c.1925 Regal Fancypants Tiple

It's not often that I get a chance to show you all two finished tiples within a span of a few days. It's even rarer that I have two Regal tiples done in the span of a few days. This earlier, 1920s tiple, gives nice contrast to this earlier posted 1930s tiple.

This particular model is the same model and specs that I own myself... and I like this one just the same. Great big, lush, sound and (after resto & setup) a superb player, too. This tiple is in pretty good shape to boot -- original bridge, crack-free save for 3 tiny, tight, secure 1" hairlines on the lower bout, and nicely functional tuners, too (though I replaced a couple missing gears with some vintage stock).

Woods are: solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, cedar? neck, rosewood headstock veneer, misc. dyed hardwood (pearwood? maple? something?) fretboard with inlaid MOP dots. Bound top and back with black celluloid, soundhole and top edge inlaid with colored herringbone marquetry (used on many Regal instruments throughout the 1920s).

Love the colors on this model -- subdued mahogany red with yellowed spruce top.

Headstock with original nut.

Fretboard's looking good -- frets show a bit of wear here and there but have great height (no divots) and are ready to go another 90+ years.

Some playwear on the treble side from picks or fingernails.

I installed a new bone saddle to replace the fret-saddle as after the neck set I needed a bit more height. It also clarified the tone and boosted volume and richness.

Some soundhole nicks and dings -- but I've repainted the black edging to keep the look consistent.

Another shot of the bridge.

Mhhh... mahogany. With some honest use-wear, too, but still looking grand.

I'm always surprised at how well these stock tiple tuners weather time (though I did clean them up a bit).