Work Page 5-26
1920's Chas.A.Stromberg and Sons
Boston, MA
Mate 11-1/2" rim assembly to orphan tenor neck.
I have had this Stromberg neck, the exact neck for this model, for many years.
It came in an estate sale and had no peghead overlay, missing the 1st fret block. With dowel, no hardware or name plate.
The rim assembly came from here in Texas. (Thanks L.S.)
All hardware on the rim is original
This Pre Patent "Cuppo-phone" ( tone ring has an additional 5/16 steel bar stock that was rolled to fit up inside of it.
That is a first for me in this early style Stromberg.
Mine, nor any others I have worked on, had this.
So it is heavier.
Stromberg used Vega made necks and rims in these years and they were basically Tubaphone rims cut to meet up with the Cuppo-phone ring.
They were both located in the same part of Boston and Stromberg and Vega had a long friendly relationship.
The outside rim skirt and head bearing is the same as Vega Little Wonder, with a longer skirt.
Anchor shoes and screws /washers are proprietary to Stromberg.
They look like Little Wonder shoes, but are smaller, and screw is smaller.
The rim has a lower trim ring on the bottom of the rim, also proprietary.
Later Stromberg's used Lange for necks and resonators and were 10-7/8 to 11" range, and were arch top design on t he Marimba and Deluxe.
They were a small shop that gained fame later in Jazz guitars, made by the Son, Elmer.
They are still in the top range of what is considered collectible and desirable.
I have had this Stromberg neck, the exact neck for this model, for many years.
It came in an estate sale and had no peghead overlay, missing the 1st fret block. With dowel, no hardware or name plate.
The rim assembly came from here in Texas. (Thanks L.S.)
All hardware on the rim is original
This Pre Patent "Cuppo-phone" ( tone ring has an additional 5/16 steel bar stock that was rolled to fit up inside of it.
That is a first for me in this early style Stromberg.
Mine, nor any others I have worked on, had this.
So it is heavier.
Stromberg used Vega made necks and rims in these years and they were basically Tubaphone rims cut to meet up with the Cuppo-phone ring.
They were both located in the same part of Boston and Stromberg and Vega had a long friendly relationship.
The outside rim skirt and head bearing is the same as Vega Little Wonder, with a longer skirt.
Anchor shoes and screws /washers are proprietary to Stromberg.
They look like Little Wonder shoes, but are smaller, and screw is smaller.
The rim has a lower trim ring on the bottom of the rim, also proprietary.
Later Stromberg's used Lange for necks and resonators and were 10-7/8 to 11" range, and were arch top design on t he Marimba and Deluxe.
They were a small shop that gained fame later in Jazz guitars, made by the Son, Elmer.
They are still in the top range of what is considered collectible and desirable.
This would have been a lathe chip that was repaired.
I have an original tailpiece and bolt/nut.
I will use this style attachment hardware.
Next I will get the neck in order.
Head stock overlay created, with Stromberg diamond.
Fretting with 147 wire.
Not in final assembly. Did not like the tone
Installing the Wilmot - Wood resonator. 1920s, Boston made.
Setup GDAE, 5/8" Grover 2 footed bridge, no insert.
Grover Deluxe spring loaded pegs.
Showing the rolled steel section.
This is it's channel.
Hardware cleaned, rim re-finished.
Assembly time.
1108 head from my Stromberg, slightly scuffed and a King armrest.
Fret block installed, ready for binding.
White binding was my choice.
Installing the Iucci ajustable arch-ring.
With all 4 knurled string post locks.
FINAL PICS
It has good playability and tone.
I will change the pegs for anyone interested No labor charge, just parts).
I will add a resonator back plate for additional charge.
Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM
I will change the pegs for anyone interested No labor charge, just parts).
I will add a resonator back plate for additional charge.
Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM