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  • Tenor Guitars     


    Latest Arrivals

    TG - 00085 1931 Martin 1- 17 P Plectrum Guitar     EXC-   A rare Martin plectrum (only 272 made from 1928 through 1931) in really nice shape with the normal little dings but no cracks anywhere and great action and sound. The pickguard is lifting just a bit but it doesn't affect anything and could easily be glued back down if desired. Mahogany top as well as back and sides. The bridge is original but it appears as though it was glued back down at one point. Rosewood overlay on the headstock and original Grover tuning pegs. The serial number is 46921.   The Martin logo is stamped into the back of the peghead. Quite nice proper period semi hard case is a bit too large so some t-shirts pad it nicely.
    Price:   $1895.00

    TG - 00084 1940 Bacon & Day Senorita Tenor Guitar     EXC ++   A rare model in astounding condition with a realy strong sound and a fresh neckset so it plays like a dream. Currently strung G D A E an octave below a mandolin it has a wonderful full range and would sound great in C G D A as well. Sunburst spruce top is X - braced. Lower bout = 13 7/8"     Nut Width = 1 1/4"     Scale Length = 23 1/8".   Beautifully grained mahogany back and sides with a subtle sunburst on the back. Delicate heel and a nice ebony inset at the bottom. Very nice Grover tuning pegs and Groton Ct. plaque on the back of the peghead. All original right down to the cute chip board purple lined case.
    Price:   $1695.00

    TG - 00079 1933 Epiphone Beverly F-Hole Tenor Guitar     VG++   "The Epiphone Company - Art Musical Instruments - Lifetime Guarantee" is stated proudly on the label of even this basic model tenor guitar (a notch below the Melody). It shares with the Melody model the flat sunburst spruce top and the arched mahogany back and sides. This one is all original and completely crack free and it has straight neck, good angle, action, and frets. Plays really nicely. And ... it has an exceptionally strong warm sound. Note the elevated fingerboard. Original tailpiece, endpin, and adjustable bridge. Nut Width = 1 1/8"   Lower Bout = 13 3/4"   Brazilian rosewood overlay on the peghead and original tuning pegs. And the case, oh my goodness the case ... why it alone is worth hours of strolling down rock and roll memory lane even if it is too big for the guitar. It's probably worth a fortune to some rock and roll museum I'm sure.
    Price:   $1195.00

    TG - 00080 1928 National Style O Plectrum Guitar     EXC +   This old National Style 0 body that is in wonderful condition both front and back has had a new replica plectrum neck beautifully made and installed by Joel Eckhaus (Earnest Instruments). The original peghead overlay has been retained and a truss rod installed. High quality tuning pegs work great and this baby is set up beautifully and sounds fantastic. It has a nice modern hard shell case that fits it very well.
    Price:   $1895.00 Reduced $1750.00    SOLD



    Gibson Tenor Guitars

    TG - 00081 1935 Gibson TG-00 Tenor Guitar     VG+   This is the classic 'blues king' body with the 14 3/4" lower bout and the x-braced top. Classy black finish on the face with the contrasting white pickguard and black finish on the mahogany back and sides. Couple of hairlines on the top near the bass waist don't go through and are real hard to see. Nicks and scratches on the original finish all around. This baby has the elevated fingerboard, is light as a feather and good and loud with great punchy tone. It's just had a neck set and new saddle and is set up perfectly. This is a real strong player. Original Grover two tab tuning pegs and "Gibson" silk screened on the headstock. Old oversize chipboard case has no handle and is fine protection for shipping but not for the road.
    Price:   $1895.00

    TG - 00082 1950 Gibson Custom L-7 T Blonde with Bow Tie Inlays     EXC +   - Check it out on its page in The Museum. It's an early 1950 as evidenced by the dot being connected to the "G" on the headstock inlay which also has the open "o" and open "g" and the lower connection to the "n". Plus the headstock gets thinner at it's end which stopped in mid 1950. Plus the serial number is A (probably but almost completely obliterated) 5286 which puts it in early 1950.   17" Lower bout, bow tie inlays just like a banjo (had to be custom ordered like the Tsumura ES-175 - DT Special) and nice maple back and sides with a big bold sound. Newer hard shell case.
    Price:   $7500.00

