5 string guitar? is it even a guitar?

[Kevo_DFX]

Hi all,

Unfortunately, no pics, but I think I can do an accurate job of describing it. I stopped at a small thrift shop and saw an old guitar in the corner. It is about the size of a regular guitar, if slightly smaller. Typical blonde wood front with dark colored pick guard, typical darker wood neck, sides and back of body. After that it gets weird.

The guitar only has 5 strings. It is not missing one, it is only pegged for five. The tuning knobs are all on the left side of the head, the pegs stick up straight out of the head on a diagonal line. There is a metal plate, engraved with designs, on the front of the head.

The neck is maybe half the width of a normal neck. The frets have mother-of-pearl inlays. The soundhole is not round, there are two of them, one on each side of the strings on the body. They are not in the classic f# design, they look more like greater than/less than signs, like this: <|||||>

The strings attach on the bottom side of the body, not on the front face.

There are no markings anywhere, including on the inside of the body.

Has anyone ever seen anything like it?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

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[BurntBear]

From what you describe, it's certainly not a 5 string bass which would be my first assumption. Sounds like a custom job to me. Luthiers are known to make random, unusual instruments.

 

[Kevo_DFX]

I would think so too, but it looks production to me. The body even LOOKS familiar, I can't place it, but the striping and edging look like something I've seen.

 

[BurntBear]

Sounds quite interesting. I'm a musician. If you can find a way to get a photo of it, I'd be very interested in seeing it.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Keith Richards plays - or at least used to - five string guitars.



http://www.fundamental-changes.com/guitar-style-keith-richards-rolling-stones/

 

[Kevo_DFX]

Give me an hour or so, I'll head back there.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Also Mariachi bands sometimes use five-string guitars.

 

[Kevo_DFX]

That's certainly closer charlie, First true acoustic guitar that I've seen that has 5 strings.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Here's a couple more:





Made by Martin Zapala - $1,000 to $1,200.

 

[Old_Okie]

Could also be a type of lap steel from the description of the string attachments.

 

[Kevo_DFX]

 

[villagenut]

I personally like the thing, it looks cool enough that I would buy it if I were you. If nothing else it will make a good wall hanger in a man room. Of course, it all depends on what they want for it.

 

[Oregon Viking]

I have looked through every guitar encyclopedia/history book I have and could not find it. I would buy it!! Shine a small LED light in the soundholes, as stamps an lettering fade over time, and to me it's "vintage"

 

[RustyGold]

That's a rare bird! It does look like a custom to me with the scrolled headstock.
The unusual head plate may give you an indication of maker.
If it's under 300 buy it! I woud Ina heartbeat! It looks like it may have been used as a acoustic slide guitar
with it's narrow banjo-like neck and five strings.
I am a builder of acoustic instruments, archtops, ukuleles and flat top guitars as well as some cigar box guitars.
Looking at the body, the back appears to be Brazilian Rosewood as does the pickguard.
The shape of the body looks like a slope shoulder jumbo.
The neck looks like rosewood but may be mahogany. The top appears to be Spruce and the FB ebony.
The tuning pegs looks vintage with the round shape and look to be from the the 40's to 50's.
If it's a laminate body then it may have been made by a classical guitar maker.
Also, look for signature on the underside of the top. You will have to use a small mirror or camera to see it if one is there.
Best of luck!

 

[Mr.T]

Very cool- the inlay looks like the outline of someones head . I would buy it for sure.

 

[TheInspector]

The design on the front body was so odd, I knew it represented something. Looks to me like it was made in the Mexican state of Coahuila.
How much do they want?

 

[cw0909]

if you cant find a maker name on it, maybe the guild can help
a list of makers
Guild of American Luthiers - Makers & Instruments

Search for "5 string" - The Hand Made GuitarThe Hand Made Guitar

 

[TheInspector]

Coahuila - Explorando Mexico

Look at this image of the Mexican state of Coahuila and you will see why I believe this is a Mexican made guitar.

 

[Mark Todd]

Nice work" ...inspector", I know nothing about guitars, but I do believe you nailed the inlay form, nice work, again!

 

[Kevo_DFX]

Coahuila - Explorando Mexico

Look at this image of the Mexican state of Coahuila and you will see why I believe this is a Mexican made guitar.

Wow. I'm glad you fellas think this is something too. It's 80 bucks, but there are some condition issues. Finish in the middle of the back of the body is in rough shape.

Think it's worth it?