c1913 Lyon & Healy College Line Monster Bass Guitar G2089

[gweetarpicker]

This week’s unusual instrument is a circa 1913 Lyon & Healy College Line Monster Bass Guitar G2089. With a 22 ½” lower bout, it is one of the largest flattop guitars ever produced. It has a typical guitar scale length so was likely intended to be tuned as a standard guitar though I tend to tune it down one or two steps. The Monster Bass was also available as a harp guitar with an extra non-fretted six string neck.

www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com

[F-2 Dave]

Very cool. Love the sound. Any idea how many of those were produced?

[gweetarpicker]

i don't know how many were made though they seem pretty rare. I have seen one other in person and photos of a couple others. The old catalog says they were made to order.

[William Smith]

Awesome, I have to ask, do you have a music store or are these your rare toys/ donations to show off? Very neat instruments!

[Tavy]

Nice picking! And a great sound from that guitar too - maybe surprisingly so given how far outside the usual design envelope that one is

[gweetarpicker]

Some photos too...

[bbcee]

OMG, the back & sides are astounding! Thanks for these posts.

[Grommet]

Great picking and a pretty unique instrument. Thank you for this entertaining series!

Scott

[gweetarpicker]

Nice picking! And a great sound from that guitar too - maybe surprisingly so given how far outside the usual design envelope that one is

I actually measured the frequency response of the Monster Bass, and with the giant body, the lowest significant peak on its frequency response curve is actually below the pitch of a standard low E string which is not typical for a guitar. I think that is one of the reasons it sounds so good tuned down a step or two.