F.E. Coulter Luthier from 1930's

[dustnwilson]

I have a F.E. Coulter guitar dated 1939. I don't know a whole lot about but I thought I'd share a few pictures.

[Jim Garber]

Yet another Coulter instrument on eBay right now. Tenor mandola.

I like the case.

[KSMike]

It's amazing to see specimens of his keep popping up. Once a year no matter what.

[Ratzax]

I just received this guitar from a client who's mother purchased the guitar from Frank Coulter brand new. Her name was Esther and she played the guitar till she passed away.

I have never seen another Coulter Guitar .

I also have the case for the guitar. It is in the same condition as the guitar.

If anyone would like to reach me my email address is ratzax@gmail.com I never use this site. I found it when I was searching for in formation on Frank Coulter.

Here are the pics.

Bernie
Forest Grove,Oregon

[David Newton]

Great thread!
I was very interested to read his label, the one with the table and flowers, where he refers to himself as a Luthier.
I had the impression the term had gone out of usage in the Lute-building past, and only came back into use in the late '60's - early '70's during the craftsman-guitar-builder boom.
A study of late 19th early 20th century labels and advertising of individual (not factory) instrument makers would be a great pursuit, if it could be done at all.
Did Orville G. refer to himself as a Luthier?

[Reed Bennett]

I am new to this forum but wanted to post some information about a Coulter round mandolin I just purchased yesterday. I am looking for background information on Mr. Coulter and on this mandolin in particular. This one is in very good playing condition but has a few cracks and a gnarly pickguard that has shrunk considerably. Mine is dated 1921 and is labeled inside from Coulter's Washington Street business address in Portland. There is an article in the current issue of Vintage Guitar magazine (November 2015) about Coulter and his instruments, and it states that only about 24 Coulter instruments (guitars, violins, mandos, etc.) are presently known to exist. If anyone has any knowledge about the current market value of a Coulter mandolin, I would like to hear from you. I can forward photos to anyone who may be interested. I found this Coulter on Craigslist. It is quite loud and has a good sound to me. Thanks.

[Reed Bennett]

So a co-worker of mine (an excellent classical and jazz bass player) showed me his new baby, a lovely upright bass with a really nice full sound that has a repair label of " Reworked by F.E. Coulter 1940" inside.
I guess Coulter was a mandolin builder, as well as violins and other things as well.

He did a little searching and came across this site, describing Coulter's shop and some other political wanderings.

Anyway, some interesting history and thoughts from a luthier back in the 30's, and a little story about Fritz Kreisler as well.

Here's the site:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb....-folklore.html

Anyone seen any of his mandolins?

I just acquired a Coulter Mandolin from 1921 with a round body and the soundholes on the upper bouts with the pearl inlay motif. I found it on Craigslist (Sept. 2015). I can forward photos if you'd like them. My personal e-mail is writereed@hotmail.com .
Thanks

[Jim Garber]

You can post photos here, if you like. I am sure that other forum members would've interested.

[MikeEdgerton]

The pictures are in this thread.

[Gregg Miner]

For those of you who haven't seen it, 2 years ago, I condensed all my Coulter info (harp guitars, but also a sampling of all instruments) into a new archive. Please email me privately with anything especially unusual or interesting and I'll add it.
Best,
g
http://www.harpguitars.net/history/coulter/coulter.htm