Made in 1870, Boscawen, New Hampshire
Isaiah H. Arey
© Frank Ford, 1999; Photos by FF

This is a fine example of a guitar by an independent maker who was clearly influenced by the guitars of C.F.Martin. Did he start his career working for Martin?

As you look through these photographs, check out the clock key neck angle adjustment, the pyramid bridge and the grafted peghead. All these are early Martin features. Also, notice the cantilevered fingerboard extension, used by Martin on a few very early examples.

I wasn't able to photograph the most unusual feature of this instrument. The top is braced with a single transverse brace below the soundhole and five fan braces. What's interesting is that the fan braces converge at the end block and radiate outward toward the soundhole brace. There is no bridge plate at all, and the top is in great shape because this guitar has never been subjected to the stress of steel stringing.

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