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The New Era Masterbuilt Grand OM combines the innovative spirit of the Larson Brothers with modern guitar making techniques. This instrument features a contemporary flat top for comfortable playing, combined with a curved top bracing for more volume, resonance and overtone richness.
It owes its exceptional sound to a first-class Val di Fiemme moon spruce (Picea abies), which has been known for centuries for its use in instrument making. Together with selected woods for the back and sides such as Honduras mahogany, Indian rosewood, Madagascar rosewood, European walnut or cocobolo, it delivers a versatile and powerful tone.
Key features include a mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, polished vintage bone inlays for the nut and bridge and a satin neck finish – all of which are testament to the highest level of craftsmanship. The striking, historic Larson headstock with mother-of-pearl logo and ebony veneer rounds off this instrument – a true fusion of tradition and modern performance.
The Swedish immigrant brothers Carl and August Larson, both craftsmen, played a decisive, albeit often underestimated, role in the development of the American acoustic steel-string guitar. Active from around 1900 until the Second World War, it set high standards for stability and sound quality – innovations that continue to have an impact today.
Uniquely, the Larsons rarely branded their own names on their meticulously crafted instruments. Instead, their creations were sold under various company names like Maurer, Stahl, Prairie State, Euphonon, Dyer, Stetson, and Bruno. This “white-label” approach allowed their groundbreaking designs to reach a wide market through established channels, prioritising craft over direct brand recognition.
Today, modern luthiers are actively recreating Larson models, a testament to the timelessness of their engineering principles and the superior sonic characteristics of their instruments.
