Maurer (Larson) 551 ca. 1928
This Concert Size(15’) Maurer guitar , made by the Larson Brothers around 1928 was in a pretty bad shape when it came to me, literally in pieces. Some really bad cracks, in the top but also on sides and back, original bridge and also parts of the top-binding-marketry and the fretboard inlays were missing. Somebody had already started to sand off a layer of appearantly non-original and quite thick lacquer, the top had been covered with. Original bridge-pins and tuners were there. Thomas Amberger, highly skilled luthier, located near Cham in Bavaria, did all the nesseccary restoring work on that instrument, to bring it back to its original and playable shape. He removed the rest of the lacquer on the top, stabilizied and cleated all the cracks. The top was finished with frensh polish, like it had been originally, also the back and sides were re-polished a few times which brought the beautifully grained rosewood back and sides back to life again. A period correct replacement bridge, with clover inlays was manufactured and mounted. The fretboard was leveled, frets were dressed and the neck was setup in perfect angle. This Larson creation has its own strong, load and unique voice. Playing on the short 12fret neck with ebony fretboard, it produces strong mids and brilliant highs and a very warm and yet articulate bass. Great projection, balanced all over, perfect for the fingerpicker.