Doug Way brought in this handmade Hawaiian guitar. It had belonged to a member of his family. Here's what he told us about it:
"This guitar was made by Charles Symons on Northern Wisconsin. It was
passed from "Uncle Charlie" to his niece, Mary Symons Smillie circa
1969. We are not certain as to when Uncle Charlie made the guitar although we
do know with certainty he was the maker of it. It was passed to Doug Smillie
Way in June 2007, following the passing of John "Jack" Smillie, husband
of Mary it was given to douglas smillie way to us."
A case like this makes you wonder what's inside:
The sides are the most interesting part of the instrument, the thick walnut shaped to slope in, out, then in again. A wood inlay strip runs completely around. Six screened soundholes run along both sides.
The back is made up of strips of wood, bowlback mandolin fashion, and has more of the screened soundholes.
Slotted peghead
The bridge pins are capped with pyramid shaped heads that are screwed on to the pins.
