Larson Brothers Parlour Guitar - USA c. 1920

Built circa 1920 by the legendary Larson Brothers of Chicago, this unmarked steel-string acoustic is a superb example of their craft from the golden era of American guitar making. The Larsons’ work is celebrated for its precision, innovative bracing, and unmistakable tonal magic - qualities that made their guitars among the most sought-after of the early 20th century.

Authenticated by David Keene of Vintage American Guitar, with supporting reference to Robert Carl Hartman (grandson of Carl Larson and author of The Larsons’ Creations), this guitar displays all the hallmarks of Larson construction, consistent with instruments produced for L.H. Leland and H.F. Meyers. Hartman’s research suggests it was likely a special-order build for one of those brands.

The instrument features a spruce top paired with beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides, producing a resonant and loud voice with deep, open lows, rich mids, and crisp, singing trebles. The V-profile neck feels comfortably vintage and fast, with an immediate, lively response that reflects the guitar’s light, efficient build.

As expected from a near 100-year-old instrument, it has an 18 cm crack along the back that is stable and shows no separation, and three smaller cracks near the lower bout that appear to have been glued and remain secure. It also bears the honest bumps and bruises of age, yet remains in fine structural and playing condition - responsive, balanced, and full of life.

An exceptional-sounding and historically important Larson-built guitar, still performing beautifully after a century. Includes a recent hard shell case for protection.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 24.8mm

Nut Width: 46.02mm

Width at 12th Fret: 58.55mm

Weight: 1.25kg / 2.75lb

Make: Larson Brothers (Unmarked)

Model: Special Order

Year: Circa 1920

Top: Spruce

Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood

Neck: V-Profile

Fingerboard: Ebony (L.H. Leland / H.F. Meyers style)

Bracing: Larson Brothers pattern

Country of Origin: USA

Condition: Excellent for age – stable back repairs, light cosmetic wear

Provenance: Authenticated by David Keene, Vintage American Guitar (2010)

Case: Recent Hard Shell Case