OAHU 68B jumbo (Kay) Squareneck

OAHU Jumbo Style 68B (Kay) | $795 | An argument can be made that The OAHU Publishing Co., Cleveland, Ohio, facilitated more acoustic guitars to be bought pre-WWII than any other company, and the company didn't even build guitars! With its origins in Michigan, and later moving to Cleveland, OAHU Publishing was essentially a music publishing company, selling sheet music, guitars and accessories, with sales propelled by the immense popularity of Hawaiian music on the main land and prolific advertising. The bulk of OAHU guitars were contracted to the Kay company in Chicago, and the large majority of the those instruments were 'student' or 'catalog' grade instruments featuring birch bodies and painted binding or other low-level appointments. However, Oahu catalogs offered a number of quality, high-end flat tops through the thirties, with the 'jumbo' being the most sought by players today.

The Oahu 'jumbo' evolved in essentially two phases, the first being 14 1/2" across at the lower bout, and the second phase, beginning in '36, measured 15 1/2" across the lower bout. This example is of the first phase, 14 1/2" across at the lower bout, with a 4 1/2" body depth, and for this reason it is often referred to as the 'Nick Lucas', since it shares that coveted guitars dimensions.

This example is a pretty much all original and unmolested example of a square-neck 68B jumbo. Spruce top, ‘tiger’ maple back and sides, and mahogany neck, all set off with handsome sunbursts and b/w celluloid binding, with an elaborate gold decalcomania adding the final sparkle to this instrument. The original bridge is cast aluminum, typical on many OAHU square-neck instruments of the era.

There appear to be no prior repairs, only some play wear on the top and the neck. Some of the OAHU decal on the headstock has flaked, and there are two small screw holes in the top from a former pick guard attachment.

The ‘Nick Lucas’ jumbos are much desired by players for conversion to Spanish style. Or, leave it as is and play with slide. Either way, the tone won’t disappoint, big sound, great sustain.

Comes with its original soft case in good condition.

Check the sound clip!