Montuoro / Montuoro Guitar Co. Jumbo Style 8 Presentation / Guitar
Once a year I want to produce a guitar that stands alone as far as aesthetics. For 2007 this is the guitar. Marking another years run of work. And capping that year off with a truly magnificent piece.
This instrument is based off of 1934 Euphonon styling. The days when the Larson's were busy making many guitars for cowboys and T.V. personality types. The WLS Barn Dance was a popular show here in Chicago. And they seemed to really like the Larson's guitars. Including the likes of Gene Autry.
One could imagine that in their later years the brothers really enjoyed building these fancy giants of the guitar world. These kind of guitars were pretty prominent in their building schedule. Even though they make up the rarest of the Larson guitars. In 1934 Carl was 67 years old and August was 61. They were in their prime as masters of the craft. Proving that over and over again. But also beginning to wind down their output tremendously. I am 37 years old right now. And pray that I can build into my 60's and 70's.
The pictures of the Style 8 Presentation in many ways speaks volumes. But it would be very unlike me to not elaborate a bit. I wanted to try something a bit different in regards to the inlay work. If you are at all familiar with Larson guitars you have seen these inlays before. But the pickguard for instance may look out of place to you? I personally own one of the rarest Larson guitars in existence. So rare that one would not believe it even to be true. You are getting a glimpse of it via my Style 8. The pickguard shape was taken from that Larson guitar. Its placement is exactly the same. The difference being is my take on the Tree of Life inlay.
The inlay on the pickguard is normally found at the beginning of the Tree of Life. I thought it would be interesting to really make this pickguard stand out by adding just that portion of the inlay to it. Making it appear as if its growing out of the bridge. To me its a very nice effect. A one-of-a-kind. As well you will notice that the fingerboard is bare except for the lone shield at the end. Also part of the Tree of Life. I personally like the effect this has on the rest of the guitar. It helps represent the very unique statement of it being a presentation instrument. Not your everyday guitar.
The pearl trimmings of this instrument represent some of the finest quality material that is available today. So much so that the pearl purflings and rosette almost appear as if they are being illuminated from behind. I have incorporated both Mother of Pearl and Abalone into the headstock inlay. Adding to that shimmering type of effect.
The instrument is braced with old growth Adirondack Spruce that is laminated with Brazilian Rosewood. The X brace as well as all finger braces are laminated in this fashion. The neck block, tail block and all kerf linings are Adirondack Spruce as well. All of these appointments you would find in the premium Larson guitars.
Five piece neck laminated with Brazilian Rosewood and Maple. Bound headstock and fingerboard. Including Mother of Pearl side dot position markers. Just like a Larson it does not have an adjustable truss rod. The neck has a 1-3/4" width at the nut and a 2-5/16" spacing at the bridge. The bridge pins and end pin are fashioned from bone inlaid with pearl.
Old Growth Adirondack top spanning 16-1/8" across the lower bout.
With stunning Brazilian Rosewood back and sides built fully under tension. An overall body depth neck to tail of 3-1/4" to 4" caps off this incredibly ornate and beautiful instrument. I am truly excited about this creation. Its a great way to end 2007. Hoping that the Larsons are looking down on me and satisfied with what I am doing. Just trying to carry on the legacy of the finest hand made guitars available today. And in this world of machine made everything, who would complain.
Best
Frankie Montuoro
Montuoro Guitar Co., USA 
I am one of very few luthiers alive who has had the good fortune to be exposed to a substantial quantity of Larson brother
TERMS / WARRANTY
Please contact me directly for detailed pricing.
A minimum deposit of $1000 is required on all orders to secure a spot in the building schedule. This deposit is refundable only at the discretion of Montuoro Guitar Co., minus a $750 planning and consultation fee.
If the order is cancelled after materials have been acquired, or if specific sets of rare materials (i.e. Brazilian Rosewood) have been chosen for your build, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
Guitars ordered with woods such as Brazilian Rosewood and/or with custom inlays and details will require a larger deposit based on the cost of these upgrades.
A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required 30 days prior to my beginning your build. This amount is based on the instrument's final cost. The entire balance is due before shipping. All guitars are shipped UPS, overnight only! Prices do not include shipping, insurance, taxes or duties.
Turn-around time of your instrument will be 10 to 12 months from receipt of the minimum deposit.
Warranty All Montuoro guitars are covered by a limited warranty to the original purchaser only against defective materials or workmanship.
Montuoro Guitar Co., upon notice of any defect, will repair or replace, at their option, any defective part or material. Purchaser shall assume and pay the cost of all shipping or postage charges (to and from) of the repaired guitar.
The warranty does not cover cracks in wood or finish, nor normal wear and tear to the instrument. Items such as frets, tuners, nuts, saddles, pick guards and finishes are not covered under this warranty. They will wear or require adjustments due to normal use.
Damage incurred by misuse, accidents, acts of God, normal wear or natural cracking of wood or finishes due to changes in temperature and humidity is not covered under this warranty. It is very important to maintain a consistent environment for the instrument. Try not to subject it to extremes in temperature or humidity. This is very important to note!
Damages incurred during shipping are not covered under this warranty.
Tone is a subjective matter and is not covered under this warranty.
Scalloped braced guitars using anything heavier than light gauge strings over an extended period of time will void this warranty.
No other written or oral warranty applies.
Valid only to the original owner.
