1930s Busato 12 Fret D Hole Guitar with HSC

This is something you don't see very often: a 1930s Busato 12 fret D hole! If guitars could talk this one would certainly have a lot to say. It has undoubtedly lived many "Gypsy lives" and has the mojo to prove it.

This guitar was built at the begining of Busato's illustrious lutherie career in Paris. The name plate on the headstock (never seen one like this before!) indicates that the guitar was constructed in Busato's first shop at 40 rue d'orgemont in Paris. He later moved on to other locations: 4 Cité Griset and 140 Boulevard de Ménilmontant.

Being an older guitar, one can only guess that it may have been made with Busato's own two hands. In his later years he employed up to 40 people, so it's unlikely he made every "Busato" himself. The early date of this guitar suggests this may be one of his own! Additionally, this guitar is the most "labeled" Busato I've ever come across. In addition to the name plate on the head stock, the name "Busato" is stamped on the neck block, the back, and on one of the top braces. Busato clearly wanted people to know who built this guitar!

The guitar has Rosewood back and sides, a Spruce top, and a three piece Mahogany neck with any ebony spline.

It has the original cloverleaf enclosed tuners that turn backwards. Also features some fancy banjo style fingerboard inlays.

The proportions are similar to a Maccaferri: 640mm scale, 15 3/4" body.

This guitar has numerous top and back cracks, some of which have been cleated, some have been glued, and others have yet to be repaired. There is one long crack that runs along the entire back of the guitar. There is also top separation on the waist (treble side).Good news is that after all these years the neck is still perfectly straight!

The guitar sounds very full with fat, rounded lead notes and lush chords. This guitar doesn't have the ferocious volume that the Grand Modeles have, but the tone is interesting with the complexity and maturity you'd expect from a guitar that is over 70 years old!