Eric - Came across your post about restoring a Maurer. I am the proud owner of a Maurer (I am told probably circa 1916) - and while it is amazing, it does need some work. Someone many years ago did a criminally bad bridge replacement - I think in an attempt to lower the action. They replaced the original bridge with a rosewood 'belly' style bridge, but on in the 'reverse' Gibson style. Careful inspection shows that the bridge plate is cracked badly and in need of replacement. There is a hairline crack along to top side of the neck and the neck probably needs a reset. I suspect strongly that these are all related issues given the dynamism of tensions in a guitar. As I said, in spite of this - what a voice when I have the guts to bring it to tension.
Having said all that - I figured you'd be a good person to 'know', as you've apparently been on the inside of these suckers (Mind you, I am aware that the Larsens were constantly tinkering so 'standard' does not exactly exist.).
I have one question that pops right up. What's the likely neck joint I am going to encounter on this baby? I've seen x-rays where there is a BIG wood screw angled in to the joint from under the finger board. Any thoughts welcome.
Ooops... I thought I was sending you a message - not posting on your wall. My apologies.
I don't have a 'link' to the pics, but friend me (accept) and I'll send you the other pics including some of the details re: repair.
The guitar IS X-braced. But it does not seem to have the famous Larsen laminated braces. Tony Klassen (Ark New Era Guitars and quite knowledgeable about Larsen guitars) says that it may be that they ARE laminated but with Maple not Rosewood. (BTW, Tony's guitars appear to be of the 'to die for' breed!)
Tony says it's a model 494 Auditorium - a step up from the student models and based on the serial numbers he says it was likely built around 1916.
Steve Granek
Eric - Came across your post about restoring a Maurer. I am the proud owner of a Maurer (I am told probably circa 1916) - and while it is amazing, it does need some work. Someone many years ago did a criminally bad bridge replacement - I think in an attempt to lower the action. They replaced the original bridge with a rosewood 'belly' style bridge, but on in the 'reverse' Gibson style. Careful inspection shows that the bridge plate is cracked badly and in need of replacement. There is a hairline crack along to top side of the neck and the neck probably needs a reset. I suspect strongly that these are all related issues given the dynamism of tensions in a guitar. As I said, in spite of this - what a voice when I have the guts to bring it to tension.
Having said all that - I figured you'd be a good person to 'know', as you've apparently been on the inside of these suckers (Mind you, I am aware that the Larsens were constantly tinkering so 'standard' does not exactly exist.).
I have one question that pops right up. What's the likely neck joint I am going to encounter on this baby? I've seen x-rays where there is a BIG wood screw angled in to the joint from under the finger board. Any thoughts welcome.
I've got lots of pics - but here's a general oneSJG%20Mauer%20-%201.jpg
Nov 27, 2011
Steve Granek
Eric -
Ooops... I thought I was sending you a message - not posting on your wall. My apologies.
I don't have a 'link' to the pics, but friend me (accept) and I'll send you the other pics including some of the details re: repair.
The guitar IS X-braced. But it does not seem to have the famous Larsen laminated braces. Tony Klassen (Ark New Era Guitars and quite knowledgeable about Larsen guitars) says that it may be that they ARE laminated but with Maple not Rosewood. (BTW, Tony's guitars appear to be of the 'to die for' breed!)
Tony says it's a model 494 Auditorium - a step up from the student models and based on the serial numbers he says it was likely built around 1916.
Nov 27, 2011
Thomas James
Hi Eric, hey man, what is your email address?
Jun 28, 2012