Every guitar has a song in it. At least I believe that, and I know I'm not alone. When I buy a used guitar I always feel like it's payed for itself when it gives me a song. Some never do, and some seem to have an endless supply of them. Maybe it's the search for these songs that has led to me having a house full of instruments. One of my guitars has had me wondering what songs it may have in it for too long, and I've decided to try my hand at getting it back into playing condition to find out.
Here is the guitar that has had me puzzled for so long. I don't know much about it and what I do, is simply speculation. The torn label inside declaring the use of metals prohibited as a war necessity indicates that this guitar was built in the world war two era. The guitar appears to be solid birch and with the exception of a crack in the top, is in great shape structurally. The tailpiece is most-likely a replacement as the metal one currently on the guitar surely would not have been used during this period. I've posted on several forums looking for information on the guitar and the general consensus is that it is most likely a Stella from the 40's.
I certainly do not think this is a collector's gem but it is unique and I've wondered for too long what it would have sounded like in it's heyday to not try and find out. My plan is to try and refurbish the guitar myself, though I know nothing about how to do it. I intend to enlist the help of friends and do a lot of research online and with books. I am in no rush and I certainly expect to make mistakes. With patience and a little luck, we'll find out what songs this guitar still has left in it.
So here it is, the guitar in question:
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| This is a War Necessity |
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| Missing the original tailpiece and bridge. I may put a fixed pyramid bridge on it. |
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| Some scratches but no worse for wear |
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| You can see that the top has shrunk and seperated from the sides. Yes, that is painted on binding! |
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| Since this photo, the top has developed about a 6" crack. |
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| The day I got it from Dad. Note the lack of a 12th fret marker...strange |