    GB - 00036 1940 Gibson ETB-150 Electric Tenor Banjo     Exc-   A nice example of a rare instrument. It has been played but well cared for and it plays beautifully now and can put out whatever tone you like with the Charlie Christian pickup. Now, technically it's not a tenor guitar and we've got it listed in the banjo section but someone listening to it would never be able to tell that it has a round body. So you've basically got yourself a Charlie Christian tenor with 20 frets to the body. Beautiful sunburst maple top and likewise flamingly bursty maple back. It came with friction pegs and we found some old Gold correct type stairstep tuning pegs. Some of these come with the more simple Style 7 inlay pattern but this one has the top of the line Style 18 fingerboard inlays (and it is a radiused fingerboard) and the fancy headstock inlay and triple binding as well. Original brown and black control knobs and palm vibrato tailpiece and wooden armrest. Don't know what the small hole in the original pickguard was for but it's barely noticeable.   20 fret neck,   1 3/16" at the nut.   23" scale length.   And the original racing stripe "California Girl" hard shell case which some numbskull put a port in when there must have been guitar pegs on the headstock.
    Price:   $3250.00

    TG - 00067 1942 Gibson ETG-150 Electric Archtop Tenor Guitar     EXC   This is a rare example of the early transitional pickup as Gibson improved on the large and cumbersome Charlie Christian blade pickup moving toward the P-90. This one has four adjustable screw/poles. We've got the classic Gibson sunburst top and maple back and sides, all crack free. Finish is original as are all parts including the Kluson Deluxe tuning pegs. Fat and funky pearl Gibson script inlaid in the headstock. Nice and clean with light normal wear even around the jack area. And ... great old original hard shell case that is a bit beat but worth a bundle these days as it is also appropriate for a 16" L-5 or a D-28 of similar vintage. This guitar plays and sounds fantastic and the neck is straight and the frets are good.
    Price:   $3995.00

    TG - 00063 1929 Gibson TG-1 Tenor Guitar     VG   This one is a hoss and a joy to play and it has been played a lot as evidenced by the pick wear on the top especially around the fingerboard extension and the sound hole. And there's lots of scratches on the mahogany back but not many on the sides. But you know what? That top is a wonderful piece of tight grain spruce and it's fine grade mahogany and there are no cracks anywhere in the body. It's got the Style 3 Mastertone pearl inlay on the headstock and the real good old Grover pancake tuners. And that lovely volute on the back of the headstock which has been cracked and solidly repaired. This tenor has exceptional tone and plays really nicely and because of the 'issue' of the headstock repair is priced attractively. The non original period ill fitting soft shell case is a wreck but will help protect it in shipping.
    Price:   $1695.00

    TG - 00065 1929 - 30 Gibson PG-1 Long Neck Plectrum Guitar     EXC   Except for some ancient adhesive tape of some sort that I am reluctant to try and remove on the otherwise lovely mahogany crack free back. THIS GUITAR HAS 17 FRETS TO THE BODY giving wonderful and luxurious access to the upper frets (all 22 of them). I've had nice 30's Gibson plectrum guitars before but this is the first I've seen with the long neck and it is also a fantastic sounding instrument and plays just fine. Looks like the center seam on the top has been repaired with maybe another hairline or finish crack almost impossible to see next to it but they're both nice and smooth and the finish is original. Style 3 banjo inlays in the headstock and original Grover 'pancake' tuning pegs. Also, it has retained the rare original (albeit beat up pretty badly) soft shell case with the necessary long neck. The neck is straight with slight relief and frets have only light wear. I've got it tuned C G B D like a plectrum banjo ... sounds great.
    Nut Width = 1 3/16"     Scale Length = 26 1/2"     Lower Bout = 12 3/4"     Number stamped on neck block is   9625.
    Price:   $3450.00

