1930s Kingston (Regal) 00-Size Tailpiece Guitar

This early-'30s Kingston was most definitely made by Regal for the brand. I've worked on two other guitars that are almost identical -- one with a Radio Tone brand and another one with a Kingston brand. I have also worked on a Kingston that's very similar and also a Regal but was using the "squashed 000-size" body shape -- what the firm called their "Junior Jumbo" model later-on.

These instruments, once fixed-up, sound absolutely glorious. This one does! It's got a woody, punchy, gutsy, loud sound that can do old-time backup, gypsy-jazz, or folksy fingerpicking easy-peasy. It's lightly-built and very responsive, but definitely not in the same vein as a normal flattop guitar. I try to let prospective buyers know that these are more suited to roles where you might use an archtop or resonator guitar in a band or recording mix.

The next bit is that these earlier Regals have huge necks. This one has a big old V profile and a curvy fretboard. If you like plenty of string spacing and a fat front-to-back profile, look no further.

Repairs included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, side dots added, hairline crack repairs to the back and front (cleated, filled), seam repairs, brace reglues to top and back, a new adjustable bridge fit and installed, cleaning, replacement (vintage) tuners install, and setup work.

• Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz
• Scale length: 25 1/4"
• Nut width: 1 3/4"
• Neck shape: big V
• Board radius: 12"
• Body width: 14 1/8"
• Body depth: 3 78"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid birch
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: rosewood adjustable (replacement)
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: poplar
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 52w, 40w, 30w, 22w, 16, 12
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: wider-lower

Condition notes: it has nicks, dings, and scratches here and there throughout but overall it looks good. There are several large (repaired) hairline cracks to the front and back. The tuners and bridge are replacements but otherwise the guitar appears original throughout.

It comes with: sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: MM