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  1. G Almcranz
    gunilla

    I have one patented 16 j 1895 Halstedt Chicago whith photo. My grandparents had a tobacoshop in Chicago in this time.They come back to Sweden so when I was 8 yers old I became this guitar from my mother.It have a wounderfull sound an I play sometimes.

  2. Database/history survey for Almcrantz
    Larry Myers

    Hi All,

    I am attempting to build a data base of owners and compile as much history about Almcrantz guitars as possible. This is not for a money thing. I want to preserve as much as I can about these fine old instruments and Gerhard Almcrantz.

    Once I get it all together, I’ll send what I have to any of you so that we can, together, keep the history alive.

    Thank you for your time and please feel free to email me at [email protected] (not a music store!) Please put Almcrantz in the subject line.

    Larry Myers
    http://www.mountaininstruments.com

    1. Re: Database/history survey for Almcrantz
      Bob Sweeney

      : Hi All,

      : I am attempting to build a data base of owners and compile as much history about Almcrantz guitars as possible. This is not for a money thing. I want to preserve as much as I can about these fine old instruments and Gerhard Almcrantz.

      : Once I get it all together, I’ll send what I have to any of you so that we can, together, keep the history alive.

      : Thank you for your time and please feel free to email me at [email protected] (not a music store!) Please put Almcrantz in the subject line.

      : Larry Myers
      : http://www.mountaininstruments.com
      Hi Larry,
      If you are still building a database for Almcrantz guitars, here is another contribution. My 1895 model is very austere, unlike the lavishly inlaid models I have seen posted. I believe it to be of solid construction, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, but the back is veneered with a one-piece rosewood over-lay. The instrument is un-bound, with a marquetry soundhole. I think the neck is walnut.It has the patented bolt-on neck, and a patented bridge held on with three hand-wrought wing nuts. The production # is 6015.

      Sincerely,
      Bob Sweeney
      Sioux City, IA 51106

      1. Re: 1895 Almcrantz Guitar
        jeff winter

        hi, I am a fortunate owner of an Almcrantz, which I purchased in Chicago, around 1983, and had lovingly restored by Ed Reynolds, a great luthier. Later on having a bit of work done by another fantastic crafsman, Eric Aceto, of Ithaca Guitar Works, now owner/partner at Ithaca Stringed Instruments, Ithaca, New York. I absolutely love this guitar,and have enjoyed being the owner since I first
        picked it up. The tone, and playability are wonderful. The workmanship is nothing short of incredible, the lore about Chicago (my home town), is tha Mr. Almcrantz was noted for his attention to detail, particularly with inlay and marquetry. Although my instrument is not as flamboyant as some that were produced, the herringbone inlay, and the back of the body are crafted with a very high degree of skill and care. I’ve never visited this posting before, and will try to get some photos on line to share, as soon as i figure out how to do that with my digital camera. A 19th century guitar meets 21st century technology…Hmmmmmmm.

        1. Re: 1895 Almcrantz Guitar
          Doug Vieyra

          Getting ready to take my old 1895 ALMCRANTZ guitar into a guitar fixer, and thought (like a bolt of lightening)"hey, let’s go for a long shot and see if there is anything on/about ALMCRANTZ GUITAR on the internet. BANG , WOW, was I ever surprised, there WAS ! I have had my 1895 ALMCRANTZ guitar for about 40 years now, having been given it by an old mountain man from deep in the wild and rugged outback of the Trinity Mountains of remote Northern California, where we both lived. Six miles of hiking trails got us to a small spot on the road (hiway 36) called Forest Glen.
          After playing it for about two or three years, the bridge started to seperate from the box, so I had it repaired by a Guitar-Fixer in Berkeley, CA. It has now developed the same problem – bridge seperating from the box. Probably from tight srings and sitting unplayed in a case in the cornor for 10 years. I no longer play, but keep the guitar as a close family friend. When you’ve been together for forty years, you get attached to the thing. I don’t know what the cost to fix the bridge will be, but if it is too great, I’ll just take it home and again put it in the corner, to wait for someone to come by who has an interest. It was given to me, so I’ll just pass it on the same way.
          From the few sites I have found on the internet, it seems that Almcrantz produced some fancy inlay models, but, sadly, mine is not one of them. Just plain jane. But it is smaller than most guitars, so it fits my playing style.

