In 2006, one of the most respected European luthiers teamed up with German product designer Toni Götz in order to launch the Larson Bros brand guitars.The results are remarkably fine instruments which offer the typical unique tone, of the old Larson designed instruments.
Specifications
Body Shape: OM
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Aged German Spruce (also known as European Alpine Spruce)
Contemporary guitar players request a big guitar with a big sound projection. The Larson Bros Prairie State Orchestra Model delivers.
Slightly smaller than a dreadnaught, it is constructed in the same style as the original guitars. Larson Bros master luthiers created a new body shape, using the old bracing system with some changes.
The sound of the Prairie State OM is clear and well balanced, and gorgeous for finger-picking. It's a modern instrument with a very modern sound, but where you can still feel the touch of history in it.
Construction Values
The most important construction differences in the Larson Bros guitars from a standard high end acoustic are:
1- Tops are built under tension. This is sometimes called a parabolic top. The top is flexed to a slight curve giving it better resistance to the string tension and a slightly brighter, clearer sound.
2- laminated braces of spruce/rosewood/spruce for the top makes the braces stiffer and more supportive but can be scalloped and made small to let the top vibrate better.
3- European Alpine Spruce, often referred to in the States as "German Spruce" that is treated to a centuries old artificial aging process giving the guitar maximum stability, resistance to humidity related issues and a mature "played in" tone.
Condition
Mint condition. These were displayed at last summers NAMM show, but were not made available for handling. The guitars have been played a few times as they were being considered for U.S. distribution. They have been delicately handled at all times, and there are no marks or scratches to be mentioned.
HISTORY OF THE LARSON BROTHERS
Carl and August Larson of Chicago have left a remarkable legacy of fine fretted instruments from a career extending from the mid-1890’s to the early 1940’s.Original Larson designed instruments continue to be sought after by musicians, as well as collectors, for their distinctive tonal quality.They produced a wide variety of different styles of guitars, harp guitars, mandolins, tiples, and ukes under a variety of trade names, such as Maurer, PrairieState, Euphonon, Dyer, and Stahl. None of the Larsons’ instruments ever bore a Larson label or stamp.These vintage instruments now range in value from $10,000 to $20,000.
The Larsons invented some unique design and construction features for the acoustic guitar.
The Larsons’ laminated bracing, metal support rods on Prairie State brand instruments, system of building tops and backs under tension, and a number of other design features set them apart from any other builders. The brothers had patents on a number of these features and may justifiably be considered some of the most innovative fretted instrument designers of the period.
It would appear that the Larsons were among the first American manufacturers to concentrate on designing and producing steel-string flat-top guitars, almost 20 years before Martin, while most American flat-top guitars made prior to the late 1920’s were designed for use with gut strings.
The Larsons’ work is unique among pre-World War II guitar manufacturers as it represents the only non-industrially produced range of flat-top steel-string instruments that are still widely recognized as being of high-quality and high monetary value and which continue to be sought after by musicians as well as collectors for their distinctive tonal quality.
Terms & Conditions Of Sale:
THIS ITEM SHIPS TO THE US STATES ONLY!
Please note:
We donot ship to AE/APO/FPO, P.O. Boxes, U.S. Protectorates, U.S. Territories, or anywhere Internationally including Canada. Please don't ask!
TAX
7% tax will be collected on shipments made to addresses in the state of New Jersey.
RETURN POLICY
48 Hour Return Policy
If this guitar does not meet your expectations you may return it for a refund, less round trip shipping expenses plus a $35 restocking fee.
You have 48 hours from receipt of the guitar to notify us of your desire to return the instrument.
The returned guitar must be in the same condition as when received, with all original contents, and returned in the original packaging.The return shipment must be fully insured for your purchase price.
CONTACT
For questions about this item please click "Ask A Question" below, or email support@wanamakermusic.com, or call us at (973) 744-1575.
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