1930s Melofonic Faux Resonator Guitar

Overview: These old Melofonic-branded faux-resonator guitars are somewhat common but it's rare to have on that's actually functional. This one has been entirely gone-through and so it is. I'm not sure of the maker but some parts of it (the almost-25" scale length, neck shape, heel shape, and cut, the f-holes design) suggest it was made in the Oscar Schmidt (later United) factory in New Jersey in the late '30s. Other parts (the rounded edges to the top, weird bar frets, painted trim, and yellow fretboard dots, among other things) are harder to place the origin of. I'm pretty sure it's a Jersey-made product, though.

Tone: It's midsy and forceful with an emphasis on high mids and treble snap when dug-into. It's quite loud for its vaguely-00 body size (comparable to about the attack of a period Dobro) and, to be honest, sort-of projects and cuts a lot like a true resonator guitar. Sometimes I wonder if half of the "bite" on resonator comes from the slapback of the soundwaves hitting the metal coverplate and then bumping back-out in front of the guitar. I'd say this performs a "country blues" or "gypsy jazz" sound nicely.

Feel: The neck is on the clunkier side and reminds me of period Harmony Stella products or the like. It's decidedly retro but not huge like an old average Regal neck or the like.

Interesting features: What isn't? The faux-resonator design (it's basically a tailpiece-load flattop with ladder-bracing) is curious on its own and also has killer looks, 

Repairs included: It's had a neck reset, fret level/dress, seam and crack repairs, a new floating bridge fit, and setup work done -- all by my guy Ancel. It's now playing bang-on and is ready to go.

• Weight: 4 lbs 0 oz
• Scale length: 24 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/4"
• Neck shape: medium V/C
• Board radius: flat
• Body width: 14 1/4"
• Body depth: 3 3/4"
• Top wood: solid birch (I think)
• Back & sides wood: solid birch (I think)
• Bracing type: ladder
• Bridge: floating, new ebony
• Fretboard: ebonized maple or similar
• Neck wood: poplar
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 52w-12 custom light
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: bar stock, narrow/small

Condition notes: It's pretty beat-up but entirely original except for its bridge -- which Ancel made from scratch out of ebony to replace a funky/worn original one. There are repaired hairline cracks on the front and back, lots of scratches, nicks, and dings, and some repaired seams as well.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: CKM