          1. Re: Almcrantz Guitars
            Larry Myers

            Hi All,

            I am attempting to build a data base of owners and compile as much history about Almcrantz guitars as possible. This is not for a money thing. I want to preserve as much as I can about these fine old instruments and Gerhard Almcrantz.

            Once I get it all together, I’ll send what I have to any of you so that we can, together, keep the history alive.

            Thank you for your time and please feel free to email me at [email protected] (not a music store!) Please put Almcrantz in the subject line.

            Larry Myers
            http://www.mountaininstruments.com

            1. Almcrantz
              wendy turnquist

              Hi Larry Myers,
              My name is Wendy Turnquist & my Granfather was Gideon Tornquist, whom you have listed on the site from Chicago in 1900. I still have his guitar, which is quite fancy, with inlaid wood all over it. My granfather’s initials GT are in pearl on the neck, with other pearll pieces on the neck. Also, what appears to be ebony around the acoustic space, some of which is missing. I was told, that my Grandpa played for the King of Sweden and that He had this guitar made for him, however, since it was made in Chicago, that seems a stretch. My Granfather I am told was close to a millionaire, and I know my Dad grew up with maids and cooks, and a gymnasium in his home. My Grandfather built most of the apartment buildings in Jackson Park, on 55th street, right across from what used to be “Billings Hospital”, which is now “U of C.” However, when the Great Depression hit… he lost everything as noone could buy the buildings. There are 2 carcks, ( not all the way through), on the body. I will take a picture and send it to you. Just curious, what you think it may be worth .

              Thanks, Wendy Turnquist, [email protected]

            2. Re: Almcrantz Guitar on dixieguitartraders.com
              Dixieguitardan

              : Hi All,

              : I am attempting to build a data base of owners and compile as much history about Almcrantz guitars as possible. This is not for a money thing. I want to preserve as much as I can about these fine old instruments and Gerhard Almcrantz.

              : Once I get it all together, I’ll send what I have to any of you so that we can, together, keep the history alive.

              : Thank you for your time and please feel free to email me at [email protected] (not a music store!) Please put Almcrantz in the subject line.

              : Larry Myers
              : http://www.mountaininstruments.com

              1. Re: Almcrantz Guitar
                Chris Wawer

                :I happen to own one of the Almcrantz guitars since the 80’s. I’ve got incredibly interested in him at that time since the guitar was quite unusual and interesting.

                Here is my own ‘Almcrantz’ story : In the late 1980’s I’ve got interested in building guitars (my interest waned since than). At pre-Internet time it seemed like nobody – except Tom Wheeler – knew about Almcrantz, so I searched for the ownership of Almcrantz brand name. I did like the sound of it and the fact the luthier put a picture of his face picture in the guitar sound box.
                At the time nobody owned, or claimed the ownership of it as name-brand! I decided to search for family member of sort of a trust, so I could buy it or at least talked about it – and I FOUND it. In the late 1980’s I talked to his…WIFE! Yes! As strange as it seems, I found Mrs. Almcrantz phone number – she lived in a sort of a retirement home in Highland Park, IL . As far as I could figure it out, Gerhard Almcrantz married a very young woman at his quite advanced age, luring her with promises of a good life with a rich guitar maker. The promises were short lived, since he died and left her completely penniless. And mad. She expressed that to me quite ‘dynamically’. She actually was quite upset: she told me he had debts and she had to deal with them for the most of her life.
                She remembered him having a workshop on Stony Island Avenue, and not at 6001 S. Halsted St., so obviously he moved to a different location at some point. I asked her if it would be possible that I could use ‘Almcrantz’ name again to make guitars. She assured me I could have the name and she had nothing against it. She told me she was the only living beneficiary of Mr. Almcrantz and she would sign all the necessary papers to allow me to use the name.

                In about 1988 or so I went to see the building at 6001 S. Halsted. There was a dilapidated, corner red brick building, a commercial mixture of apartments/stores with a sort of a turret.. All widows boarded up, decaying or empty, metal fence and chains at the 6001 door. Rather bad. I’d be surprised if the building would still be there.

