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Thread: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

  1. #1
    Registered User gweetarpicker's Avatar
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    Default c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    This week’s unusual instrument is a circa 1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar. Most of the videos I’ve been posting feature mandolin family instruments but figured I would slip in a rare guitar. The Bohmann has a number of unique patented features:
    - Domed body with a double cutaway
    - Unusual bridge design with movable palmrest
    - Internal sympathetic vibrating rods with push button damper
    - 12:1 ratio semi-enclosed slothead tuners
    - Bohmann style bracing

    https://youtu.be/vWP5CBjuzOM

    www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com

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  3. #2

    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    What an interesting instrument. You may have mentioned this in the video and I missed it, but what kind of strings are on it? The few Bohmanns I've seen have been parlor guitars with some unique features (including some arching). How unique is this one? Thanks for sharing all your wonderful beasts.

  4. #3
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    Fascinating innovations by Mr. Bohmann. Thanks for posting.
    Bill
    IM(NS)HO

  5. #4
    Registered User gweetarpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    I have seen a handful of Bohmann guitars with a similar design to the one in the video. That said, I don't think I have ever seen two Bohmann instruments that were exactly alike (dimensions, number of internal rods, finish, inlay, etc.). Since the guitar is such an unusual instrument I have tried many different types of strings. My favorite strings for the Bohmann are Thomastik Jazz Swing Nickel Flatwounds Set JS-113. However for the video, the guitar is strung with DR Zebra Nickel Plated Phosphor Bronze Mediums (.054W, .042W. 032W, .024W, .016, .012).

    I have attached some photos of the guitar as well.
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  7. #5
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    Thanks for the detailed photos. Personally, I think this is a lovely instrument, though the sound does not send me. The tuners and tailpiece are impressive, if a bit overdone.
    Bill
    IM(NS)HO

  8. #6
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    Quote Originally Posted by billhay4 View Post
    Thanks for the detailed photos. Personally, I think this is a lovely instrument, though the sound does not send me. The tuners and tailpiece are impressive, if a bit overdone.
    Bill
    Ain't that the truth! I'm a bit conflicted on the sound, doesn't sound very "guitar like", but does sound more like an OM strangely, perhaps because of the floating bridge... I suspect this does have a place, just not sure what it is

    Thanks for sharing this, I've always wondered what these sound like!

  9. #7
    Registered User gweetarpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    The little archtop Bohmann is not dead or quiet sounding at all: it just has a tone unlike your typical flattop or archtop guitar. I'm always wondering how to use it. In contrast, Bohmann flattop guitars can sound excellent for traditional music, especially the larger examples.

    It's interesting that you mentioned the sound of an OM. I have attached photos of a great sounding Bohmann octave mandolin with the same basic design...cool x-ray image too that shows the internal rods and the damping mechanism.

    www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com
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  10. #8
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: c1915 Joseph Bohmann Guitar

    Cool, makes me wonder what would happen if you put strings in there - Hardanger fiddle style.

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