This is a beautiful 1920’s style body Gilet parlour guitar named after the brand - ‘Bay State’, that produced similar models in the USA.
Some information on ‘Bay State’:
‘According to Gruhn and Carter’s Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments, Bay State was a brand name of the John C. Haynes Co., of Boston. This company produced (or contracted with others to produce) a variety of fretted instruments including banjos, guitars, and mandolins. The line was particularly successful in the populous Northeast U.S. and no doubt arrangements were made to supply instruments to music teachers and schools.’
This guitar comes from Gerard Gilet’s collection and is an excellent example of his fine skill and craftsmanship. It is absolutely stunning to look at, with features including:
Old stock solid Brazilian Rosewood back and sides
Macassar ebony fretboard and bridge
Swiss pine top
Rosewood neck
Scale length is 24.9” (Martin scale)
Bound top and bottom with wonderful mother of pearl border on top and around sound hole
Bound fretboard
Grandtune tuners
Nitro lacquer finish
Signed by Gerard himself
The Gilet 'Bay State' is surprisingly resonant for a small-bodied guitar and has a rich and robust bottom end. It produces a nice warm and earthy tone that encourages one to continue playing. It has a medium to low action and plays beautifully, and the rosewood neck feels just right.
Other than some very light scratches on the back, this guitar is in very good condition, with no dings or bruises to speak of. A fantastic, Australian made parlour guitar that looks and sounds unreal.