                Chris Wawer, Chicago

                1. Re: Almcrantz Guitar
                  michael egland

                  Hello,cool story Chris… I was just contacted by an elderly couple wanting to sell there old Almcrantz guitar. They said the label in the soundhole had a pat. date of 1895 or 96. I wonder what the price range might be on these rare beauties??? They said it looked like a well built high quality guitar. We are hopefuly going to meet this weekend. Will they sell his grandfathers guitar? or are they just yanking my chain? Hope to hear any feedback. Michael

                2. Re: Almcrantz Guitar
                  Daniel Baker

                  Chris, there is a genealogy book called "Swedes in Illinois" which was published in 1908. In it, it states that Gerhard (middle name apparently, his actual first name is given as August) was married to Cecilia Amalia [Almcrantz]. Both were born in 1864, he being approx. 3 months older. It mentions two children, Georgia Dorothea (1896) and Oscar Gerhard (1897). There is some discussion of his various patents for detachable neck and bridge. I’m still trying to determine the identity of an individual assoc. with Gerhard named Sofia Octavia Almcrantz. I’m very much interested to find out her relationship to the builder.

        1. Re: 1895 Almcrantz Guitar
          Dan Oliver

          Hi:

          Yes, I too own an 1895 Almcrantz. My dad purchased it from my great aunt. It’s in very good playing condition, and even though it was made for cat gut strings, I had kept steel strings on it for over 50 years, a testimoney to its loving construction.

          Family history is that my great aunt was named Cederstrom (sp), of Swedish descent, and was probably distantly related to Almcrantz, himself one of two brothers. The one brother remained in Sweden, plying the luthier trade there. My understanding is that the Almcrantz name was well known and respected in Scandanavia for their luthier skills.

          Currently the guitar is being repaired for minor bridge pullup and mother of pearl replacement.

          What a piece of work. I used the guitar as my primary playing instrument for over 40 years and it always played with equisite tonal clarity and was rich in harmonics. At one time I was offered an 1890’s Martin trade straight across. I knew then that I had something very special.

          By the way, I also obtained a lady-bug mandoline owned by my great aunt as well. I was told that she had purchased them as a matchin set, however, the name burned into a cross strut on the inside is "Curtis." Anybody know anything about this manufacturer/luthier?

          Would like to hear from any any all who have owned any of these two instruments.

          Dan

          1. Re: 1895 Almcrantz Guitar
            Tim Drennan

            : Hi:

            : Yes, I too own an 1895 Almcrantz. My dad purchased it from my great aunt. It’s in very good playing condition, and even though it was made for cat gut strings, I had kept steel strings on it for over 50 years, a testimoney to its loving construction.

            : Family history is that my great aunt was named Cederstrom (sp), of Swedish descent, and was probably distantly related to Almcrantz, himself one of two brothers. The one brother remained in Sweden, plying the luthier trade there. My understanding is that the Almcrantz name was well known and respected in Scandanavia for their luthier skills.

            : Currently the guitar is being repaired for minor bridge pullup and mother of pearl replacement.

            : What a piece of work. I used the guitar as my primary playing instrument for over 40 years and it always played with equisite tonal clarity and was rich in harmonics. At one time I was offered an 1890’s Martin trade straight across. I knew then that I had something very special.

            : By the way, I also obtained a lady-bug mandoline owned by my great aunt as well. I was told that she had purchased them as a matchin set, however, the name burned into a cross strut on the inside is "Curtis." Anybody know anything about this manufacturer/luthier?

            : Would like to hear from any any all who have owned any of these two instruments.

            : Dan

            1. Re: 1895 Almcrantz Guitar
              Steve Proctor

              To all,
              What a surprise to find any info at all about Almcrantz guitars. I too have an Almcrantz with a picture of the maker I assume, inside the sound hole. It gives an address in Chicago and says "Patented July 16, 1895" on the label and also stamped on the bridge. I received this guitar from my mothers aunt back in the late 60’s in Los Angeles and if I recall correctly it was strung with steel strings. I replaced them with nylon for fear of pulling the bridge out but was always difficult to play above the 3rd or 4th fret because the neck angle was quite steep. It has no elaborate inlay or purfling, just mother-of -pearl rounds on the fretboard. (2 missing of course) Around the soundhole are two plain wood inlay rings. Otherwise it is very plain. I need to do a little more research to satisfy my curiosity. But first I need to hit the "Submit Follow Up" button and hope I’ve done this right!
              Steve P.

