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musical instrument details
1932 John D'Angelico archtop guitar Harry Volpe Special early snakehead model
Estimated price for orientation: 12 500 $
Category: Acoustic Guitars
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
1932 D'Angelico model; the "Volpe Special". This D'Angelico guitar is of such early manufacture that it does not bear a serial number yet. Some resources claim it might be the fifth instrument that D'Angelico made under his own name, whereas it was later written in his production ledger at position number 14 (see last photo from “Guitars-the Tsumura collection” page 177). This guitar of course was based on an early 1930s Gibson L-5; and is very unique as it is the only "signature" guitar D'Angelico would ever build. All other guitars he ever made , he only inlaid the players name in the 12th fret marker never on the headstock so much more prominently than his own name anymore. Volpe (1906 - 1995) owned a music store in New York, where he also taught guitar - amongst others to Sal Salvador, Al Caiola, Tony Mottola, Joe Pass, Johnny Smith… all of whom would later own D'Angelico guitars. Many of Volpe's pieces for solo and duet guitar are still in use in (Mel Bay) guitar instruction books. Besides being a famous teacher and composer, Volpe was particularly was known as a regular soloist at the Radio City Music Hall. In the 1940s he endorsed the Gretsch Synchromatic 400 (famously photographed together with Django Reinhardt), and later in 1955 had his own Epiphone signature model.This instrument is unique, only one made ever, but it is well-documented in the color section of the "Acquired of the Angels" book; as well as in the "D'Angelico, Master guitar builder - what's in a name" book on page 128. Condition:- no cracks, all bindings are original and tight- had been poorly refinished by its second owner - and now again was refinished while in my possession by Dutch luthier Daniel Slaman (who specializes in building pre-war Gibson replica guitars). Not reliced but it has his vintage style finish - very thin and you can feel the grain through. - It has 4 of its original goldplated tuners. One is the same style but nickel - from a 1932 Martin guitar; and the last one is the same style but engraved - came from a 1932 Gibson super 400. The 1932 tuners cannot be replaced with a modern day set as the screw spacing is different. - bridge is a repro- guard is the original and is in fine condition. Probably the only one from that period which actually survived. -it has an nice older faux alligator case which fits perfectly so I assume (but I cannot tell for sure) that it is the original. DAngelico did not have his own cases, but sold his customers cases from various supliers depending on their preference. This is a very unique and historically important instrument by the most famous luthier of all time. Volpe was his first celebrity client and in the next three decades literally all of New York top players would follow.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
1932 D'Angelico model; the "Volpe Special". This D'Angelico guitar is of such early manufacture that it does not bear a serial number yet. Some resources claim it might be the fifth instrument that D'Angelico made under his own name, whereas it was later written in his production ledger at position number 14 (see last photo from “Guitars-the Tsumura collection” page 177). This guitar of course was based on an early 1930s Gibson L-5; and is very unique as it is the only "signature" guitar D'Angelico would ever build. All other guitars he ever made , he only inlaid the players name in the 12th fret marker never on the headstock so much more prominently than his own name anymore. Volpe (1906 - 1995) owned a music store in New York, where he also taught guitar - amongst others to Sal Salvador, Al Caiola, Tony Mottola, Joe Pass, Johnny Smith… all of whom would later own D'Angelico guitars. Many of Volpe's pieces for solo and duet guitar are still in use in (Mel Bay) guitar instruction books. Besides being a famous teacher and composer, Volpe was particularly was known as a regular soloist at the Radio City Music Hall. In the 1940s he endorsed the Gretsch Synchromatic 400 (famously photographed together with Django Reinhardt), and later in 1955 had his own Epiphone signature model.This instrument is unique, only one made ever, but it is well-documented in the color section of the "Acquired of the Angels" book; as well as in the "D'Angelico, Master guitar builder - what's in a name" book on page 128. Condition:- no cracks, all bindings are original and tight- had been poorly refinished by its second owner - and now again was refinished while in my possession by Dutch luthier Daniel Slaman (who specializes in building pre-war Gibson replica guitars). Not reliced but it has his vintage style finish - very thin and you can feel the grain through. - It has 4 of its original goldplated tuners. One is the same style but nickel - from a 1932 Martin guitar; and the last one is the same style but engraved - came from a 1932 Gibson super 400. The 1932 tuners cannot be replaced with a modern day set as the screw spacing is different. - bridge is a repro- guard is the original and is in fine condition. Probably the only one from that period which actually survived. -it has an nice older faux alligator case which fits perfectly so I assume (but I cannot tell for sure) that it is the original. DAngelico did not have his own cases, but sold his customers cases from various supliers depending on their preference. This is a very unique and historically important instrument by the most famous luthier of all time. Volpe was his first celebrity client and in the next three decades literally all of New York top players would follow.