John

JEG 100_2739-1.JPG (25.31 KiB) Viewed 9485 times

[G.S. Monroe]

That is a 4 string Tenor Guitar. It was a popular instrument in the early to mid 1900's with Banjo players that wanted to play rhythm guitar without learning a new playing style. Typical tuning is same as Banjo. The design suggests that this guitar is from the mid 1920's.

http://www.tenorguitar.com/

[Steve Senseney]

If you google for Stella tenor guitar, you can see some images like your guitar.

Your instrument (and many of the images) seem to have friction pegs for tuning.

[John E Giarrizzo]

Thanks for the info. Websites were very informative. I see that there is some flexibility in tuning. Guitar, Mandolin, banjo, Uke tunings. Basically, I'm a guitar guy. Some violin (mandolin tuning).

I'll have to start by pulling the back off, as it's just hanging there now, Reglue braces that fell off. Possibly refret. Etc. Fun fun fun. I'm excited. Another type of intrument to learn.

Thanks again.

John

[Barry Guest]

Good for you John. Don't forget to give before's and after's when you are finished.

[John E Giarrizzo]

Will do. I guess I'm committed now to start this project. It's been one of those I've been thinking about for years.

John

[John E Giarrizzo]

Thanks to all for the info. I finally finished it. My Dad had given this instrument to me many years ago. He picked it up at a garage sale --- probably for $2. I didn't think it had much hope --- but ---

I am thrilled with how it turned out. Not only looks pretty good, but the sound!!! Bright, rich, mellow, full --- I have another instrument to play. Finished it a couple of days ago, and I can't put it down. Already a couple of tunes are coming through it. Tuned it CGDA. Learning new chords. My new baby.

Thanks again.

[John E Giarrizzo]

[Jon Whitney]

You're right, it does look pretty good. I have one or two guitars that are in similar shape, I hope I can do them up as nicely.

Let me be the first to congratulate you and call for a sound sample.

[John E Giarrizzo]

Thanks, Jon.

Yes, go ahead and do yours. It is enjoyable giving new life to an old instrument like this.