1880’s C. Bruno Brazilian Rosewood Parlour – £1799
NEW ARRIVAL As Brazilian Rosewood is becoming harder to find, and consequently more expensive, turn of the century Brazilian parlour guitars are a more affordable way of getting that desirable tone. C. Bruno guitars are historically very interesting, as Charles Bruno was a business associate of C.F.Martin during the 1830’s before going into musical instrument distribution for Martin and others in the 1840’s. This example is most likely made by Oscar Schmidt, c. 1880, made in New York, serial # 7380. The bracing, bridge and headstock shapes foreshadow the typical 20th century Schmidt designs, and while this guitar is cosmetically plain it is very well made. The back and sides are Brazilian Rosewood and the top is Adirondack Spruce, with no binding or ornamentation except plain wood inlaid soundhole rings. The Mahogany neck has a V-profile with Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, while the tuners are brass with bone buttons. The bridge is Brazilian Rosewood with the distinctive slope, wire saddle and sharp pyramid ends that characterise later Schmidt-made bridges. The guitar plays beautifully with silk-and-steel strings and has a wonderfully expansive sound for such a small instrument. Unusually for such an early instrument, it’s in excellent condition, with just a couple of side repairs, and a wear patch on the back below the neck heel. It has a very comfortable action, and is an absolute pleasure to play. It even comes in it’s original coffin hard case.
