NEWS/NEWSLETTER 9.07
"The Time Machines"
In the early part of the 20th Century the guitar was
ramping up to become the colossal superstar that it
has remained in the world of stringed instruments.
Part of that journey was how to move the instrument
from the parlor to the larger stage. At the time, most
guitars including those made by C.F. Martin & Co. were
more on the dainty side. The guitar needed to be much
larger if it was going to hang with the big boys.
During this period the largest instrument coming from
the Martin factory had a lower bout width of 14-1/8",
or 00 body size. But somewhere in the Midwest three
stringed instrument pioneers were hard at work
cultivating the future of the modern guitar.
Orville Gibson was an incredible genius on many
levels. In 1902 he created his presentation Style 0-2.
Put next to a 00 guitar it was like parking the
Titanic next to a dingy. Gibson's 0-2 represents a
body size that was at least 30 years ahead of its
time. And it was easy to see that things were about to
change.There must have been something special in that
Midwest air. The winds of change blew clear over to
Chicago where two brothers were hard at work in their
Elm Street shop.
Just around that same time, August and Carl Larson
were busy building for the W.J. Dyer & Bro. Co. of St.
Paul, Minnesota. They were commissioned by Dyer to
build harp style instruments based off of a design by
Chris Knutsen of Port Townsend, Wash. Although
Knutsen was the pioneer of this design, once in the
hands of the Larson's it would be overshadowed by the
sheer majesty, power and tone that was to become known
as the Larson sound. These Larson instruments are
still considered to be the pinnacle of the design. And
many would agree that they are the best sounding harp
guitars that have ever been built. Hands down. Keep in
mind that the word "guitar" is incorporated in this
instrument. And the point of my letter...
When observing the silhouette of the Larson harp
the entire treble side rim is that of a guitar.
Originally they actually built a guitar inside a
guitar, then extended the harp arm over the internal
instrument. This harp is pictured in the original
patent of their design. This guitar silhouette is the
main portion of my focus. When you look through the
Larson catalogues from 1902 - 1939 you will see this
body shape in lines such as Maurer, Prairie State and
Euphonon. Although they used similar body shapes over
this period, this silhouette is by far the most
contemporary as well as successful of their line. Also
this is a size and shape that would be eventually made
famous by Martin with the OM. But as we see here the
Larsons predated Martin's venture by almost three
decades. One would have to speculate that the Larsons
were more of an influence then they even realized.
Even to their rivals.
By the late 30's the Larson Bros. were done
building. The story goes that a native Chicago
resident visited the Larson's shop after his early
discharge from World War II. He was a big fan of the
WLS Barn Dance. A Chicago radio program in the 30's,
and the Larsons had made many of the guitars played by
those folks. He had always wanted a Larson guitar, but
he could not afford one. Upon his return he had saved
enough government funds to be able to purchase one. He
made his way over to the shop and was greeted by the
Bros. They had informed him that "they were no longer
building guitars". But they had something left over
that was never picked up. A custom order maple
dreadnought. He was a happy man. It wasn't long after
that August left this world and Carl was soon to
follow, silencing the ethereal sounds emanating from
that West Elm Street shop.
Beginning in late October of 2007, I will be
offering instruments based on the Larson's design.
These guitars have a lower bout width of 16-3/16" and
will be presentation style guitars. Two of my Larson
replicas will be offered through The Music Emporium in
Mass. and through Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, TN.
Normally my guitars are sold before they are built.
Stu Cohen and George Gruhn have been hospitable enough
to present two of my guitars in their shops. I only
make a dozen instruments a year, so the pickings are
slim...no pun intended. The pictures of these guitars,
upon completion, will be viewable on this website. So
stay tuned to see some magnificent one-of-a-kind
guitars. In honor of my two heros. Without their
inspirational designs, concepts and passion Montuoro
Guitars may never have existed.
Best
Frankie Montuoro
9.23.07
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