Larson Bros Euphonon Prairie State 16'' Jumbo Circa 1938

The Larson Brothers are one of the most fascinating and underrated names in American guitar making. Carl and August Larson worked from Chicago and built guitars under numerous brand names between roughly 1900 and 1944, including Euphonon and Prairie State. Their instruments are known for their exceptional build quality and innovative construction techniques, and are mentioned by connoisseurs in the same breath as the great names of that era.

This Euphonon Prairie State jumbo from circa 1938 is a rare find. The jumbo size was by no means commonplace at the time, and the Larson Brothers were among the pioneers who experimented with larger body sizes for more volume and a fuller sound. The most distinctive detail of this Prairie State model is the two steel tone bars fitted inside the soundbox. These tone bars, a patented solution by the Larsons, reinforce the soundboard and influence tone production in a way that clearly differs from the standard X-bracing of the time. The combination of a solid arched spruce top and a rosewood back is timeless, producing a rich, full sound on this instrument with a prominent bass and enough clarity in the treble to hear each string individually. The five-ply neck of mahogany, rosewood, and maple is a masterpiece of craftsmanship rarely found on guitars from that period, and the compound fingerboard radius makes the guitar comfortable to play. The ivoroid binding, mother-of-pearl inlay, and ebony headstock give the guitar an elegant appearance that does justice to the quality the Larsons strived for.

The guitar has seen its fair share of wear and tear during its long life. The back of the body and the neck have suffered overspray, but otherwise, the guitar is in excellent condition for an instrument of this age and rarity. A crack on the top has been repaired and stabilized with cleats on the inside. Here we also see that the bridge plate has six visible holes, and the imprint on the top clearly indicates that the bridge has been moved slightly backward. Examples like this rarely appear on the market, so this is an excellent opportunity for the collector who really wants something special!

Consignment.