Ste-

made

S-SD | Se-Si | SK-Sta    updated 20/12/2011

Jesse Stearn

208 to present

"Last year, I quit my job as a teacher and took my family with me to a guitar making school in Devon, England, called Totnes School of Guitar Making. It is run by Phil Messer and I couldn't imagine a better school or a better teacher. We (the students) learned how to make guitars using only hand tools. Very old school...literally. The small building the school is located in was built around 1700. The only electric tools we used were; a router to rout the binding channels and the truss rod channel, and a pillar drill to drill the peg holes for the tuning pegs. Needless to say, we learned a lot about precision craftsmanship and the ins and outs of guitar making.

This year I opened up business as "Stearn Handcrafted Guitars" and I build my guitars in a shop behind my house in Holladay, Utah. The more guitars I build, the more I realize how much of a rookie I am, but I love it. Even though I'm a rookie, I've turned out some good stuff so far, if I do say so myself!

[Source and images courtesy of Jesse Stearn, email 28/10/2009]

Stehr

Joel Stehr,

Steinberger

1979 to present

Steinberger history and background

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinberger

http://www.gibson.com/products/steinberger/

http://www.steinberger.com/history.aspx

Dating Steinberger guitars

Records incomplete but this site is doing its best to dig up the info.  http://www.steinbergerworld.com/

Steinberger catalogs, price lists

http://www.steinbergerworld.com/mktng.htm

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Steinberger

Steinberger forum http://forums.steinberger.com/

Images eBay:

Stella guitars made by Oscar Schmidt from 1911, bought by Harmony 1939

http://patchristmas.neuf.fr/index.html

http://members.aol.com/Rothguitar/Rothguita30.html

http://www.broadwaymusicco.com/Harmony20.htm

http://www.stellaguitars.com/

http://harmony.demont.net/model.php?id=239

http://rothmans_guitars.tripod.com/rothguitar/id10.html

http://lale.com.ar/

http://vintage-guitars.org/features/brands/details.asp?AID=2628

Search at http://www.vintageguitar.com

Stella guitar catalog 1932 http://www.stellaguitars.com/guitar%20catalog.htm

Stella reference books

The little book of Stella guitars

Stellas and Stratocasters

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stella

Image Retrofret:

see Harmony

Stellar

Asian origin, imported to USA

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stellar

Image eBay:

1991 to present

Sterling

Sterling brand guitars were made in Japan 1960/70s. Have seen electric and steel string acoustic versions on ebay.

Image ebay:

Sterling by Musicman

2009-

Musicman introduced the Sterling brand in 2009.

Sterling by Musicman catalogs

Sterling by Musicman 2010 Catalog

Sterner Guitars

1998 to present

Anders L Sterner, Eugene, Oregon USA.  Makes 2 guitars modelled on Ignacio Fleta and Jeffrey Elliot's extension of Herman Hauser's design.

Stephen Stevens

Tutorial Steve Stevens fits a neck joint

Stephen's

Stephen's Stringed Instruments was located in Seattle, Washington USA [Source: Tribute site]

Images 1991 Stephen's guitar ebay:

Stetson

1883 to 1925.

J.F.Stetson was a brand used by W.J. Dyer & Bros. in St. Paul, MN. They were a major distributor who claimed instruments of their "...own manufacture" but they were made by others. A small number of banjos were made by Fairbanks, but most seen have been low grade, trade banjos from Stratton, Buckbee, or Schmidt. The Stetson brand was in use from 1883 on guitars and mandolins, but who made them during the early period is not known. Starting in 1894 Dyer ordered guitars and mandolins from the newly formed Harmony, who went into business expressly for the purpose of making instruments for "the trade" to be labeled and sold by others. In 1922, C.F. Martin made 3 Stetson guitars for Dyer. [Source: Mugwumps ] The bulk of the guitars were made by Larson and some were made by Washburn. [Source: Larson Creations] and Lyon and Healy and ? Regal. [Source and image: Larson Brothers Guitars ]

George Stevens

1989-

Lutes, guitars and other stringed instruments Kent, UK

Stevenson

1999 to present

Electric guitars and amps by Ted Stevenson, Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Musicians Hotline Profile

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stevenson+Guitars

see SS

Stewart

Stewart on headstock - made by SS Stewart

see SS Stewart

Image ebay

Stewart and Sons

current

Stewart and Sons myspace

1960-1994

Search at http://www.vintageguitar.com

http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag42/dear42.html

USA - Made about 100 solids and 500 acoustic.

