Regal Le Domino Big Boy Arch Top Acoustic Guitar , c. 1932

Regal  Le Domino Big Boy Arch Top Acoustic Guitar ,  c. 1932
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Item # 8434
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Regal Le Domino Big Boy Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1932, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer with decals finish, birch back and sides, spruce top, ebonized fingerboard, black hard shell case.

A unique and very stylish guitar from the early Depression era, the "Big Boy" was the most deluxe instrument from the popular (and popularly priced) Le Domino line, the Regal company of Chicago inherited this brand when they bought the assets of the defunct J.R Stewart Company from the Tonk Brothers wholesale concern in 1930. The Le Domino line had been one of their more prominent offerings; some of the previous Stewart designs were continued, but the "Big Boy" was a new instrument for the early 1930s.

Construction is similar to a roundhole Martin archtop like the C-1, but with an arched thin laminated top and a not-quite flat back. The substantial neck has a "V" contour typical of the era, with a bound dyed maple "ebonized" fingerboard. "Tumblin' Domino" decals adorn the top, sound hole, and fingerboard, giving this guitar a "Sportin' Life" style motif. While a relatively budget-minded instrument, the "Big Boy" offered a good value at the time when many players simply couldn't afford an expensive guitar. With its debonair styling and bright, cutting tone, the Big Boy would be at home in many period styles, and looks sharp on any bandstand!
 
Overall length is 39 7/8 in. (101.3 cm.), 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.).

This guitar has some wear overall but remains substantially original and in good-playing condition. The only non-original part is the rosewood bridge, which looks like a 1950s or '60s Harmony unit. The tuners, composite pickguard, and tailpiece are original, as is all finish and decoration. There is finish wear overall, mostly to the top, but the domino decals are mostly intact. The frets and fingerboard have some wear, but the guitar plays well with a funky sonic signature characteristic of these early '30s hybrid archtops. Very Good + Condition.