Wurlitzer guitars were made by Martin & Co. from 1922 – 1924 – this Wurlitzer does not have the tell-tale signs of a Martin so we think it was made by Lyon & Healy in the mid to late 1920s – Lyon & Healy were one of the most prominent American guitar makers, and for a time they were a central fixture in Chicago’s massive instrument-manufacturing scene.
They were also one of the best guitar makers when judged by its upper-level flattops of the early 20th century. In terms of both build quality and presentation-grade ornamentation, the 1920s Lyon & Healy model featured here could have given Martin’s Style 42s & 45s of the era a run for its money.
This Wurlitzer branded parlor has a rosette of abalone and abalone top purfling that is something between a style 42 and 45. The back and sides look to be Brazilian Rosewood and the top Adirondack Spruce. The neck is mahogany and the bound fret board and bridge are ebony. The nut width is 46.7mm, with a lower bout width of 13”, a body depth of 3 ½“, and the neck joins the body at the 12 th
fret. The back strip has a centre purfling of multi-colored split herringbone, which is the same as would be found on both style 42 and 45 guitars of the era.
Considering the guitar is almost 100 years old it is in fantastic condition and still plays and sounds superb. It clearly has had some work over the years – under black light inspection we can see that the top has been refinished, the fretboard looks to have been replaced and there are signs that it has had a neck reset. The finish to the back, sides and neck looks to be original. There are some small marks to the back and sides, and signs of a small repair beneath the bridge (see last 5 pictures). These are all minor points though and overall condition is great – and it comes complete with its original Geib & Schaefer hard case, which is also in really good condition.
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