Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to have acquired a beautiful El Degas MT 13 in London, ON.
The guitar was purchased from the original owner, who's parents bought it for her about 39 years ago at a music store in Simcoe, ON. She did not play the guitar. Her brother did play it for a time, but for the most part it has remained under the bed for all these years in it's original case. There are a few dings and scratches on the guitar; otherwise, it's virtually pristine. There is zero wear on the fretboard. I am guessing that the strings on it are at least twenty-five years old, based on what she had informed me of. And, as rusted and brittle as the strings are, the guitar still sounds amazing. Played gently it sings, and played aggressively it is loud and booming. I can't wait to hear how it sounds with a new set of strings and proper setup.
As mentioned in a previous post there is not a country''s name on the soundhole label; only reference to (Modelo No MT 13). There is also a serial number on the base of the neck that can be seen through the soundhole (2 0776).
I am posting a series of photographs of the guitar for your viewing pleasure.
Any information that individuals could share regarding this guitar would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
ED Gibson Les Paul Custom
ED MT 13
Pono PKT-1 Tenor Ukulele
Takamine EN-10C
Fender Champ 600 Amplifier
(13 bass, 26 electric, 3 acoustic)
But we both do make suggestions as to what we think they might be. I've heard of some guitars like these using Koa, but the grain isn't right to be that. Barry has suggested it's likely just very highly figured Mahogany, and I think he may be right. I think we've both mused at times about it possibly being Rosewood, but I am not sure the normally very stiff (and sometimes brittle) Rosewood would lend itself to being shaped for the sides of an acoustic.
