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2002 Rumley Custom
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Body size at lower bout: 17 1/2" Body Depth: 3 1/8" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4"
Finish: Natural blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved solid spruce top; handcarved figured maple back and sides; 3 piece tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; pearloid body and neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Hardware includes engraved brass tailpiece; solid ebony finger rest; gold Grover Imperial tuners; compensated stairstep adjustable ebony bridge.
Notes: Fabled Boston luthier Charles Stromberg opened shop around 1905, and was joined by his son Charles some five years later. Over the next half century they created a body of innovative hand-built orchestra guitars that have become legendary among players and collectors alike. A super jumbo guitar in the classic tradition, the Rumley Custom is a tribute to the rare Stromberg Deluxe model. The solid hand carved body combines both tiger flame and birdseye maple, with a bookmatched parallel braced solid Sitka spruce soundboard that is a full 17 1/2" at the lower bout. Handbuilt by Denver luthier John Rumley, the Custom has classic prewar design, including an engraved, hand machined gold tailpiece, art-deco Synchromatic style stairstep bridge, and genuine pearloid binding throughout.
This rare example is in superb condition, with all original hardware and finish, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The neck profile is full and solid in the prewar style, with a strong U profile, and smooth low action over fine pro fretwork. The voice is warm and buttery, ideal for comping styles from Western Swing to smooth chord melody. Most remarkable of all is the price, a most welcome alternative to the astronomical cost of many contemporary American made hand-carved instruments. Combining classic 40's design with a '70's price, the Rumley Custom is a unique throwback to a more elegant, and affordable, era.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze roundwound strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original plush hardshell case.
