Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1935), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 409A-19 (FON), sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
In 1934 Gibson introduced a new Jumbo acoustic Hawaiian guitar endorsed by Roy Smeck "The Wizard of the Strings" in two versions. This mahogany "Stage Deluxe" was the more basic model, with the extremely rare rosewood-bodied "Radio Grande" the high-end version. This early 1935 Stage Deluxe is essentially a 12-fret version of the contemporary Jumbo, the primary difference being the shorter 12-fret neck with a very wide fingerboard. As it was a Hawaiian instrument, there was no adjustable truss rod fitted. Like nearly all of these this example has been converted for regular Spanish play and makes in exceptionally fine flat top for either style.
The originally $50 Stage Deluxe was slightly less fancy than the $60 Jumbo model, with a silkscreen headstock logo and plastic-button tuners. It shares the 16" wide single-bound mahogany body with a lush dark sunburst top, but was not 'bursted" on the back and sides as the Jumbo was. Gibson built no other 12-fret slope-shoulder Jumbo guitars besides the Smeck models; this unusual combination of features has long been prized for its uniquely deep powerful sound. The model is a unique pre-war Gibson flat top and has been a longtime favorite of several discerning players including Norman Blake and especially Jackson Browne.
Overall length is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.).
This originally Hawaiian style guitar has had a well done conversion (by noted luthier Dan Erlewine) to make it suitable for standard play. The neck has been reset, refinished on the back and thinned slightly to a 1 13/16" nut width from the original about 2" size. The fingerboard has also been slimmed all along its full length, making for a more conventional feeling guitar then some such conversions. The neck profile is still a wide medium-deep "V" which is comfortable if still larger than other typical vintage Gibsons.
There is very little wear overall, it appears the guitar was simply not played much in its original Hawaiian state. The only crack repair is on the side above the heel, probably incurred during the neck removal. This is well sealed, under some general overspray in the heel area related to the neckset. The original top finish is very clean with no fade, only some minor checking, dings and dents and finish fill where the old edges of the fingerboard once lay. The sides and back are similarly clean.
The rosewood bridge is a very well-done repro with a slanted saddle. The original small maple bridgeplate is intact, the holes for the original screws by the pins have been plugged underneath. Internally the bracing is original and unaltered. The guitar has excellent fretwork, with wire very similar to period spec. The back of the neck has a thin and comfortable lacquer finish, Gibson-like if a bit slicker than it would have been in 1935. The tuners are a modern vintage-style crossbreed, individual Grover Sta-Tite style but with round plastic buttons.
Overall this is a great playing and sounding Stage Deluxe with a huge and powerful sound, very responsive for a jumbo guitar. While altered the original Hawaiian state this is now a most useful instrument for modern players, few of whom have any interest in conventional flat-top lap steel acoustics. This splendid guitar retains the rare original red-line hardshell case, a rarity in itself. Overall Excellent Condition.
