Regal Octofone, c. 1929, made in Chicago, natural lacquer finish, birch body, spruce top.
One of the more interesting experiments to come out of the Chicago-based Regal Company, the Octofone was advertised as "Eight instruments in One". What it really seems to be is a small double-strung tenor guitar, but Regal claimed "The owner of the Octophone has the advantage of combining eight different instruments in one, namely Tenor Banjo, Tenor Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Ukulele, Tiple and Taropatch. These changes are brought about by variations in tuning". This is the lower of two Octofone models Regal offered in the late 1920's, originally selling for $15.00.
The birch body is double bound on the back, single (black) bound around the spruce top, and has a distinctive shape rather like an elongated guitar with both upper bouts cutaway. The rosette has red, white, and orange wood marquetry and black binding. The neck is narrow and has a slim, slightly tapered headstock stamped "PAT. APLD. FOR".
With an oval decal on the face reading "OCTOFONE - reg. US pat. Off", obviously Regal was proud of their creation and sternly warning off competitors! The oval soundhole label reads "The Mark of Better Instruments, Made by the Regal Musical Instrument Co., Chicago" with a crown logo. The instrument is currently set up as a double-strung tenor and has a surprisingly loud, powerful sound.
Overall length is 32 3/4 in. (83.2 cm.), 10 11/16 in. (27.1 cm.) width, and 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 21 in. (533 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.).
Excellent playing condition; appears all original except possibly replaced bridge. Excellent Condition.
