The Schönbach region, now Luby in the Czech Republic, was a renowned centre of musical instrument making in Central Europe, especially during the 1930s. The area had a rich luthier tradition, with generations of craftsmen producing both stringed orchestral instruments and guitars for domestic use and export. Many craftsmen operated collaboratively, creating instruments with meticulous attention to build and materials, though individual maker attribution is often impossible. Companies like Höfner began integrating guitar production into their primarily orchestral instrument craft in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
This pre-war archtop is from Schönbach and, considering it is over 90 years old, is in great condition. It has an arched Spruce top, arched back, with back and sides made from Maple (very common for Schönbach guitars). The guitar has a 16” lower bout and a 25” scale length. The fretboard is very flat with no noticeable radius, with the neck still straight and true.
The guitar has a noticeable addition with a gold foil pickup fitted to the body and the end of the neck, controlled by a simple volume and tone control, with and end pin jack (please note that the volume and tone controls are the opposite way round from what you would expect with the tone control being nearest to the pickup. The guitar does have some minor dings and marks to the body and the usual loss of finish to the top of the headstock (see last 7 pictures). Judging by the even play wear right across the length of the neck this guitar has been played a lot in its time. Comes complete with a modern padded gig bag.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
