John and Jimmy (who was John's apprentice in the 1950's) were truly the Stradivari of guitar builders. “Over the years there was a close relationship between the Favilla family and John D'Angelico and James (Jimmy) D'Aquisto. If it had strings on it the Favilla brothers built it.” In the early 1920's they employed 55 people, building thousands of ukuleles as well as mandolins, banjos, guitars and some violins (built by Joseph). “In the United States, in 1890, they started in a combination music store and instrument shop located at 161 Bowery, and at one point 200 & 201 Grand Street in New York City. (A generation earlier the family was building string instruments in Italy under great-grandfather Francesco).” Four years later John (Giovanni) and his brother Joseph, a violin builder, formed a company in 1894. “The Favilla Brothers started building string instruments in the United States in 1890. Side by side, the tone is quite comparable to a Martin D-15M. This is an all mahogany instrument, back, sides, top and neck. The remainder of the guitar cosmetically is very good. The bottom of the heel has been refinished dark brown and some minor finish imperfections are visible due to the neck reset. The neck has been reset, there are a few marks on the back where the heel meets the body. Used 1972 Favilla FH5 Dreadnought acoustic guitar serial number 52542.
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