Recently sourced from the family of the original owner and from the birth of the infamous collaboration comes this totally awe inspiring, all original, 1932 Selmer Maccaferri Tenor guitar in remarkable condition with its rare, original case..!
In 1932, Henri Selmer collaborated with Italian guitarists and luthier Mario Maccaferri to design acoustic guitars that could hold their own in a band situation, similar to what Gibson had achieved in 1922 with the L5. The result was the Jazz/Orchestre form with its angular design, distinctive “Grande Bouche’ sound hole and blend of arch top and classical guitar design features.
In addition, Maccaferri designed a resonator that sat inside the sound hole to better project the sound, a feature that was later dropped following the pairs separation in 1934. The tenor guitar, a hybrid introduced in the 20s so that Tenor banjoists could double on guitar without the need to learn the instrument, was a best used to accompany Voice or for Solo Instrumental harmonies.
This is referred to as the ‘Grand Modele’ as the body is guitar sized with a tenor neck attached. The top is in excellent shape with no signs of damage. The resonator is intact, commonly these were removed and also these tor guitars were often converted to 6 string. Thankfully no such malarky was bestowed upon this beautiful specimin.
The tailpiece shows its age but is not overly corroded or damaged. The rosewood ‘moustache’ position markers and floating bridge are in great shape though the bridge has some additional indents.
The rosewood back and sides too are free of any damage. The back has a few marks and scratches as you’d expect from an 80+ year old instrument.
The Walnut neck still has its glossy sheen with some lacquer wear here and there. The Ebony fretboard is fantastic and the frets have plenty of life left in them. The stained rosewood veneer on the headstock is engraved with the stylish Selmer logo, the tuners being the sealed oil-bath variety designed by Mario Maccaferri.
The guitar comes with its original hardshell case, which in itself is a work of art and I think you would struggle to find a finer one.
This guitar has a wonderful tone which is well balanced across all strings, great for any number of musical scenarios and it plays with a nice low action and good intonation with the classic sound you would expect from a guitar made in this style.
These are extremely rare particularly with all the original parts and without any repairs, which is the case with any Selmer of the same period. A unique piece and dare we say it, probably the finest example around right now, anywhere…
