Princess Concert-size Acoustic Guitar c 1930 | SOLD | (v2102) A few years ago we picked up and sold a beautiful concert-size guitar with details we thought we'd never see again. But as it so often goes in the vintage guitar world, we came across another example by the same maker. This one is is labeled 'Princess Professional' and was distributed by the M.B.I. Co. NY. A quick search of the web and Music Trade Review yielded nothing on the company. (If anyone knows anything please contact us.)
This example pretty much shares the same construction details as or first example: all solid birch body; solid linings to attach back and sides; X-braced; same head stock profile. The fingerboard, heel cap and pick guard are all pearloid (MOTS). The overall color is an oxblood with a subtle sunburst on top and back. The top and sound hole are both bound in w/b/w celluloid. The bridge is likely maple painted black. The ebony bridge pins sport pearl dots. The tuners are brass strip tuners. There is no end pin by design. The head stock shows the ghost of an emblem or medallion. The paint and finish show some nicks, dings and loss from time and use. There are no cracks, and the finish is 100% original.
The body measures 13". The scale length is 24". Neck width is 1 13/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/2" across at the saddle.
Because there were many loose braces and one missing brace, we removed the back for easy access and a solid repair effort. All braces were removed and re-glued with hot hide glue. An additional brace was added under the fingerboard extension, and two finger braces were added at the ten and two o'clock positions at the sound hole. These extra braces allow for a more stable top under tension. We also repaired some chip out around the pin holes of the small maple bridge plate. Next we removed the fingerboard and inlaid two carbon fiber rods to keep the poplar neck nice and stiff. We reset the neck and dressed and leveled the frets. One ebony bridge pin was turned in our shop as a replacement to complete a matching set of six. Now back together, the guitar plays elegantly, like a princess should! The neck is straight and stiff with action set at a comfortable 5/64".
So what does a birch bodied, X-braced concert guitar sound like? This is what we wrote about the other one, and it holds true for this one, too. "Kind of difficult to describe ... but it certainly has a bit more ring and sustain when compared to its ladder-braced brethren. The tone is nice and even across the strings, with more projection than woody warmth you'd hear in a spruce/mahogany combination. An oddball for sure, but it's successful on all levels: condition, playability, sound and uniqueness."
No case, but we can supply a gig bag for free, or a 3/4-size brand new hard case for an additional $75.
Check out the sound clip!
This example pretty much shares the same construction details as or first example: all solid birch body; solid linings to attach back and sides; X-braced; same head stock profile. The fingerboard, heel cap and pick guard are all pearloid (MOTS). The overall color is an oxblood with a subtle sunburst on top and back. The top and sound hole are both bound in w/b/w celluloid. The bridge is likely maple painted black. The ebony bridge pins sport pearl dots. The tuners are brass strip tuners. There is no end pin by design. The head stock shows the ghost of an emblem or medallion. The paint and finish show some nicks, dings and loss from time and use. There are no cracks, and the finish is 100% original.
The body measures 13". The scale length is 24". Neck width is 1 13/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/2" across at the saddle.
Because there were many loose braces and one missing brace, we removed the back for easy access and a solid repair effort. All braces were removed and re-glued with hot hide glue. An additional brace was added under the fingerboard extension, and two finger braces were added at the ten and two o'clock positions at the sound hole. These extra braces allow for a more stable top under tension. We also repaired some chip out around the pin holes of the small maple bridge plate. Next we removed the fingerboard and inlaid two carbon fiber rods to keep the poplar neck nice and stiff. We reset the neck and dressed and leveled the frets. One ebony bridge pin was turned in our shop as a replacement to complete a matching set of six. Now back together, the guitar plays elegantly, like a princess should! The neck is straight and stiff with action set at a comfortable 5/64".
So what does a birch bodied, X-braced concert guitar sound like? This is what we wrote about the other one, and it holds true for this one, too. "Kind of difficult to describe ... but it certainly has a bit more ring and sustain when compared to its ladder-braced brethren. The tone is nice and even across the strings, with more projection than woody warmth you'd hear in a spruce/mahogany combination. An oddball for sure, but it's successful on all levels: condition, playability, sound and uniqueness."
No case, but we can supply a gig bag for free, or a 3/4-size brand new hard case for an additional $75.
Check out the sound clip!