This page last updated November 11, 2021.
Albanus archtop guitars were produced by Carl Albanus Johnston, a Swedish Immigrant to America who began as a violin maker. He is thought to have learned guitar-making from Elmer Stromberg and began building archtops in the 1950s. He made about 100, all to order. The example above is dated 1973 (photo copyright Gary’s Classic Guitars – B0509)
One only Albanus guitar shown – model unknown.
One attachable DeArmond adjustable Rhythm Chief pickup Model 1100 in Gold finish shown.
The Model Rhythm Chief adjustable 1100 in gold was fitted in some of these archtops, with one black volume control knob mounted in the lower corner of the pickguard.