~1910 Stahl by Larson Brothers Style 8 Natural/Brazilian
Description
An early Wm. G. Stahl model built by the Larson Bros. of Chicago, dating to around 1910. There is no serial number, but the historic “Z” top bracing and trim details clearly place it in this period. The appointments correspond to a Style 8—roughly the Larson equivalent of a Martin 0-40, had such a model existed. It’s a superb example of the Larson brothers’ craftsmanship, materials, and quiet innovation, and among the cleanest and most original guitars from this era you’re likely to encounter.
The guitar features a fine, medium-grain Adirondack spruce top with bookmatched Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck with 12 frets clear, slotted headstock, and ebony fingerboard and bridge. White binding with black purfling outlines the body, fingerboard, soundhole, and endcap, with additional abalone trim on the top and rosette. The fingerboard inlay—diamonds, clovers, crosses, dots, and a whimsical flourish—is beautifully executed, echoed by clover inlay on the bridge and a single snowflake on the headstock. The inlay work is notably precise, even by Larson standards.
Condition is excellent throughout. There is one tight hairline crack in the top, professionally secured violin-style with linen, and light fingernail wear where a pickguard might have been. Frets show mild wear but have been leveled; playability is smooth, with comfortably low action. This is a guitar that’s clearly been played, loved, and carefully maintained for more than a century.
Tonally, it’s sweet, dry, and woody—everything you’d hope for from an early Larson. Several videos of this guitar are available online, and one will be linked here. Adding a final bit of intrigue, the penciled initials “TBS” and “TB Sutton” appear inside. Whether there’s a connection to the long-running TB Sutton General Store bluegrass broadcasts in Granville, Tennessee remains an open (and charming) mystery.
This little honey ships in a good fitting “Superior” hardshell case that has one busted buckle but the remaining four continue to do the trick.
SPECs
Top:Adirondack Spruce
Band & Sides:Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments:Various
Nut width:1-13/16”
Saddle spacing:2-7/16”
Body width lower:13-5/8”
Upper:9-7/8
Depth:3-13/16”
Scale length:24.9”
Case: HSC
The guitar features a fine, medium-grain Adirondack spruce top with bookmatched Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck with 12 frets clear, slotted headstock, and ebony fingerboard and bridge. White binding with black purfling outlines the body, fingerboard, soundhole, and endcap, with additional abalone trim on the top and rosette. The fingerboard inlay—diamonds, clovers, crosses, dots, and a whimsical flourish—is beautifully executed, echoed by clover inlay on the bridge and a single snowflake on the headstock. The inlay work is notably precise, even by Larson standards.
Condition is excellent throughout. There is one tight hairline crack in the top, professionally secured violin-style with linen, and light fingernail wear where a pickguard might have been. Frets show mild wear but have been leveled; playability is smooth, with comfortably low action. This is a guitar that’s clearly been played, loved, and carefully maintained for more than a century.
Tonally, it’s sweet, dry, and woody—everything you’d hope for from an early Larson. Several videos of this guitar are available online, and one will be linked here. Adding a final bit of intrigue, the penciled initials “TBS” and “TB Sutton” appear inside. Whether there’s a connection to the long-running TB Sutton General Store bluegrass broadcasts in Granville, Tennessee remains an open (and charming) mystery.
This little honey ships in a good fitting “Superior” hardshell case that has one busted buckle but the remaining four continue to do the trick.
SPECs
Top:Adirondack Spruce
Band & Sides:Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments:Various
Nut width:1-13/16”
Saddle spacing:2-7/16”
Body width lower:13-5/8”
Upper:9-7/8
Depth:3-13/16”
Scale length:24.9”
Case: HSC