WEYMANN 

Established 1864

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

United States of America 

 

Weymann was founded by Heinrich Weymann (Wegmann) in "The City of Brotherly Love" -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Heinrich,  affectionately known as "H.A." or "Henry", immigrated to the USA during the Swiss/German immigration wave of the 1800's.   H.A. 's lineage has been largely oblique, due to varying language & translation errors.  Click "Meet the Team" for more historical details! 

 

The Weymann store began as a general retail shop that sold varying commodities, including jewelry & cutlery.   Between 1870 - 1885, the company began to introduce finely crafted instruments from domestic manufacturers as well as native German & French makers.  H.A. would develop an in-house manufacturing team by 1890 and produce various unique instruments & hardware components.  In 1892, son Harry would transform the business into a thriving, full-scale manufacturing operation dedicated to musical instruments. 

 

A pivotal moment occurred in 1899 when Weymann purchased the surviving warehouse supply from the recently shuttered S. S. Stewart banjo factory recruit,  further enhancing their instrument production.  Weymann would in addition, recruit the majority of the S.S. Stewart luthier staff who had lost their livelihoods.  

 

Acoustic Innovation: 

During 1900-1910, Weymann would develop and patent the first "Jumbo" & "Super Jumbo" body acoustic guitar—a design that delivered a powerful & resonant sound.  This was an important development, as guitars in particular, were often drowned out by a band's horns, brass & piano.   The Weymann Jumbo was produced nearly two decades before any other manufacturer.  The company would find great success in the manufacturing of Weymann Mandolute, Banjo & Acoustic Guitars.  Weymann would go on to produce both "highest grade" lines along with finely crafted "Keystone State" instruments, which were sold at a slightly discounted price.  Both lines are highly regarded by collectors today.

 

Artist Collaborations:  

In 1928, Weymann built a custom guitar for country music pioneer Jimmie Rodgers, which influenced a signature "Special" edition.  Jimmie, who is considered the father of modern Country music, would go on to perform with his Weymann until his passing.

 

Bumps in the Market: 

The stock market crash of 1929 and the death of Harry Weymann in 1930 would facilitate considerable challenges for the company.  Instrument sales plummeted as the nation faced uncertainty.  By 1933, in-house manufacturing was reduced significantly.  The #2 manufacturing warehouse surplus, located at 817 N. Cumberland Street, would be offered for sale by W.M. F Comly.  By 1940, Weymann instruments would be manufactured by fellow American manufacturers under "OEM" brand standards & licensing terms.  The center city retail shop would continue operating and general distribution would continue up until 1969.  The surviving Weymann surplus was parked into varying warehouses owned by the family/shareholders. 

 

Modern Revival:

While most businesses are forced to liquidate inventory or declare bankruptcy, Weymann understood the importance & pathway for legacy preservation.  With great thought & planning, the estate would preserve a sizable portion of the warehouse surplus for a future chapter, after the great depression.   

 

Revolutionary Creations: 

Over the past years, Weymann products have been released in very limited quantities and are of the highest quality.   Several items have been introduced as a "Reverb" Exclusive.  Almost every part & component is made right here in the USA.  

 

Weymann's current instrument line includes the Solid Body "Model A", "Model B", "Artist" and  "Artist Pro", along with several limited-edition hardware items.  The instruments have been constructed utilizing archival, surplus material, connecting the brand's

past and present.  Today, Weymann exists as both a collectible vintage brand and a modern, boutique grade instrument manufacturer. The contemporary instruments pay homage to the company's history while catering to a new generation of musicians and collectors.

(Reverb Exclusive) Weymann Model A Solid Body Electric Guitar 

The Weymann Model A, is a solid body electric guitar, with a comfortable 25.5" scale.  Made in the USA & created from the overstock, oversized Weymann Mandolute/Mandolin body blanks;  the Model A is a unique instrument with elegant appointments.  With a total production run of 100, the Model A has been well received by both modern & vintage enthusiasts.  

Weymann Model A Prototype:

The Weymann Model A Solid Body was developed thanks to its predecessor:  the Model A Prototype.  The Prototype was subject to a total production of 24 instruments before the final version met production approval.  The Model A Prototype is by far - one of the most significant instruments in the annals of guitar evolution.  Undoubtedly, one of the rarest.  Had the instrument been successfully released during the 1930's /1940's as intended, it would have earned the ranks as the world's first electric (solid body) instrument.   Yet, we gladly tip our hats to P.A. Bigsby where credit is due! 

 

Patents & Designs: 

Mandolute (Patent No. 43,684): Patented in 1913, the Mandolute was a cross between a lute and a mandolin. It was a commercial success and was heavily produced in the 1910s and early 1920s.

 

Stringed Musical Instrument (Patent No. 1,215,598): Patented in 1917, this invention, applied to banjo-mandolins, allowed for the adjustment of the string height above the fretboard to suit the player's preference.

 

Banjo Attachment (Patent No. 1,312,882): Patented in 1919, this patent was for a removable resonator box for banjos.

 

Tuning Peg (Patent No. 1,554,772): A patent for a variable geared tuning machine head was granted in 1925.

 

Tailpiece for Stringed Musical Instruments (Patent No. 1,615,152): This patent was issued in 1927.