1950s 'Rex' gypsy-jazz guitar imported by the Lamberti Brothers for Australian distribution.
Comprised of a laminate spruce top, maple neck, mahogany back & sides with 46mm width nut. Open geared tuners, floating bridge and trapeze tailpiece (which has been drilled into the top - we assume this is for an easier time restringing and maintenance).
This guitar appears to be of Italian origin, most likely Southern Italy and bares a resemblance to entry-level models built by the Sicilian luthier, Carmelo Catania however very little information about these instruments have been published so we are simply speculating.
The guitar shows plenty of wear on the neck and has been re-fretted at some point. Multiple pieces of plastic in the detailed rosette have shrunk and been lost to time. No cracks or repairs, just signs of heavy use.
Action is high (presenting at 3.5mm & 4mm at the treble & bass side respectively and is sold as-is.
A very interesting piece of Italo-Australian music history.
Product Specs
- Item Number: 40097
- Make: Rex
- Model: Model 165
- Condition: Fair
- Finish: Natural
- Categories: acoustic-guitars ⇒ jumbo
- Year: 1950s
- Made In: Italy
- MPN: 40097