T. B. Sterling Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1920's, probably Chicago, natural top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch body, spruce top.
This guitar is a fine example of the sort of instruments the vernacular music of America was originally created on. With a faux-rosewood finish birch body, spruce top, and simple appointments, this was the sort of guitar an actual working man could afford! The only marking is a "TB Co, Sterling Trade Mark" shield stamped on the head, indicating that the guitar was originally sold by the large Chicago jobber Tonk Brothers.
Even though this is a fairly plain looking guitar, the ladder-braced top gives out a surprisingly powerful tone, far closer to the actual sounds on those old Paramount and Columbia 78's than any extant modern guitars. These instruments were made in large quantities, but few have survived as intact as this one.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 1/4 in. (616 mm.).
Excellent original condition; plays very well. Bridge appears to have been neatly cut down and re-slotted. Back has shrunk slightly off the rim on the bass side of the lower bout. A very usable guitar with the old-time blues "honk". Excellent Condition.