Stinger

1985-1995

The Stinger brand was released by Martin in 1985. [Source: John Beck] Most were made by Samick and the brand was still around in 1995. [Source: Guitarsite]

Stinger collection

Stinger guitar catalogs

http://www.vintaxe.com/catalogs_korean_stinger.htm

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stinger

Images eBay - 1987 Stinger advertisement

Stoll

Stoll Custom, Cordoba, Argentina

Brian Stone

Brian Stone Classical Guitars. Corvallis, Oregon, USA

Stonetree

1996 to present

Stonetree Custom guitars by Scott Platts, Saratoga, Wyoming, USA

Stradivarius

Well there is obviously THE stradivarius who did actually make guitars a long while back.  And Maton (Australia) made an instrument called Stradivarius in the 1950s and 1960s see: http://www.grouseguitars.com.au/sold/matonstradivarius.htm

There is also this one that was referred to me from Australia - any advice appreciated:

Stradolin

1920s-1960s

Strad-O-Lin was a company started in the 20s that made cheap mandolins and was bought in the late 50's by Multivox/Premier when they then expanded into guitars etc [Source: Vintage Guitar Price Guide ].

Images eBay:

Strand Guitars

Norway

Stratosphere

1954-1958

Brothers, Claude and Russ Deaver made Stratosphere guitars in Springfield, Missouri, USA. [Source: Vintage Guitar Price Guide ].

In 1954 Jimmy Bryant used a twin neck Stratosphere - this was about the first time a twin neck guitar (as opposed to steel guitar) was seen.  [Source: Gibson Electrics, By A. R. Duchossoir, Dahl]

Stratton Guitars

Stephen Stratton, Portland, Oregon

Strictly7

2008-

Made since "2008.
My shop in Medina, Ohio USA
Dating Strictly 7 guitars
My headstocks/necks have changed each year as I made tweaks and modifications. But none of my 2008 axes are in the general market, only people I know here locally. I'm going to start doing a date stamp insde the neck pockets or control cavities. I have a serial number system, but not date related. [Source: Jim Lewis, CEO Strictly 7 guitars, email 16/11/2010]

Strike Instruments

Strobel

2003 to present

Strobel Rambler Guitars. "The Strobel Folding Travel Guitars are made in Boca Raton, Florida, USA since 2003.

Our guitar comes apart to fit in a briefcase or computer bag. It plays and sounds like an expensive electric guitar. A stage quality instrument...

Dating Strobel Rambler guitars

Early Strobel Rambler guitars used SN of MMYY-##, 2 digits for month, 2 digits for year and then the production number in sequence. The first few guitars were dated 1003-# and they were started in late 2003. This numbering system was kept through 2005.

In 2006 we switched to YYMM-## and still use that system. I have been putting the serial numbers in the neck pick up cavity, usually written with a marker or pencil.

[Source: Russ Strobel, email 22/3/2010]

Stromberg

1920 to 1955

also current

Charles Stromberg opened a music shop in Chicago in 1905.  His son Elmer joined him in 1910 and they started making guitars around 1920. [Source: Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars ]

Only 640 made. http://www.provide.net/~cfh/other.html

Dating Stromberg Guitars

Stronberg lables were business cards.  Approximate dates are referenced via telephone numbers see

http://vintageguitarpro.com/serialstromberg.shtml

http://www.ducksdeluxe.com/strombrg.html

1950 Stromberg Deluxe http://www.themomi.org/museum/Chinery/article/1.html

1947 Stromberg Master 400 http://www.themomi.org/museum/articles/more/1947StromMast400.html

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stromberg

Images National Music Museum:

Stromberg-Voisinet

1890-1931

Stromberg-Voisinet, established in Chicago as the Groeschl Company, they changed the name in 1890. Not to be confused with the Boston Strombergs, they manufactured a line of low to medium grade fretted instruments for jobbers and wholesalers. The cast flange with its alternating perforation pattern is a clear indicator of these banjos. In 1931 they changed the company name to Kay. [Source: Mugwumps]

Story of Kay guitars

? made Oahu

Stroup

2002 to present.

Gary Stroup, Eckley, Colorado

Made since" December, 2002 at my home US Highway, Eckley, Colorado.

Dating Stroup guitars

Each one is numbered on the wood inside the the back. It can be seen through the f-holes.