      2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Barbara
        Barbara

        : Hi All,
        :
        : I thought that you might find the following story about my 1895 Almcrantz interesting. It’s not for sale, just thought you might enjoy the story and pictures.
        : http://www.mountaininstruments.com/pages/Almcrantz.html
        :
        : Happy Holidays,
        : Larry Myers
        Hi! I bought an Almcrantz that needed a little loving care in April 2003 from a person in Florida who had it in her attic. It originally was bought by her ex-husband’s Grandfather in Chicago and came into the grandson’s possession when it was given to him by his Grandmother at the Grandfather’s passing. It apparently was playable when first received. I have brought it back into playable condition and only minimalized its restoration. It still has the original finish. It is a Brazilian rosewood back/sides with a Sitka spruce top. I had to inlay more Mother of Pearl on its neck as it had lost its top flower inlay and one of the dots. I too am searching for information about its builder. The only thing I have found is that the guitars were built by Gerhardt starting in 1895 with its patent…and that he took on another partner in 1900. At that time, both names were put inside the guitars/mandolins…so…I am assuming that these guitars were made between 1895 and 1900. The book by Tom Wheeler, American Guitars, only posts a singular picture in the back of one and little more than what is posted in the label within the guitars. There is no information other than that. This book is the 1st Edition of American Guitars. I was hoping for more information about the lutier so I was sorely disappointed. If anyone has more information, PLEASE post it! Thanks! The guitar is just beautiful and plays very deep and full. Nice sound! :o)

        1. Anyone interested???
          Adam

          I have one of these Almcrantz. It’s in great shape with inlay of a butterfly on the front. Would be curious if anyone would be interested in buying it. Thank you

        2. Almcrantz Mandolin
          Corky Koopmans

          Hi all, I was researching the name Almcrantz to find out who this fellow was. I have a watermelon shape mandolin> I guess some people call them a Lady Bug as well. It’s quite plain but beautifully built. I just acquired it from a friend. The bridge is caved in a bit on one side but I’m sure that can be repaired. The label inside is in very good condition and has a very good picture of I think Gerhard and also has an address in Halsted St. in Chicago. I’m trying to find more out about this instrument and if it has any value. All responses would be appreciated with any new information about this mandolin.

          Thanks to all,
          Corky K.

  3. 12 String Guitarmade by MELODY
    John Ruggiero

    When I was in Eurpoe back in 1969, I purchased a 12 string acoustical guitar made by MELODY. Does anyone have any info on value/rarity etc Thanks

      1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
        Dan Oliver

        : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?

        I have an Almcrantz patented July 16th, 1895 – Chicago Ill. The guitar has been in the family since my father purchased it form my great aunt around 1952-53. While it has suffered some abuse over the years, it still retains its physical beauty, and plays and sounds unlike any guitar I have ever owned. It is indeed a wonderful instrument. Anyone know anything about it’s value?

        1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
          Lenna (via moderator)

          : : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?

          : : I have an Almcrantz patented July 16th, 1895 – Chicago Ill. The guitar has been in the family since my father purchased it form my great aunt around 1952-53. While it has suffered some abuse over the years, it still retains its physical beauty, and plays and sounds unlike any guitar I have ever owned. It is indeed a wonderful instrument. Anyone know anything about it’s value?

          I am curious if anyone every responded to the above, I to have an Almcrantz and am curious of the value?? It is a beautiful guitar which belonged to my great grandfather. It has a patent from 1895 and a picture on the inside of I am assuming Almcrantz?? Just curious??

          Thanks

        2. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
          Larry Myers

          I too own one. Incredable beauty. All completely inlaid.

          Larry Myers
          530-346-9113

          : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?

          : I have an Almcrantz patented July 16th, 1895 – Chicago Ill. The guitar has been in the family since my father purchased it form my great aunt around 1952-53. While it has suffered some abuse over the years, it still retains its physical beauty, and plays and sounds unlike any guitar I have ever owned. It is indeed a wonderful instrument. Anyone know anything about it’s value?

