Montuoro / Montuoro Guitar Co. Style 7 Dreadnought / Guitar
I have had the luxury of working on a few of the very rare Larson made Dreadnoughts. And let me tell you they are a force to be reckoned with. The Larson made dreadnoughts were nothing like the dreadnoughts made famous by C.F. Martin & Co. And in many ways they don't even sound like a dreadnought. They just sound like a big, loud and dynamic guitar. To quote the owner of this particular guitar after playing it for the first time "intense". I would have to imagine that is a good reaction. Some of that intensity comes from such a uniquely longer scaler length then the Martin dreads.
There is no denying that the dreadnoughts made by Martin are just incredible sounding guitars. And it was Martin that put that guitar on the map. However it was the Larson Brothers who one year before Martin even built their first D-45 built a 'Style 45' custom. Foreshadowing design and ornamentation that still reigns today on the most popular acoustic guitar body style. Is it possible that Martin was inspired by the Larson's to create the D-45? It is incredibly likely. It has been documented that the folks at Martin found the Larson's work very appealing.
One characteristic that this guitar shares with the Martin dreads is the use of a steel reinforcement in the neck. It also shares the pre 1939 nut and bridge dimensions of 1-3/4" to 2-5/16". The overall body dimension is a bit smaller then your modern day dread. The first 14 fret dreads were a little shorter from neck to tail. When built to Larson specifications the dreadnought truly becomes another class of guitar. The best way to characterize the sound is astounding! Either finger style players or flatpickers would appreciate the full range of sound. One of the most impressive qualities being that the instruments dynamic range is the same at all levels of volume. Whether played hard or soft the individual note separation is harp like. The Brazilian Rosewood back and sides add remarkably to this sound. And in keeping this guitar different from a Martin dread we opted for a smaller tear drop pick guard.
The Larson's were never really known for their dreadnoughts. And it's a shame they didn't make more. An instrument that is truly in a league of it's own. And deserves it's proper place in history.
8.08
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.