1895 Haynes HUB Model 17 Natural, Excellent, $625.00

HUB (Haynes/Bay State) Model 17 Parlor Guitar ca 1895 | HUB guitars were a subset of the Bay State brand, produced by the Haynes Company of Boston, MA. The names derive from this locale; Bay State from the nickname of the state (MA), and HUB from the nickname of the city (Hub).

Haynes and Bay State guitars are fairly uncommon in the vintage market, while the HUB brand is rarely seen. The serial number dates this guitar to the 1891-1895 period of production. It's a true 'parlor guitar', produced in the parlor music era, and conforming to parlor guitar size and construction.

The back and sides are figured white oak. The guitar is stamped '17' on the top of the head stock, indicating a Model 17 designation. The HUB catalog page reports the 17 back and sides were constructed from oak. The top is spruce. The neck appears to be cedar and the back of the head stock bears the embossed 'HUB' brand. The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood. The sound hole is adorned with black and natural purfling rings. Tuners are engraved brass with bone buttons (one button replaced). The top is very lightly ladder braced with only three thin braces, and handles extra-light steel strings. One back brace bears a '5' stamp. The bridge is a replica replacement.

The lower bout measures 11 1/4" across. The scale length is 24 5/8". The neck carve is a flat 'V' shape and measures ~ 1 7/8" and string spacing is 2 5/16" at the saddle.

The guitar is in remarkable, crack-free condition with only the bridge and a tuner button replaced. There is some marring on the top above the bridge, and a few nicks and dings from wear. A recent neck set allows for comfortable action and playability.

The guitar is light as a feather, among the lightest we've played. Consequently, it's very responsive to the touch, and despite its size, produces a full and warm sound.