Description

This is both an unusual and early instrument from the Serbian/Croatian 'Brac' family of instruments, played as folk instruments in Southern and Central Europe. The Brac or Braatch, is slightly smaller than a standard guitar, the treble course doubled, and usually tuned to G, D, A, E. The Brac is frequently used as a lead instrument. Surprisingly, there are still active Tamburitza orchestras active across Pennsylvania, especially in the Pittsburgh area, due to the many south and central European settlers there.

This instrument may have been brought from Europe, we're not sure. The top is spruce, with the upper third overlaid in an thin walnut-appearing veneer, and bound in fancy purfling/marquetry. The sound hole is inlaid with multiple purfling rings. Back and sides appear to be solid birdseye maple. The fingerboard looks like a dyed basswood, and the neck could be oak or another hard wood. The tuners are original and are of the type usually seen before the 20th century. The ebony bridge appears original, as does the tail piece and end pin.

The body measures 12 3/4" across at the lower bout, and is 2 3/4" deep at the end pin. Scale length is 21 3/4". A label inside reads: "Charles Santly Violin Maker Bethlehem, PA 1906". Could be a makers label or a repair label.

This instrument is sold 'as-is', and is in need of some repair, although it is currently playable. Past repairs include two spots on the headstock reglued at the 'curl', and just above the nut on back, visible in rear head stock photo. The extension of the fingerboard needs to be addressed, since it appears there is some wood missing. The are numerous top and back cracks, and the 'tab' over the heel is gone.

Comes with a soft case.

Vintage Blues Guitars

Vintage Blues Guitars

~1900
Unknown
Good
Natural
Soft
17 Years
Vintage Blues Guitars
Tom Wentzel and Bruce Roth
717.917.3738
Lancaster, PA
6:45 PM
phone calls accepted 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. eastern time .. text or email anytime

Cash, checks, PayPal, money orders or bank wire. We don't accept credit cards at this point.

We ship usually within a day of payment. International customers, we are not CITES certified. Any guitar with CITES-protected materials (Brazilian rosewood, ivory et al) shipped outside the US will be shipped at the risk of the buyer.

Forty-eight hour test drive on all instruments..if not to your liking, return for refund minus shipping costs.