A1048 Carl C. Holzapfel Jumbo 12-string Guitar, circa 1930 ...Holzapfel 12-strings were made in Baltimore, Maryland in the early 20th Century. These very rare instruments were among the earliest American 12-string guitars made, predating even the Stella 12-strings of the Oscar Schmidt Company. Mike Seeger and the late Dave "Snaker" Ray are among those who have owned Holzapfel 12-string guitars and recorded with them.
Like most Holzapfel 12-strings, our example has a ladder-braced spruce top. The sides, back and neck are mahogany. It has herringbone rosette and top purfling. Fingerboard and bridge are rosewood. Excellent, all original condition. One tiny repaired back crack. Its massive neck and a "zero fret" are two traits common to these instruments. Lower bout is 16 1/8" wide, scale is 25 1/4". Holzapfel 12-strings are often described as being the best sounding 12-string guitars ever made and this guitar is no exception. It has a huge sound! Action is close and comfortable. Comes with a new hard-shell case (as well as its original 1930s era chipboard case.) $9,500.00
