The Larson brothers, based in Chicago, crafted exceptional guitars that remain impressive today. The Larson name is highly regarded among guitar players and collectors as an outstanding example of pre-war craftsmanship, yet their guitars do not command the same high prices as Martin and Gibson instruments from the same period. Nonetheless, the value of Larson guitars is steadily increasing, driven by the quality of their work rather than brand recognition. This particular example is a highly resonant guitar made from Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood. It is in very good condition, with some wear primarily on the back. The guitar was converted from Hawaiian to Spanish style and has medium-to-moderately high action. It is all original with the exception of a replaced nut, saddle, and two bridge pins.
This particular guitar is one of a pair bought by the consignor's grandfather as gifts to his two sons during World War II. Her father was a gunner in the war; her uncle, an engineer. Alas, her uncle (a bit older than her father) was shot down during his last mission before heading home, and later died. Her father felt a huge sense of guilt for having been the son who lived, and his grieving father put both guitars away and did not allow anyone in the family to play them or talk about what happened in the war. Many years later, after his own father died, our consignor's father allowed her to play this guitar while she was in college, having it converted to Spanish-style. Soon, we will also post the second Prairie State guitar, still in its factory original Hawaiian state.
Non-original HSC included.