    TG - 00061 1934 Gibson TG- 50 Archtop Round Hole Tenor Guitar     VG++   Very nice tone from this guitar. Full and well balanced and fun to play. Great three tone sunburst top with the usual nicks and scrapes of a soulful life and one little fixed crack right next to the treble side of the fingerboard. The dark finished back looks like maple from the inside and has a little rash but is crack free as are the sides. Old style "Gibson" script on the headstock and the good Grover pancake tuners.   14 3/4" Lower Bout     17 1/2" Long Body     1 3/16" Nut Width     23" Scale Length     Old chipboard case.
    Price:   $1695.00    ON HOLD

    TG - 00070 1932 Gibson TG- 50 Roundhole Archtop Tenor Guitar     VG+   This guitar actually departs from the TG-50 specs in that the body is larger. It is 19 1/2 " long whereas the other round hole TG-50's I've seen (like the other one) have shorter 17 1/2" bodies with the same 14 3/4 inch lower bout. Perhaps it is a custom ordered L-3 T? Anyway with it's nice sunburst spruce top and mahogany back and sides, and elevated fingerboard it gives a nice big full sound. Good straight neck, good frets and nice action and the heel looks like the neck has never been reset. There's one hairline right over a brace next to the bass side of the fingerboard and a long finish hairline that doesn't go all the way through. Crack free other than that and this thing really sounds sweet. Original Grover pancake tuners and pearl inlaid "Gibson" in the truss rodded headstock. No case.
    Price:   $1695.00

    TG - 00057 1938 Gibson TG-50 Archtop Tenor Guitar     VG++   Late thirties classic with a strong mellow tone. Sounds great tuned as a tenor C G D A but also shines tuned down an octave below a mandolin at G D A E. Fine dark sunburst spruce top with one repaired hairline coming down from the bass f-hole and a small patch where a knob must have been. All original finish and hardware including pickguard, adjustable bridge, tailpiece, and tuning pegs. Nice pearl inlay Gibson script on the headstock. Rare flame maple back with mahogany sides. Original semi hard archtop case is tattered and taped but does the job. This is a fine instrument.
    Price:   $1495.00    SOLD


    Martin Tenor Guitars

    TG - 00072 1932 Martin 0- 18 T Tenor Guitar     EXC -   Beautiful classic Martin early thirties sunburst top and mahogany back and sides. Grover pancake tuning pegs with gold Martin script on the headstock. Original case includes probable original cord (strap). Good straight neck that has just been reset by John Knutson with new saddle. Good frets. Nut width is just a hair shy of 1 1/4".   There are a couple of minor stable hairlines in the back and the sides and top are crack free. The top has two small plugged holes in front of the bridge possibly from a previous pickup. And there is a small plugged hole in the lower bass side near the end pin as well. This guitar as is typical of early thirties Martin guitars is one of the best sounding flat top tenor guitars I've played.
    Price:   $2650.00

    TG - 00056 1927 Martin 5-21 T Tenor Guitar     EXC -   Talk about bang for the buck in sound versus size ... this puppy has got it. Small but potent. The slightly shorter 22 1/2 inch scale length is very comfortable and it plays fine with it's original bar frets in the ebony fingerboard. Crack free spruce top and brazilian rosewood back with a couple of repaired cracks that don't show in the photo. There is a little minor crunched spot on the very bottom that is a shame indeed but quite stable and not a structural threat. Rosewood peghead veneer and original Grover tuning pegs. No case.
    Price:   $3250.00

    TG - 00051 1937 Martin R-18 T Archtop Tenor guitar     VG   This is one of the great years for Martin guitars and this is a nice sounding example and one of 24 made that year. Sunburst top has many little nicks and scratches but only one small hairline crack up near the fingerboard and another well repaired one off the bottom of the treble f-hole. No side cracks and the back seam has been repaired near the bottom. Straight neck and good frets and action. Gold Martin script on the headstock and original Grover tuning pegs. And the original hard shell case is to die for. ... really nice shape with the ribbon hinges still holding the lid upright.   Lower Bout = 14 3/8"  
    Price:   $1495.00


