~1915 W.H. DeWick Parlor Natural

W.H. DeWick Brooklyn Parlor Guitar c 1915 | $950 | (v2245) This early 20th century parlor guitar bears the label W.H. DeWick, Manufacturer of Banjos, Guitars & Mandolins, Borough of Brooklyn, N.Y. It's an uncommon name in the vintage guitar world, and a quick search causes one to wonder did DeWick actully manufacture instruments or was he a jobber? What's known for certain is that he was a music teacher, inventor and performer of some renoun from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. DeWick was known to perform in the New York area. A 1909 issue of Cadenza refers to his daughter as "the child wonder of the banjo". DeWick holds several patents for banjo parts. By 1910 he is listed in the census as a manufacturer of musical instruments. Maker or jobber, this example has both intrigue and charm. It's a well-made instrument with quality woods with a sound that's a step above what one would expect.

The back and sides are a fine grade of mahogany. The top is spruce, ladder braced, and adorned with multiple bands of colorful marquetry including a band of green-tinged 'rope' binding around the sound hole. The neck is 'V'-carved from the same quality mahogany with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and ebony nut. The (replacement) bridge is Brazilian rosewood.

The bodty measures 12 3/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 24 1/8". The fingerboard is 1 13/16" across at the nut with a slight radius. String spacing is 2 1/4" across at the saddle. Action is set at ~ 6/64".

The guitar came to us with a history of replaced bridges based on the 'footprints' evident. We recently: crafted a (slightly compensated) replacement pyramid bridge in Brazilian rosewood; reset the neck; glued a few small cracks; leveled and dressed the frets; glued a back brace; repaired some chipout in the bridge plate; cleaned and lubed the tuners. There are a few nicks from age and use, evidence of replacement bridges and some oxidation on the tuners, but overall the guitar exudes the quality build and eye appeal of a Martin of the period.

The guitar plays easily and produces a tone that is full and sweet sounding, with very nice sustain. A true 'parlor' guitar, also suitable for rags and bluesy stuff, and can really ring when played with a pick!

Check out the sound clip!