1880s lyon and healy parlor guitar models

Washburn had been Lyon & Healy's premium instrument brand from the 1880s through 1928 after that it passed to Tonk Bros, another Chicago jobber. This very interesting pre-war 16' Jumbo guitar has two famous names behind it 'Washburn' on the headstock, and Gibson who actually built the instrument. Weight = 1.4kg.Washburn Model 5241 Classic Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Gibson (1939), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 405, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck,spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case. In all, a fantastic playing guitar, which has been restored with no expense spared. Solid mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony finger board and bridge. This gives it a large free area for producing that all important element, TONE.

The bracing for the top is very minimal, one above the soundhole, one slightly diagonal below the soundhole, and a bridge brace that runs the whole width across. The neck is perfectly straight with no fret or fingerboard wear. It has a bone nut & saddle, 5 bone bridge pins, the other being plastic. There is an ink stamp inside on the top block, 274-7. The brand in the back strip states “MADE BY LYON & HEALY CHICAGO ILL. You can see the filled screwholes in the bottom where the tailpiece used to be. Originally it had a tailpiece & floating bridge, now it has a fixed bridge of the appropriate style. My knowledge of L&H guitars is limited, after all, they don’t turn up everyday! I’ll leave string choice to the new owner. Although they work fine, why keep them if they aren’t? Of course i may be totally wrong, you obviously have more experience of these than me. Also the ‘upside down’ tuner cogs date it earlier.

I thought the ink stamp is a model or style number. I personally own a L&H of the same year with a bigger body but not in such a good shape and a 1912 Washburn. They will save the top and provide the perfect vintage sound of these instruments. This was made to strengthen the body, and at the time it was not a way to cut costs… It is not braced for modern steel strings so I would recommand Thomastik rope core or spectrum extra light. Although it is possible that the back is solid, sides are for sure laminated like all L&H of this period. Hi from Paris, The serial number places your guitar in early 1926. Here is a Lyon & Healy parlour or parlor guitar made around late 1800’s, 1900? If you can help with dating it, please let me know. I have just been informed it may be early 1926.

1880s lyon and healy parlor guitar models