They are numbered by the actual number of the guitar, thus:

GARY STROUP--- ECKLEY, COLORADO U.S.A. --- JANUARY 2009 #192 SIGNED BY ME--- SIGNATURE AND THE NUMBER AGAIN #192.

This is all coated with lacquer written in lead pencil." [Source, Gary Stroup, email 1/1/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stroup

Strunal Guitars

Stringed instrument manufacturer based in Luby near Cheb, western Czech Republic

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Strunal

Davy Stuart

1989-

Christchurch, New Zealand

Stuart Custom Guitars

2004 to present

Fred Stuart, Riverside, California.

Info at Virtual Vintage Guitars

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Guitar+Pickup/brand/Stuart+Custom+Guitars

Stukley

1998-2007

Stukely guitars were made by luthier Lou Barry, Charlottetown Canada. A web site was around  for Stukely Studio until 2007 but was not available at 2010.  Info and images from the archive:

"My enchantment with the guitar dates back some 30 odd years, when I received my very first instrument, a "Silvertone" electric from "Sears" which was given to me as a Xmas present. Needless to say I was enthralled with the instrument then and I have been playing and building guitars ever since. Over the years I have perfected my craft to the point where today I am extremely proud to offer both the "StukelyQuad1" and "Stukely Solo1" models. I believe any musician who plays a "Quad1" will be quite pleased with its weight and feel and its overall playability to say nothing of the "Kick Ass" response from the "QuadRail" pickups. This is one loud mean machine and designed primarily for the rock musician. The Solo1 on the other hand is more conventional in design and is equipped with the famous "Lace" humbucking pickups for a somewhat mellow tone, suitable for jazz, blues and country. Whatever your style I think you will find a "Stukely Guitar" model just right for you. [Lou Barry, 2004] The guitars featured chambers as per this image:

" see the history of the “Stukely “guitar I just posted on the Vintaxe Website Forum but it pretty well answers most of the questions you have posed. As a summery I would say my interest in guitars started back in the early 60’s when I was a member of a local Rock Band and up until 1998 I had experimented and built a handful of instruments as a hobby all of which have since ended up in a landfill site. After a good deal of urging from local musicians in1998 I started building in earnest for the retail market and I did so until around 2007. Although I had no formal training in Lutherie I was an accomplished Woodworker, so the transition to Instrument building was a rather easy one and as I had a well equipped workshop where I resided, this is where I built all of my Instruments. Most of my Guitars were sold online across North America and as far away as Hawaii and gratefully I received positive feedback from most if not all of my clients. One of the regrets I have had however is, I never stamped any of my Instruments with a serial number or build date as I never thought they would become a collectable or historical item. The only reference I can give you in this regard is that they were all built within the 1998-2007 time frame. [Source: Lou Barry email 8/6/2010]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Stukely+Studios

Quad I

Solo I

Stump Preacher

Woodinville, Wa Wayback Machine

Sugi Guitars

2002 to present

Makato (Nick) Sugimoto was a design engineer for Ibanez,  Fender, Yamha, Epiphone and more before establishing Sugi Guitars in Japan in 2002.  He makes electric guitars and basses.

http://toguitars.com/gallery-japan/sugi-guitars.html

http://www.quest-md.com/sugi_guitars.html

Sugita Kenji

2007-

Japan. 1990 Sugi Craft brand

Suhr

1997 to present

John Suhr  Guitars, Lake Elsinore, California, USA.

Previously built Pensa-Suhr guitars with Rudy Pensa in New York.

Suhr pricelists/options from the internet archive:

Suhr guitars 2001 Pricelist

Suhr guitars 2003 Pricelist

Suhr guitars 2006 Pricelist

Suhr forums

http://www.online-discussion.com/Suhr/

http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Suhr+Guitars

Sukop basses

1993 to present

"Exact dates unable to be determined by looking at guitars. Records kept can determine individual guitars' manufacture date." [Source: Steve Sukop, email 24/3/2008]

Sullivan

mid 1990s to present

Jim Sullivan. Sullivan Handmade Guitars and State Line Luthier Works have been located in Portland Tennessee since the mid 1990s. We build handmade guitars, 14 fret, steel string acoustic guitars and electric acoustic guitars .

