Early 1930's Maurer Model 551

ARCHIVED • SOLD

Early 1930's Maurer Model 551

Very few vintage instrument discussions go by these days without the guitarsof the Larson Brothers coming up. The interesting thing is that few peoplehave ever actually played even one of these legendary creations, and yetthey have upheld a reputation similar to, and more intriguing than '30'sMartin and Gibson guitars. Here's a perfect chance to know firsthand whatall the buzz is about. This guitar is Auditorium size, just a hair smallerthan a Martin 000, but it has a 25 1/2" scale length, like an OrchestraModel. The nut is 1 7/8" wide, the neck profile is round and comfy, nothuge. The body is 2 7/8" to 3 3/8" deep with moderate arch to both the topand back. This guitar features the patented Larson laminated X-brace, madeof two layers of Adirondack spruce and an inner layer of Brazilian rosewood.All the other braces are solid Adirondack, and it has an unusual"herringbone" layout to the lower face braces. Very cool.

Tonally, the guitar is rich and full, with a colorful period sound thatcalls out for the music of its youth. It is extremely articulate andwell-balanced, and will be a recording dream. An older lousy refret hasjust been completely redone in our shop, and this guitar is now up to thestandards of the most demanding fingerstyle player. The neck angle andaction are perfect. The guitar has had a replica bridge installed at somepoint - nicely done with pearl four-leafed-clovers, just like the original.The bridge may be slightly oversized, but appears correct. The top hasthree short and well-repaired cracks under the player's right elbow, where asection of the marquetry purfling has been replaced. The binding and finishare all original, with an invisible touch-up in this area. The sides andback have several longish repaired cracks with no finish touch-up. It isour opinion that these are not impact cracks but due to some moisture damage(beer?) inside the instrument which did not affect the glue or shellacfinish at all.

The Adirondack spruce top is fine grained, the Brazilian rosewood back andsides are absolutely beautiful. The fret board and bridge are ebony. Thepurflings are colored wood with ivoroid bindings around the body,fingerboard and soundhole. There is no serial number, but it does featurethe July 12, 1904 patent date stamp. This guitar displays the designfeatures and crafstmanship of the Larson's early Thirties period, and willdelight any vintage guitar enthusiast. It was clearly meant for a seriousguitar player, and deserves to be played. It comes in its original hardcase.

SOLD
Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551
  • Early 1930's Maurer Model 551

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