1930 Maurer Model 593 Tree Of Life Guitar (SOLD)

The Maurer Model 593 'Tree of Life' guitar was built by the Larson Brothers - Carl and August - in Chicago. The Larsons bought the Robert Maurer company in 1900, and kept the name. The Larsons also built under a number of other names including Prairie State, Euphonon, W.J. Dyer, Wm. C. Stahl, Regal and Washburn. They are responsible for a number of innovations in guitar construction, including building tops under tension.

In 1944, August Larson died, followed two years later by Carl and the company folded. A new Larson Brothers company appeared in France during 2007, focusing on reproducing Larson designs and techniques.

The Maurer Model 593 was the top of the line for Maurers. The body size is between Parlor and what we now call OM or Orchestra Model. The top is Spruce with Brazilian Rosewood for the back, sides and headplate. Mahogany is used for the neck, with ebony for the fingerboard and bridge. It's heavily decorated with mother of pearl and abalone inlay - including the spectacular Tree of Life vine set on the fingerboard. The bridge sports a pair of engraved 5-point mother of pearl stars, and the top binding and rosette are also mother of pearl and other shell.

This guitar is in good playing condition. It has a fair amount of natural play wear - there is some finish finger wear on the top ear the bridge - this is why guitars now have pickguards! There is a repaired crack on the treble side. The bridge has been shaved and the saddle is low, but the action is still very playable. An oversize case from the period is included.