Posted 13 years ago
chattylarsen
(1 item)
My dad asked me to see if I could find out anything about this Howe-orme Guitar and leather case. He was told there were only four ever made. I can supply more pics. The guitar belonged to his grandfather and is in excellent condition. Thanks.
I have a friend that knows everything about any kind of guitar ever made...He owned a music store...and he also repairs guitars..I will talk to him about this guitar and I would be glad to help you solve this...My email is scottcupp07@aol.com..
It appears these instruments were very well made. Follow the link below and perhaps you can decide what model and date your instrument is. As you will see, they had many instrument patents, including those applying to the guitar. Though the H-O company made many instruments over a 13-15 year period, it is unknown how many were guitars, mandolins, etc. The surviving serial number info suggests they were responsible for roughly 2000 instruments in those years of production. What becomes confusing is that sometime around 1910 they stopped building instruments, but appear to have sold other maker's products with their label on them. This was common at the time in the US and Europe. Even so, they apparently didn't continue to sell any instruments after just a few more years. I hope the link provided (with many links from there) help you on your quest. I love and live guitars and enjoy tracking down obscure makers, but am a player not a collector so I'm not that well informed. As to your guitar being 1 of only a few made, it is possible, but I'll bet you can figure this out by the info provided. They did innovate quite a bit, so you may have a rare example of an instrument that is part of an even more rare number of remaining instruments. They obviously did something very right to have them last over 100 years! Congrats and fell free to contact me thru the e-mail I provided if I can be of further help--or if you wish to place such a lovely instrument into someone else's hands (mine) obviously for a fair price.
Good luck and take care! http://bellsouthpwp.com/r/d/rdevelli/The%20Elias%20Howe%20Co.htm
Howe-Orme instruments, especially the large model (nearly dreadnought-sized) are quite desirable when in good condition. I know more about the mandolins than the guitars. Rick Turner of Renaissance Guitars is the person who probably knows most about the guitars. Rick has incorporated features of Howe-Orme instruments into custom builds, including a guitar that traveled to Antarctica. The cylinder-top design and adjustable/removable neck are true innovations and are more than just novelties -- they really improve the sound and playability of these guitars.
This is not one of only 4 made. Although they're not common (no surprise, given their age), they do come up from time to time. Value depends on condition, of course, and also on the model in question. Nigel Forster, a very well regarded British luthier (he used to work with Stefan Sobell) has expressed interest in acquiring a Howe-Orme in the past and might be open to trading one of his outstanding guitars for the right Howe-Orme.
Gregg Miner and I published an article on Howe-Orme mandolins in the Fretboard Journal (Fall, 2006) with an introduction by Rick Turner. That article should address most of the mysteries associated with the company. Rick's intro also provides a fair amount of information on the guitars, which are his special interest.
I've just stumbled across this post one one of my occasional "Howe-Orme" trawls, and yes, I'd love to know more about the guitar. Please contact me on nigel(at)nkforsterguitars.com
nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com