FEATURED GUITAR 8.08
Montuoro Guitar Co. Style 7 Dreadnought
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
|
