From Guitar World · · 1m 10s
1953 Stromberg Master 400C: Rare Jazz Guitar History
A 1953 Stromberg Master 400C guitar once cost $100,000 and is among the rarest jazz guitars.
In brief
A 1953 Stromberg Master 400C guitar once cost $100,000 and is among the rarest jazz guitars. The 1953 Stromberg Master 400C, a rare jazz guitar that cost around $100,000 in its time, is now preserved in a New York guitar shop. Originally reported by Guitar World.
1953 Stromberg Master 400C
This rare jazz guitar cost around $100,000 at one time and was made in 1953.
Stromberg Builders
Charles Stromberg and his son Elmer were the only archtop guitar builders to rival John D'Angelico.
Materials and Craft
The guitar features a carved spruce top, figured maple back and sides, and an ebony board with matching overlay.
Historical Correspondence
The Strombergs wrote letters to the client about the guitar, mentioning it cost $420 and the case $60.
“Your letter of March 23rd arrived and I'm very pleased to hear from you again. We'd be pleased to have you come in and see us on Saturday, if that is convenient for you.”
Rarity and Value
Only seven Stromberg cutaway models were ever made, making this guitar one of the rarest jazz guitars.
Preservation Work
The guitar's headstock overlay was repaired using hide glue after it started to come apart.
Modern Comparison
Today's archtop builders cannot match the sound quality of vintage Stromberg or D'Angelico guitars.
The short version
The 1953 Stromberg Master 400C, a rare jazz guitar that cost around $100,000 in its time, is now preserved in a New York guitar shop.
