Dyer Style 5 Symphony Harp Guitar, c.1919
SOLD

You heard right!  A Style 5 (second grade in the five levels of Dyer models) is about a $5000-6000 instrument in good condition.  This one needs work - in the opinion of repair genius Rufie Barnes (work for Ben Harper, David Lindley, etc.), around the neighborhood of $1500.  That means that, fully restored, you'd ultimately have a vintage Dyer 5 for around $3700.  If you're a luthier or repairman yourself, then even less.  Alternately, for less investment, a collector could have this touched up only cosmetically to hang on a wall, or a serious player could leave the visual issues alone, and just make it a great player.  Lots of choices, any way a bargain.  How and why, you ask?  Because I have enough instruments and projects in the works, or would have invested in it myself, and I convinced the owner to let it go quickly to someone who could make use of it asap.

Pictures speak for themselves, but here are all the issues (you wouldn't get this disclosure on eBay!):

Lower body is very sound - other than one tiny crack on side, I see nothing other than normal finish issues and no loose braces.  Playing wear isn't bad at all.  Area above the soundhole is warped a bit as the fingerboard bends down at the 12th fret.  This is typical of almost all Dyers, and there are various ways to address it (you can actually play it as is without much problem, though action is a bit high).  Bridge and surrounding soundboard area are excellent.  Fingerboard slightly twisted (from bracket), but otherwise fine; normal fret wear; could of course use a re-fret or at least a dress (actually plays fine right now).  Some slight water damage at the end pin/bottom.  Both headstocks were cracked and somewhat crudely repaired.  These could be re-repaired or left alone.  The bass headstock damage continues into the arm with a lengthy (but repairable) crack along the inside. The binding on the arm would be an easy fix.  Headstock veneer chipped and missing - live with (battle scars) or re-veneer as you see fit.  A great opportunity to get into vintage!  -Gregg Miner, the "harp guitar pope"

Specifications: 

• Original label: Style 5, Serial # 894 (c.1919)
• All original, except for repairs
• Spruce top
• Mahogany back, sides and neck
• Six sub-bass strings
• 25-1/2" scale
• 1-7/8" nut width
• Dimensions: 15-1/2" lower bout, 3-13/16" depth at tail block, ~41-3/4" total length
• No case (Harp Guitar Music gig bags and flight case coming soon!)

  Price: $2270 (Paypal)
  (cash or check discount price $2200)
  Shipping: Request quote

  SOLD

  On Consignment

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