Regal ‘Junior Jumbo’ c. 1946 | SOLD | (vbg #1316) The Regal company in Chicago produced scads of guitars throughout its almost one-hundred year run. This example came to be known as the ‘KG11’ shape ‘big bottom’ Regal, based on its body shape which echoed the Gibson ‘Kalamazoo’ KG11 of the 1930s. This shape first appeared with Regal about 1935 and continued into the 50s with various iterations and brands. This example likely dates to post-WWII, based on information gleaned from Bob Carlin’s book on Regal guitars.
The natural top is two-piece book-matched spruce, ladder braced, and the sunburst back and sides appear to be mahogany. The sound hole is dressed with several layers of b/w purfling, and the body unbound. The top has an attractive fire stripe pick guard. The bridge is rosewood with its two original bolts hidden by pearl dots. The neck is likely poplar with a rosewood fingerboard, fourteen frets to the body. The head stock face is painted black and sports the green Regal decal, while its back is painted in a upside-down ‘V’ and sunburst.
The body measures 15” across at the lower bout. Scale length is 25 1/2”. The neck measures 1 5/8” across at the nut and is carved in a somewhat chunky ‘V’, but not baseball bat size!
The guitar is solid overall. There is an old back repair, and the bridge pins are actually drilled through right on the front edge of the bridge plate (not uncommon!). The neck was recently reset, and the frets leveled and dressed. Period appropriate tuners were sourced and mounted, and function well. The action is set a 4/64” and 6/64” and the guitar plays easily.
The sound is pleasing; woody, warm with good sustain. A bit more mellow than the twangier KG11. With its narrower neck, it’s the perfect guitar for someone wanting the vintage sound but with a more narrow, ‘modern’ neck feel.
Comes with a soft case.
The natural top is two-piece book-matched spruce, ladder braced, and the sunburst back and sides appear to be mahogany. The sound hole is dressed with several layers of b/w purfling, and the body unbound. The top has an attractive fire stripe pick guard. The bridge is rosewood with its two original bolts hidden by pearl dots. The neck is likely poplar with a rosewood fingerboard, fourteen frets to the body. The head stock face is painted black and sports the green Regal decal, while its back is painted in a upside-down ‘V’ and sunburst.
The body measures 15” across at the lower bout. Scale length is 25 1/2”. The neck measures 1 5/8” across at the nut and is carved in a somewhat chunky ‘V’, but not baseball bat size!
The guitar is solid overall. There is an old back repair, and the bridge pins are actually drilled through right on the front edge of the bridge plate (not uncommon!). The neck was recently reset, and the frets leveled and dressed. Period appropriate tuners were sourced and mounted, and function well. The action is set a 4/64” and 6/64” and the guitar plays easily.
The sound is pleasing; woody, warm with good sustain. A bit more mellow than the twangier KG11. With its narrower neck, it’s the perfect guitar for someone wanting the vintage sound but with a more narrow, ‘modern’ neck feel.
Comes with a soft case.