    Other Tenor Guitars

    TG - 00083 ca. 1934 Dobro Style 37 Tenor Guitar     EXC+   This baby is in exceptionally fine condition and it is set up just great and plays and sounds fantastic. It has the two nice screens on the top with the biscuit bridge single cone resonator. Dark finish mahogany back and sides. Original 2 on a strip tuning pegs and the "Dobro" decal on the headstock is in nice shape as is the engraving on the tailpiece. Nice old chipboard case.
    Price:   $1795.00 Reduced: $1495.00    ON HOLD

    TG - 00049 1930's Vega Archtop Tenor Guitar     VG+   A full body (3 3/8" deep,   14 1/2" lower bout,   1 3/16" nut width) archtop tenor from the venerated folks in Boston Mass. Easy playing, strong sounding. Sunburst spruce top with sunburst mahogany back and sides. A bit of 'honest play wear' on the top and nice weather checking in the original finish all over. The only crack in the guitar is a well repaired one going down from the treble f-hole to the bottom. Fancy pearl inlay surrounds the Vega name on the headstock and it has it's original Grover tuning pegs. Nicely intact label too. Chipboard case.
    Price:   $1095.00

    TG - 00048 1928 ca. Vega Flat Top Tenor Guitar     VG++   Great sounding and playing guitar that sounds like an X-braced but is ladder braced with a 12 3/4" lower bout. Crack free spruce top and mahogany back and sides. One cleated small crack near the side in the back and a couple of repaired hairlines in the bass side. All solid and hard to notice. A small area on the side has a little discoloration in the finish. This is really a sweetheart of a guitar with its engraved Vega star inlaid in the headstock and "Planet" geared tuning pegs. No case.
    Price:   $1595.00

    TG - 00047 1935 ca. Washburn (Tonk Bros.) Tenor Guitar     EXC -   Style 5227   Serial # 366   Lower Bout = 13 5/8 "     This is one honkin' little tenor. Big full punchy sound from the X-Braced dark sunburst spruce top. Sunburst mahogany back and sides and great playing mahogany neck with fancy pearl inlays in the ebony fingerboard and a 1 1/4" nut width. Elegant pearl inlaid "WASHBURN" script in the headstock and beautiful original Page Patent tuning pegs. No case.
    Price:   $2195.00

    TG - 00054 1930's Ludwig Archtop Round Hole Tenor Guitar   VG+   There are no makers markings on this guitar but evidence provided by comparing fingerboards strongly suggests Ludwig. It is designed similar to a Martin archtop with the steep neck angle and high bridge. It puts out a lot of sound with its 15" wide lower bout and a body that is 4" deep. Nice dark sunburst triple bound spruce top and quadruple bound maple back and sides. One well repaired crack in the top and that's all. Fancy binding on neck also and fancy pearl inlays in the fingerboard. Rosewood headstock overlay and very nice two band gold tuning pegs. Gig bag.
    Price:   $1595.00

    TG - 00052 Late Thirties Gretsch Archtop Tenor Guitar     VG   This is a really fun playing good sounding tenor guitar. Very rich and sonorous for an f-hole model. Lower Bout = 15 7/8"   Sunburst spruce top has one big ole crack in it but it's solidly repaired. Sunburst sides and neck are crack free. Original Grover 'two tab' tuning pegs and classy Gretsch banner inlaid in the headstock complimented by the engraved "Gretsch" on the tailpiece. And a really nice original hard shell case whose back hinges need replacing.
    Price:   $995.00

    TG - 00044 1928 Weissenborn Tenor Guitar     EXC   A rare and beautiful little tenor guitar with a big sound. Fun to play. Beautiful book matched Koa wood top as well as back and sides. Banjo style headstock with original Waverly pancake tuning pegs. Weissenborn stamped label is clearly readable through the soundhole.
    Total length: 32"     Scale length: 22 3/4" (19 frets)     Body length: 15 3/4"     Upper bout: 8 3/8"     Waist: 7"     Lower bout: 12"     Body depth: 3 1/4" to 3 5/8"     X-Braced !!     No case.
    Price:   $2195.00

    To contact Players Vintage Instruments, e-mail us at info@vintageinstruments.com
    Or telephone:  415-669-1107   West Coast Time
    Or write to: Box 445, Inverness, Ca. 94937
    Lowell Levinger - Proprietor


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