jasonbruce
New member
Hello Softies
Here's a pretty rare and special guitar, to say the least. This is a Slingerland guitar all the way from the 1930s, sold under their College Pal label.
At this point, folks looking for an acoustic shred machine with modern bells and whistles should probably stop reading any further. ;-) Still around? Well, here’s more about the guitar. Pics first, and then the details below.
This was manufactured and sold by Slingerland in Chicago as a “Style 1, Size 0” (i.e. parlour-sized) College Pal guitar. It has a solid birch body, mahogany neck, maple fingerboard and ebony nut. I like that this is the solid headstock version of this guitar (Slingerland also made a slotted headstock version), as it eases re-stringing and makes for less tension on the headstock. Scale length is 24”, 1.75” nut width, 18 frets (joined to the body at 12).
Of particular interest (to me at least) is the brass tailpiece, which I’ve yet to see on any other similar Slingerland non-f-hole model, making this extremely rare. There is of course a possibility the tailpiece is not original but I see no evidence of a previous bridge/saddle to suggest this is so.
Aesthetically, check out the painted soundhole rosette, and cream binding. The birch figuring on the body is surprisingly beautiful, especially considering its age (photos don't do it justice). The patina has aged to a lovely warm glow that just can't be replicated without the genuine passing of time. Also rare is that the College Pal logo and its harp insignia are still mostly intact, which attests to the care given to this guitar. There are of course minor nicks that come with age but nothing major, as the photos show. Worst is probably some buckle rash on the back. This also comes with a period-correct alligator-skin case that fits the guitar perfectly, although the case is admittedly not in the best shape.
And perhaps most importantly, this still plays well after more than 7 decades! Intonation is not an issue, with adjustment of the floating bridge. Tuners work fine and the body is intact and robust, as are neck and headstock joints.
All in all, a special guitar for lovers of vintage instruments. Or for the odd delta blues or bluegrass venture. ;-)
Information online is scarce but here are two good sources. Not the exact model but pretty close.
http://www.slingerlandguitar.com/MayBells/CollegePal-02.htm
http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.sg/2012/08/c1935-may-bell-college-pal-parlor-guitar.html
Asking a very reasonable $350 only, slightly negotiable if you self-collect from East Coast area. I just want to see the guitar go to someone who appreciates this and will give it a good home. These guitars are far too rare these days to let them go to waste.
Trades-wise, am looking for a completely different range of gear. ;-) Will consider the following types of pedals: reverb, delay, compressor, vibe. Or a mid-sized pedal board with case. Or lastly, a good valve amp head.
If you're interested, please text me at 966(nine)-205(seven).
Happy Lunar New Year to all!
Here's a pretty rare and special guitar, to say the least. This is a Slingerland guitar all the way from the 1930s, sold under their College Pal label.
At this point, folks looking for an acoustic shred machine with modern bells and whistles should probably stop reading any further. ;-) Still around? Well, here’s more about the guitar. Pics first, and then the details below.
This was manufactured and sold by Slingerland in Chicago as a “Style 1, Size 0” (i.e. parlour-sized) College Pal guitar. It has a solid birch body, mahogany neck, maple fingerboard and ebony nut. I like that this is the solid headstock version of this guitar (Slingerland also made a slotted headstock version), as it eases re-stringing and makes for less tension on the headstock. Scale length is 24”, 1.75” nut width, 18 frets (joined to the body at 12).
Of particular interest (to me at least) is the brass tailpiece, which I’ve yet to see on any other similar Slingerland non-f-hole model, making this extremely rare. There is of course a possibility the tailpiece is not original but I see no evidence of a previous bridge/saddle to suggest this is so.
Aesthetically, check out the painted soundhole rosette, and cream binding. The birch figuring on the body is surprisingly beautiful, especially considering its age (photos don't do it justice). The patina has aged to a lovely warm glow that just can't be replicated without the genuine passing of time. Also rare is that the College Pal logo and its harp insignia are still mostly intact, which attests to the care given to this guitar. There are of course minor nicks that come with age but nothing major, as the photos show. Worst is probably some buckle rash on the back. This also comes with a period-correct alligator-skin case that fits the guitar perfectly, although the case is admittedly not in the best shape.
And perhaps most importantly, this still plays well after more than 7 decades! Intonation is not an issue, with adjustment of the floating bridge. Tuners work fine and the body is intact and robust, as are neck and headstock joints.
All in all, a special guitar for lovers of vintage instruments. Or for the odd delta blues or bluegrass venture. ;-)
Information online is scarce but here are two good sources. Not the exact model but pretty close.
http://www.slingerlandguitar.com/MayBells/CollegePal-02.htm
http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.sg/2012/08/c1935-may-bell-college-pal-parlor-guitar.html
Asking a very reasonable $350 only, slightly negotiable if you self-collect from East Coast area. I just want to see the guitar go to someone who appreciates this and will give it a good home. These guitars are far too rare these days to let them go to waste.
Trades-wise, am looking for a completely different range of gear. ;-) Will consider the following types of pedals: reverb, delay, compressor, vibe. Or a mid-sized pedal board with case. Or lastly, a good valve amp head.
If you're interested, please text me at 966(nine)-205(seven).
Happy Lunar New Year to all!
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