Vintage 1894 Bay State Model 206 Flat Top Acoustic with Case - Ry Cooder Collection
Here at Truetone, we've had a lot of amazing guitars, including some very old ones. This may be the most ancient - it's not from last century, it's from the century before that. Yes, it's from before there were planes in the air or cars on the road. We're excited to present, for the second time, this vintage 1894 Bay State Model 206 Flat Top Acoustic.
Originally brought to Truetone as part of the Ry Cooder Collection, we sold this piece to a long-time customer/collector friend of ours. It's now here again, as part of an estate collection. This is a unique opportunity to own a part of guitar history.
This highly collectible vintage parlor guitar was built in Boston, in 1894. This is also the year that the International Olympic Committee was founded, Coca-Cola was sold in bottles for the first time, and when Labor Day also became an official U.S. holiday. But now, back to the guitar....
The John C. Haynes Company was founded in 1865 and was a part of the Oliver Ditson Company. It became a prominent musical instrument manufacturer. Research shows that production of Bay State guitars began around 1887 - 1888, ceasing in 1903 - 1904. The peak was in the 1890's.
Known for their delicate craftsmanship, these historical acoustic instruments are beyond impressive. Featuring premium woods, elegant inlays, and a comfortable, compact design, the Bay State guitars were considered high-end. Considering the this Model 206 is still with us as a fully functioning instrument, they were built to last.
The guitar features Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a spruce top, and a mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. Recognized for their elegant soundhole inlays, celluloid binding, and inlaid stripes down the back, The ivory nut and bridge saddle are also noteable. Bay State guitars like this would have captured anyone's attention back then - and this still holds true. The natural varnish finish has aged well, resulting in a beautiful patina.
This Model 206 acoustic is in great condition, especially considering that it's over 130 years old. That in itself is impressive, but this is also simply a wonderful guitar to play. The size makes it very comfortable. Sound-wise, it's warm and highly focused, so it lends itself to both strumming and finger picking. It's suprisingly resonant, and while it's not really made for strumming cowboy chords like a big dreadnaught, it's still versatile for various styles. But, to us, the crisp treble response and midrange presence makes it ideal for fingerstyle playing. The light bracing allows the top to vibrate nicely, resulting a highly responsive and atticulate sound.
The techs in our shop have vetted and made sure the guitar plays perfectly. A hardshell case (non-original) is included. We are in love with this little guitar, and look forward to placing it into its next home.
S/N 12800
As mentioned, this guitar originally came to us as part of the Ry Cooder Collection - at that time, it came with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Ry. Unfortunately, when we got the guitar a second time just recently, the certificate was not there, so it's not included.