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Montuoro Guitar Co. Jumbo Style 8 Presentation
Once a year I want to produce a guitar that stands
alone as far as aesthetics. For 2007 this is the
guitar. Marking another years run of work. And capping
that year off with a truly magnificent piece.
This instrument is based off of 1934 Euphonon styling.
The days when the Larson's were busy making many
guitars for cowboys and T.V. personality types. The
WLS Barn Dance was a popular show here in Chicago. And
they seemed to really like the Larson's guitars.
Including the likes of Gene Autry.
One could imagine that in their later years the
brothers really enjoyed building these fancy giants of
the guitar world. These kind of guitars were pretty
prominent in their building schedule. Even though they
make up the rarest of the Larson guitars. In 1934 Carl
was 67 years old and August was 61. They were in their
prime as masters of the craft. Proving that over and
over again. But also beginning to wind down their
output tremendously. I am 37 years old right now. And
pray that I can build into my 60's and 70's.
The pictures of the Style 8 Presentation in many ways
speaks volumes. But it would be very unlike me to not
elaborate a bit. I wanted to try something a bit
different in regards to the inlay work. If you are at
all familiar with Larson guitars you have seen these
inlays before. But the pickguard for instance may look
out of place to you? I personally own one of the
rarest Larson guitars in existence. So rare that one
would not believe it even to be true. You are getting
a glimpse of it via my Style 8. The pickguard shape
was taken from that Larson guitar. Its placement is
exactly the same. The difference being is my take on
the Tree of Life inlay.
The inlay on the pickguard is normally found at the
beginning of the Tree of Life. I thought it would be
interesting to really make this pickguard stand out by
adding just that portion of the inlay to it. Making it
appear as if its growing out of the bridge. To me its
a very nice effect. A one-of-a-kind. As well you will
notice that the fingerboard is bare except for the
lone shield at the end. Also part of the Tree of Life.
I personally like the effect this has on the rest of
the guitar. It helps represent the very unique
statement of it being a presentation instrument. Not
your everyday guitar.
The pearl trimmings of this instrument represent some
of the finest quality material that is available
today. So much so that the pearl purflings and rosette
almost appear as if they are being illuminated from
behind. I have incorporated both Mother of Pearl and
Abalone into the headstock inlay. Adding to that
shimmering type of effect.
The instrument is braced with old growth Adirondack
Spruce that is laminated with Brazilian Rosewood. The
X brace as well as all finger braces are laminated in
this fashion. The neck block, tail block and all kerf
linings are Adirondack Spruce as well. All of these
appointments you would find in the premium Larson
guitars.
Five piece neck laminated with Brazilian Rosewood and
Maple. Bound headstock and fingerboard. Including
Mother of Pearl side dot position markers. Just like a
Larson it does not have an adjustable truss rod. The
neck has a 1-3/4" width at the nut and a 2-5/16"
spacing at the bridge. The bridge pins and end pin are
fashioned from bone inlaid with pearl.
Old Growth Adirondack top spanning 16-1/8" across the
lower bout.
With stunning Brazilian Rosewood back and sides built
fully under tension. An overall body depth neck to
tail of 3-1/4" to 4" caps off this incredibly ornate
and beautiful instrument. I am truly excited about
this creation. Its a great way to end 2007. Hoping
that the Larsons are looking down on me and satisfied
with what I am doing. Just trying to carry on the
legacy of the finest hand made guitars available
today. And in this world of machine made everything,
who would complain.
Best
Frankie Montuoro
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