The Connections Bernards-Ridge June 2019

www.theconnectionsnj.com HANDYMAN Over the Hills GENERAL HANDYMAN JOBS Repairs • Remodelings Installations Interior/Exterior Painting, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements Mack 908-507-6979 handyman_over_the_hills@hotmail.com Fully Insured License #13VH10140900 REMBRANDT IN YOUR RAFTERS? Highly doubtful...but there probably are other objects and possessions of value in your home that’re worth preserving and protecting. Call Bernards Appraisal Associates today for a free personal property valuation consultation or to schedule an appointment. Martine M. White, ASA, AAA www.bernardsappraisal.com martine@bernardsappraisal.com 908 . 234 . 1153 The guitar masters I’m referring to are not the virtuosos who play the guitar, rather the three men whose influential designs in guitar-building have attracted famed musicians not only to play their instruments, but to treasure them. Along with James D’Aquisto (1935-1995) and John Monteleone (b. 1947), John D’Angelico (1905- 1964), was also part of the Italian American community that resided in and around New York in the early twentieth century. Direct descen- dents of Neapolitan craftsmen, these guitar makers primarily built mandolins due to their popularity at the time. But when musical tastes changed in the 1920s, the young D’Angelico applied his old-world craft to build a new type of instrument, the archtop guitar. Incorporating features of violin construction, including f-holes, arched sound board and a moveable bridge, this distinctly American instrument had a sound that cut through big band instrumentation. Soon the archtop guitar became the choice instrument by notable guitarists, including Chet Atkins, Bucky Pizzarelli and Johnny Smith. D’Angelico’s innova- tions in guitar building set the standard for gen- erations to come and established him as the most revered guitar maker of the jazz age. After D’Angelico’s death, his apprentice James D’Aquisto broke from the past and took the gui- tar to new aesthetic and acoustic directions attracting a new generation of guitarists, includ- ing George Benson, Eric Clapton and Steve Miller. As the acoustic guitar market declined in the 1970s, John Monteleone forged his reputa- tion by introducing new innovations in archtop guitars and mandolins that were played by many top performers, including David Grisman. Besides being remarkable craftsmen, these three guitar builders honed their skills to create the most innovative jazz guitars. In a radical depar- ture from the standard guitar form, they also created the ‘Teardrop’ guitar which had a ser- pentine shape extending to a fin at the lower right corner. The ‘Teardrop’ would soon become one of the most famous guitars ever made. I recently had the pleasure of appraising a D’Angelico guitar which was played by my client’s late husband. Although it was not in good condition, and didn’t have all the decora- tive elements that collectors desire, it still main- tained an auction value of $7,500.00. Early and rare guitars will always appreciate in value, espe- cially if they are kept in good, original condition. Although guitars come with a protective case, they are still sensitive to fluctuations in tempera- ture and humidity. That said, attic storage is def- initely out of the question! Photos of guitars can be emailed to Martine@BernardsAppraisal.com for a free evaluation. What’s in Your Attic? GUITAR MASTERS OF THE JAZZ AGE & BEYOND By: Martine M. White, MA, ASA, AAA Bernards Appraisal Associates C.F. Martin 19th Century Parlor Guitar. Value: $2,500.00 D’Angelico Archtop Jazz Guitar D’Angelico New Yorker ‘Teardrop’ Guitar home & design PAGE 58