Stelling (pre-Huss & Dalton) RAD125 (Sitka/EIR Dreadnought) SOLD off forum

[HenrytheCat]

Before there was a Huss & Dalton Guitar Company, Jeff Huss worked at Stelling Banjo Works and started building guitars on his own. Mark Dalton subsequently came to work at Stelling. See https://www.hussanddalton.com/about-huss-dalton. Before they went off on their own, they built guitars that were sold under the Stelling name. According to the chronology on the Stelling Banjo Works website, the last, No. 101, was built in 2002. With a few exceptions, the Stelling guitars were Sitka over EIR dreadnoughts with 2 basic models, the RHD125, which had herringbone purfling on the top like an HD-28, and the RAD125, which had abalone purfling on the top like a D-41. Both had snowflake fingerboard inlays, a flower pot inlay on the peghead, 1 3/4" nut width, and enlarged soundhole.

This particular RAD125 has some mojo. It is No. 33 which, according to the Stelling chronology, was built in 1996 and was played by Charlie Sizemore. As I understand it, Geoff Stelling gave it to Charlie to play when Charlie left the Clinch Mountain Boys, and Charlie returned it to Geoff when he started practicing law. The condition of the guitar is listed as very good because of some cosmetic flaws it picked up during its years as a working guitar. Most notable among these are some sprayed-over pick marks on the top and a repaired non-structural crack in the heel. Nothing awful. All told, this guitar is in amazingly good condition considering its years of professional use. When I got the guitar years ago, I had the crack in the heel repaired and the first 5 or 6 frets replaced. I recently had its action adjusted by Ward Elliott, a truly masterful luthier. It is very comfortable to play, and it sounds great. Included are a tweed case in serviceable condition, authenticating letters from Geoff Stelling and Charlie Sizemore, a promotional flyer for Stelling guitars, and a CD by Charlie Sizemore on which he played this guitar. Asking SOLD plus the cost of insured shipping. Payment by personal check, but I will wait until the check has cleared before shipping. PayPal OK if you pay the fee.

Due to advancing years and arthritis, I have abandoned my (admittedly unrealistic) dreams of instrumental glory and decided to sell most of my collection of instruments. No trades, please.

[HenrytheCat]

Bump for a very nice and very rare guitar.

[sevenpalms]

Man that's a beautiful guitar. Good luck with the sale!

[HenrytheCat]

Many thanks for the kind words, sevenpalms. Yes, a gorgeous guitar.

[HenrytheCat]

Saturday night bump.

[HenrytheCat]

Bump to the top.

[HenrytheCat]

Weekend bump.

[HenrytheCat]

Another bump for an excellent---and rare---guitar.

[HenrytheCat]

Pre-Independence Day bump.

[HenrytheCat]

Bump to the top.

[HenrytheCat]

This great guitar is still available.

[Guitars44me]

This axe IS RAD. Haha

And this is so well put, I just had to laugh:

"Due to advancing years and arthritis, I have abandoned my (admittedly unrealistic) dreams of instrumental glory and decided to sell most of my collection of instruments. No trades, please."

Sorry to hear of the arthritis! Hope you can continue to play and have fun musically, at least.

Hang in there! And best on this sale,too

Paul

[HenrytheCat]

Thanks for the kind words, Guitars44me. Yes, I can still play boom-ching backup on the cowboy chords, but not a heck of a lot more. Now I am waiting hopefully for the day that my favorite old-time jam can safely resume.

Take care and stay safe.

[HenrytheCat]

Bump to the top.

[HenrytheCat]

Midweek bump.