    1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
      Cynthia Bostwick

      : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
      Melissa–
      These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

      1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
        Larry Myers

        Hi,

        I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

        Larry

        : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
        : Melissa–
        : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

        1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
          jeff

          : Hi,

          : I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

          : Larry

          :
          : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
          : : Melissa–
          : : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

          Hi,
          I’ve had an Almcrantz guitar since 1983, which was beatifully restored in ’83-’84 by Chicago based luthier, Ed Reynolds. The tone quality and workmanship are absolutely splendid. The Almcrantz name is synonymous with beauty and detail, as I was told by a guitar trader in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to have found this instrument, which at the time somewhat of an orphan. The true beauty was not difficult to see, and the restoration has been worth the time and expense. I’ll try to figure out how to get photos on line, as I’m digitally impaired.

          1. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
            jeff

            : : Hi,

            : : I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

            : : Larry

            : :
            : : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
            : : : Melissa–
            : : : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

            :
            : Hi,
            : I’ve had an Almcrantz guitar since 1983, which was beautifully restored in ’83-’84 by Chicago based luthier, Ed Reynolds. The tone quality and workmanship are absolutely splendid. The Almcrantz name is synonymous with beauty and detail, as I was told by a guitar trader in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to have found this instrument, which at the time somewhat of an orphan. The true beauty was not difficult to see, and the restoration has been worth the time and expense. I’ll try to figure out how to get photos on line, as I’m digitally impaired.
            ..jeff

          2. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
            jeff

            : : Hi,

            : : I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

            : : Larry

            : :
            : : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
            : : : Melissa–
            : : : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

            :
            : Hi,
            : I’ve had an Almcrantz guitar since 1983, which was beatifully restored in ’83-’84 by Chicago based luthier, Ed Reynolds. The tone quality and workmanship are absolutely splendid. The Almcrantz name is synonymous with beauty and detail, as I was told by a guitar trader in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to have found this instrument, which at the time somewhat of an orphan. The true beauty was not difficult to see, and the restoration has been worth the time and expense. I’ll try to figure out how to get photos on line, as I’m digitally impaired.
            ..jeff

          3. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
            jeff

            : : Hi,

            : : I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

            : : Larry

            : :
            : : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
            : : : Melissa–
            : : : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

            :
            : Hi,
            : I’ve had an Almcrantz guitar since 1983, which was beatifully restored in ’83-’84 by Chicago based luthier, Ed Reynolds. The tone quality and workmanship are absolutely splendid. The Almcrantz name is synonymous with beauty and detail, as I was told by a guitar trader in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to have found this instrument, which at the time somewhat of an orphan. The true beauty was not difficult to see, and the restoration has been worth the time and expense. I’ll try to figure out how to get photos on line, as I’m digitally impaired.
            ..jeff

          4. Re: Vintage Acoustical Instruments
            jeff

            : : Hi,

            : : I too am the proud owner of an 1895 Almcrantz. It is in great shape and drop dead beautiful! It’s been in my family for 50 years. I’d love to hear from anyone familar with these fine guitars.

            : : Larry

            : :
            : : : : Has anyone ever heard of Acoustical Instruments made by Gerhardt Almcrantz from the late 1800’s to about 1940?
            : : : Melissa–
            : : : These guitars were made by my maternal great uncle. My family has two of them. Do you have one? I don’t know alot about them, but I am told they are fine guitars.

            :
            : Hi,
            : I’ve had an Almcrantz guitar since 1983, which was beatifully restored in ’83-’84 by Chicago based luthier, Ed Reynolds. The tone quality and workmanship are absolutely splendid. The Almcrantz name is synonymous with beauty and detail, as I was told by a guitar trader in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to have found this instrument, which at the time somewhat of an orphan. The true beauty was not difficult to see, and the restoration has been worth the time and expense. I’ll try to figure out how to get photos on line, as I’m digitally impaired.
            ..jeff

  4. Ibanez Vintage 12-string
    Lisa

    Does anyone know the value of this guitar bought in ’74 or ’75? Bought brand new it was $650.00 and it’s still in very good condition almost mint condition.

    1. Re: Ibanez Vintage 12-string
      Victor Perez

      Hi, the value is to the purchaser… 12 strings are rare and players are rarer.. if you have a picture.. please send it.. Thanks Victor Perez

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