Object Details
user
Ashby, Irving
maker
Charles A. Stromberg and Son
Description
This guitar was made by Charles A. Stromberg and Son of Boston, Massachusetts around 1939-1941. Responding to requests from jazz guitarist for an instrument that could cut through and be heard over the horn section of jazz bands, Elmer Stromberg developed his giant, 19-inch wide Master 400 model. It is one of the loudest acoustic guitars ever made. Elmer Stromberg made about 600 guitars with his father, Charles, a Swedish immigrant.
Charles and Elmer Stromberg’s shop was a popular hang-out for local guitarists who would break in new instruments before they were sold to customers. One such local was Irving Ashby, a Boston native who went on to play with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and the Nat King Cole Trio. This six course (6x1) guitar, Master 400 model, and serial #507, was custom made for American jazz guitarist, Irving Ashby (1920-1987).
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Pauline Randolph Ashby
date made
1939 - 1941
ID Number
1988.0421.01
accession number
1988.0421
catalog number
1988.0421.01
Object Name
guitar
Measurements
overall: 43 1/4 in x 19 in x 4 1/2 in; 109.855 cm x 48.26 cm x 11.43 cm
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Boston
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Guitars
Jazz
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_606740