Frank: What year did the Chicago/U.S. Manufacturers start bracing for steel strings?

by Kerry Krishna

Jan 21, 2016

 I photo I put up on one of my Facebook sites has started some questions about this. It is a photo of the ladder bracing of a Stromberg/Voisinet from about 1929.  I'd love to read what you your thoughts are. Thanks! 

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  • up

    el squir

    I'm a couple years late, here. But, in 1891, Imperial guitars patented and launched what may be the first guitar advertised for steel strings, i.e. a combined bridge and tailpiece made of metal. See John Church Company, Cincinnati, Oh.   

    1

    Aug 25, 2020

    • up

      Ed Minch

      Roger

      Very interesting guitars.  In the last example on your site - with the replacement pin bridge - it looks like the tailpiece was never attached to the original bridge,  Why do you suppose the tailpiece extended as far as it did up the top?

      Ed

      3

      Aug 31, 2020

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        onewent

        Here's another Church Imperial:  Spruce over white oak, 12 1/2" lower bout, really full and rich sound.

        Tom

        Feb 3