Guitar Safari

Here’s an odd one.  I found this along with a violin in a local Goodwill Shop years ago. It was made by a local builder. His name and date of completion are burned into the wood on the inside. L. Cooper, Long Beach 1937. I wish I had kept the violin but sold it to some crazy old lady that claimed she knew the guy who made it. This thing has the perfect Wabi Sabi* vibe that I just love in old acoustic (and electric) instruments. The Varnish has gone through some changes and looks like it’s been in a fire but this thing sounds fantastic and plays great! Styled after a Gibson F Bodied Mandolin with the exception of a shorter neck to body joint, it nails the wide open tone of seasoned woods that sing a la early 20th Century Lloyd Loar craftsmanship. Is that too much guitar-speak for everyone? I wish the whole instrument was in the photo but I like the detail shown. Thanks to Ian for sending his photo version of this gem for this post.

*Footnote…Wabi Sabi is a Japanese term used to describe the natural beauty of decay or impermanence. Something in this age of built-in obsolescence is sadly missed for those of us who like the look, feel and taste of rust.