Stahl #6 Replica - Alan Perlman

[Jofari]

Hi everyone. I’m fairly new to this forum, but I’m excited to share my new guitar with a group of guitar enthusiasts. I commissioned this guitar from Alan Perlman in the summer of 2019 after being blown away by one of his Stahl replicas. While his original Stahl style guitars were built with rosewood back and sides, Alan recommended using maple for the back and sides. By his estimation, this combination led to a warmer and more balanced tone. I trusted his expertise and I didn’t need much convincing after he showed me the beautiful piece of Bosnian birds-eye maple he planned to use. Here’s a picture of the raw maple, along with the Swiss spruce top:





The guitar was ready to be picked up a year later in the summer of 2020. It’s an absolutely beautiful guitar that sounds sublime. I can’t say enough about how much I love this instrument. Here are a few pictures of the finished guitar:

[jt1]

A gorgeous instrument! Thanks for sharing it with us.

The Stahl 6 level of trim is my favorite of the Larson brothers' appointment schemes.

I've got the equivalent Maurer (a 451, the same as Stahl 6, and no, I've no idea why the crazy difference in number designation).



Actually, I've a matched set:

[RRuskin]

My original Style 6 is a jewel. I played 1 of Alan's replicas and was floored by how accurately he nailed it!

[Nemoman]

Beautiful little guitar--may it bring you many years of boundless pleasure!

[nootis]

Thanks for sharing. I love the style of those vintage parlors. I have an 1887 2-27 that I adore, but it only gets a song or two played on it before I switch to something else. I bet it would be wonderful to have a modern equivalent.

[Jofari]

Originally Posted by jt1

A gorgeous instrument! Thanks for sharing it with us.

The Stahl 6 level of trim is my favorite of the Larson brothers' appointment schemes.

I've got the equivalent Maurer (a 451, the same as Stahl 6, and no, I've no idea why the crazy difference in number designation).

I agree! A while ago I saw a Maurer 593 at Schoeberg Guitars. The ornate inlay was beautiful, but the styling of the Stahl 6 (or Maurer 451) is much more suited to my taste.

Wow, your Maurer sounds wonderful. I really enjoyed the article you penned on the Larson brothers' guitars. I learned a lot and appreciate your contribution to documenting guitar history!

[Jofari]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

My original Style 6 is a jewel. I played 1 of Alan's replicas and was floored by how accurately he nailed it!

Thanks for sharing this comparison. I haven't been able to play an original yet, but I'd love to some day. All I can say is that this replica that Alan built is my favorite guitar I've ever played.

Originally Posted by Nemoman

Beautiful little guitar--may it bring you many years of boundless pleasure!

Thanks! I know it will.

Originally Posted by nootis

Thanks for sharing. I love the style of those vintage parlors. I have an 1887 2-27 that I adore, but it only gets a song or two played on it before I switch to something else. I bet it would be wonderful to have a modern equivalent.

Wow, 1887! It's remarkable that these vintage instruments are still around and making us happy.

[Bill Kraus]

A nice clean looking guitar with a beautiful set of birdseye, congratulations.

[jt1]

Originally Posted by Jofari

I agree! A while ago I saw a Maurer 593 at Schoeberg Guitars. The ornate inlay was beautiful, but the styling of the Stahl 6 (or Maurer 451) is much more suited to my taste.

Wow, your Maurer sounds wonderful. I really enjoyed the article you penned on the Larson brothers' guitars. I learned a lot and appreciate your contribution to documenting guitar history!

Thanks!

Again, beautiful guitar. I love Alan's work but have not had the privilege of playing one of his Larson-inspired guitars. Someday I hope to remedy that.

[Silly Moustache]

That is one very sweet instrument. I'm surprised that maple was thought to be warmer than rosewood, but either way its a beaut.

[Diamondave]

Congrats, thx for sharing.... I recall meeting Alan and playing one of these at a Healdsburg show back in the day, I recall wanting one!

[justonwo]

I’ve played two of Alan’s Stahls. Very cool guitars. He’s a great repairman as well.

[Jofari]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

That is one very sweet instrument. I'm surprised that maple was thought to be warmer than rosewood, but either way its a beaut.

Thanks, Mr. Moustache! It's funny, I've heard some people say that maple leads to a brighter tone and others say that it leads to a warmer tone. I don't have enough experience to have an opinion on the matter. All I know is that I've played some maple guitars that were duds and others that were top-notch. This guitar falls into the latter category.

[funkapus]

Very pretty! I'd love to hear a recording, if you have one.

[Parlorman]

That’s lovely.

Here’s my original Larson/Stahl: