Packard Guitars

[Bruce McC]

Does anyone have any information on Packard Guitars?
I understand they were made in Adelaide S.A, in the1940s/50s.

[Dominic]

Bruce, have you tried Adam? He would know I think and if he doesn't I am sure he would like to know about them.
Cheers
Dom

[Jace]

Hope this may help - some instruments are extremely fine. "Packard guitars made by Corona Guitar Company, Free Street Norwood owner Perce Guyer (stage name Nick Packard) - {Father also instrument maker}. Last guitars made and repaired c. 2000 at Netley SA. Maker of guitars including Archtop/bottom with f holes(c. 1942). Also flat back mandolins. Nick Packard ahd Hawaiian Guitar Club - active at 5ka Radio." Information supplied courtesy Walter W. former guitar student and customer of Nick Packard. See also a mention of contemporary artists at www.saccm.com/artists/wakefield_lorraine/index.htm

[Bruce McC]

Thank you for that information Jace, yes it was helpful and welcome to the forum.

[Chopper]

G'Day Bruce,
I recently repaired a Packard mandolin for Chris Johnson.It was an A style with carved top and back. Speak to Chris he may know more about Packard. Mando sounded very nice.
Cheers John
copleyaustralia.com.au

[Bruce McC]

Hi John

My query was on behalf of Chris.
See you at our next CANZLF dinner when I organise it.

[erutus curis]

Greetings all!

Whilst looking for information on Packard Guitars, I came across this forum. In the 1980's in Adelaide I obtained a Packard F hole arch back guitar which was subsequently restored by the builder. It has a beautiful tone and sustain. In the tradition of the obsessed auteur, my intention is to replicate the design, but reduce the sound board thickness.

'Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker."
Erutus

[Jace]

Here are some photos of a Packard archtop guitar vintage circa 1945.

[Jace]

Here are some photographs of a Packard Super Jumbo (lower bout 18 3/4'') Recently cleaned and refurbished by Dean.

[johncrago]

On searching Google for my old guitar teacher, and guitar mentor, Nick Packard, I came across this post in the forum.

If anybody has any further information on Nick Packard, I'd love to hear about it.

He was a great teacher (and a later mentor) who I always kept in touch with upon my trips to Adelaide in the late 60s and early 70s.
From memory he used to teach below a music shop in Rundle Street (Saverys or Cawthornes I think). It wasn't far from one of our favorite milk bar hangouts (again from memory... called Sigalas I think).

Nick was an absolute stickler for playing correctly, and was responsible for converting me to using the pinky on my fretting hand. One of his sayings was, "Three fingered guitarists never become famous"... LOL I went to him every week for a couple of years and he turned an enthusiastic amateur into a pro guitarist. I've always felt so lucky to have discovered him.

Now, his guitars. And,... yes they were works of art. Beautifully made, fabulous tone, and a fantastic action, making them a joy to play.

In 1975 I moved to Brisbane and from that point onward I lost contact with Nick. I'd love to have a photo of him, if anybody has one, or knows somebody who does. I'd like to put it in the bio page on my website.

I realise this is a really old thread, so won't feel too devastated if I get no response

Best regards,
John Crago
Email: [email protected]

[kiwigeo]

One of his sayings was, "Three fingered guitarists never become famous"... LOL

Django Reinhardt might disagree

Welcome to the forum John.

[jimbo m]

Giday guys i,m new to this forum just happen to see this old thread while googlin my papas name & guitars . so anyway heres a pic of my pop NICK PACKARD in his shed at netley where he made guitars when i was a kid great man i mis him dearly

[jimbo m]

johncrago

[Dave M]

That's a nice end to a long story. Dave