Images Acoustic Guitar Corner:

Summit Guitars

current

Sigmund Johannessen, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada

Sungyi

2000-

Sungyi music is a China based manufacturer of guitars and music electronics such as tuners, pedals. Since 2000

Sunrise guitars

Pat Murphy and Tim Shaw left Gibson and formed Sunrise on Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo in the mid '70's and early '80's. Charlie Wick's ProCo Sound was down stairs.   [Source: The Gear Page ]

Superior Guitars

1987 to present

Sold by Berkeley Musical Instrument Exchange. Mexican made.

see Astrotone

Supersound

1952-1974

SUPERSOUND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS was formed by Alan and Mary Wootton in 1952. UK made amplifiers and guitars.

Supersound fan site - excellent resource

Supersound

No relation to the UK Supersound above.

Images eBay:

Superstar

Superstar is a brand by Jolana. http://www.jolana.cz/superstar/

Images eBay:

Supertone

1914-1941

Brand used by Sears and Roebuck, various manufacturers.

Harmony http://harmony.demont.net/brands.php

Search at http://www.vintageguitar.com

Supertone catalog 1937-1939 http://harmony.demont.net/catalogs.php

Images eBay:

A Harmony Brand

http://harmony.demont.net/brands.php

Supro

1935-1968, 2004 to present

Supro was a brand name of National Dobro Company and Valco [Source: Vintage Guitar Price Guide ]

History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supro

Search at http://www.vintageguitar.com

Serial numbers

http://vintageguitarpro.com/serialvalco.shtml

Also if you search the above site there are a number of examples of Supro guitars.

Examples

http://www.vintagesilvertones.com/gallery_gtr-supro.html

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/1962-supro-pocket/feb-07/25446

http://www.myrareguitars.com/1960guitars.html

Supro catalogs

http://www.vintaxe.com/catalogs_american_supro.htm

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Supro

see Valco

Surfer

Surfer brand guitar - by Hy Lo. Made in Japan

Images eBay:

see Hy Lo

Surine Basses

1992 to present

Denver, Colorado USA. Built by Scott Surine and Kenneth Lofquist

"Surine Basses started in 1992. The only way to determine the date of an instrument is to contact us with the serial number for us to look up. The serial numbers do not reflect the date, only the chronological order of that particular model." [Source: Scott Surine, email 24/3/2008]

Surine Basses pricelists

Surine pricelist 2002

Surine pricelist 2003

Surine pricelist 2004

Surine pricelist 2006

Michael Sussman

see Anaholo Strings

Louis Sutz

1965-1905

Louis Sutz guitars, Vine St Cincinatti, Ohio USA. 

Sutz was a very strict luthier and maker of fine instruments . It is said that over a couple years he had over a dozen apprentices only 1 would become a luthier under Sutz because Sutz was very demanding  [Source: & Images: Michael Langrock, email 102/2011]

Suziki

Established 1953 manufacturing harmonicas.

http://nagoyasuzuki.blogspot.com/

My first guitar 1974 nylon strings.

Here are some early Japanese Suzuki catalogs:

http://www.t-shiga.com/sub7-5-1.htm

http://suzukiguitars.blogspot.com/

http://www.morenomoore.cl/english/suzuki.html

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Suzuki

Images eBay:

Swan Song

2004 to present

W Nelson Joyce graduated from Roberto-Venn in 2004. Nelson is primarily building basses. [Source: Roberto-Venn ]

"Building since 2004.  Seattle WA. from 2004 2006   and Rimrock, Arizona 2006 to present.

Serial numbers are hand written in neck pocket. First 3 digits are the number in order of  building for that year the last 2 digits the year example 00604 is the sixth instrument in the year 2006" [Source: Nelson Joyce, email 12/8/2008 ]

Swift

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Swift

Swinga Swinger

Swinga or Swinger guitars by Kingston. Made in Japan by Teisco

Swinger catalogs (paid only)

http://www.vintaxe.com/guitars_japanese.htm

Review http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Kingston/Swinga/10/1

Images eBay

see Kingston

Sword

current

Ron Sword Founder and Luthier Sword Guitars Orlando, Fl USA

http://www.myspace.com/ronswordofficial

SX

1985 to present

Budget guitars imported to US by Rondo Music, Union New Jersey.

Sylvia

Sylvia guitar from the 1950s, made in USA, ebay

Synsonics

Korean

Terminator http://www.cheesyguitars.com/terminator.html

http://www.theguitarcollection.org.uk/gallery6/synsonics.html [1989/90]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Synsonics

Image Synsonics headless guitar eBay: