Regal Le Domino Big Boy Model Arch Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1932, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer finish, birch body.
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, which Regal inherited when they bought some of the assets of the defunct J.R Stewart Company from the Tonk Brothers wholesale concern in 1930. Some of the previous Stewart Le Domino designs were continued, but the "Big Boy" is a new instrument for the early 1930's.
Construction is similar to a roundhole Martin archtop like a C-2, with an arched ply top and a flat back. The substantial neck has a "V" contour typical of the era, and a bound dyed maple fingerboard. "Tumblin' Domino" decals adorn the top, soundhole, and fingerboard, giving this guitar a "Sportin' Life" style motif.
With a 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.).
Very nice overall with some finish wear, mostly to the fingerboard where the lower domino decals are partially worn away. Some wear to lower portion of decal soundhole ring. Back has had two small cracks repaired and is overfinished in black, all other finish untouched. Appears to have had a pickguard at one time, leaving a couple of very small screwholes.
A very interesting and relatively rare guitar. Very Good + Condition.
