lyon and healy 1920s 1930s parlor guitar

In all, a fantastic playing guitar, which has been restored with no expense spared. Solid mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony finger board and bridge. Others are familiar with Epiphone, Rickenbacker and Guild. Everyone knows the big brand names like Gibson, Martin, and then later Fender. This gives it a large free area for producing that all important element, TONE. Most guitar players, collectors and aficionados agree that the the first Golden Age of American guitars was in the period beginning in the early to mid 1930’s and that it lasted until the mid 1960's. The bracing for the top is very minimal, one above the soundhole, one slightly diagonal below the soundhole, and a bridge brace that runs the whole width across. The neck is perfectly straight with no fret or fingerboard wear. It has a bone nut & saddle, 5 bone bridge pins, the other being plastic. There is an ink stamp inside on the top block, 274-7. The brand in the back strip states “MADE BY LYON & HEALY CHICAGO ILL. Gold Leaf Decorated Washburn by Lyon & Healy 1930s Tonk Bros. You can see the filled screwholes in the bottom where the tailpiece used to be. 1840s Martin Parlor Guitar 1840s Martin 3-24. Originally it had a tailpiece & floating bridge, now it has a fixed bridge of the appropriate style. My knowledge of L&H guitars is limited, after all, they don’t turn up everyday! I’ll leave string choice to the new owner. Although they work fine, why keep them if they aren’t? Of course i may be totally wrong, you obviously have more experience of these than me. Also the ‘upside down’ tuner cogs date it earlier. I thought the ink stamp is a model or style number. I personally own a L&H of the same year with a bigger body but not in such a good shape and a 1912 Washburn. They will save the top and provide the perfect vintage sound of these instruments.

This was made to strengthen the body, and at the time it was not a way to cut costs… It is not braced for modern steel strings so I would recommand Thomastik rope core or spectrum extra light.

Although it is possible that the back is solid, sides are for sure laminated like all L&H of this period. Hi from Paris, The serial number places your guitar in early 1926. Here is a Lyon & Healy parlour or parlor guitar made around late 1800’s, 1900? If you can help with dating it, please let me know. I have just been informed it may be early 1926.

Lyon and healy 1920s 1930s parlor guitar