Grimshaw / Electric Hartford 12 / 1930 / Sunburst / Guitar For Sale
|
Emile Grimshaw was one of the forerunners of British guitar building. Working in the 1930’s and 40’s, based in Piccadilly in the heart of London, he produced both archtops and flat tops, and was one of the first to produce electric pickups. This is one of his earliest examples of an electric guitar. It’s based on his Hartford acoustic model, which is pretty rare in itself, but this example has a fixed bridge with individual string adjusters, one of his early pickups, and Bakelite volume and tone controls mounted on either side of the body (the volume control has a brass surround engraved like a speedometer). It looks like the guitar was originally designed to be played on the lap, and is only fretted to the 12th position. But with a chunky but comfortable feeling neck, the guitar can be played in the Spanish position as a slide guitar, and if you don’t go beyond the 12th fret it works well as a traditional guitar without a slide. Unplugged the guitar has a dry, honky tone, very bluesy - reminiscent of a 30’s Chicago blues box. Plugged in the pick up is very responsive, quite gutsy and raw sounding. To add to the guitar’s rarity, it comes in it’s original coffin case.
Glenns Guitars, UK 
Welcome to Glenn's Guitars here on Vintage & Rare. After many years in the industry, and having been fortunate enough to have worked in Hanks and The Acoustic Centre - probably London's two foremost acoustic guitar shops - I decided to do my own thing.
I have a passion for used and vintage acoustic guitars; nearly new second hand guitars because they can represent a bargain compared to the price of a new guitar, older and vintage guitars because they tend to have more character and can often become an investment.
You will notice when viewing my stock list my taste in guitars, as I only sell guitars that I genuinely like - and there are certain brands noticeable by their absence. I am a huge fan of older Gibson, Martin and Guild acoustics, but also more boutique brands such as Lowden and Collings.
I will consider part exchange if it makes your desired guitar a little easier to afford. I also offer a guitar finding service, if there's something specific you're looking for.
If you are happy to buy over the internet, I will send you as many high resolution photos and as much information about the guitar you're interested in as I can. If you can get to me - I'm based in Enfield, only 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street Station - you can always make an appointment with me and come and try some of the guitars out first.
I accept payment by Paypal, bank transfer, cheque and of course cash.
