Build Thread: New Era Maurer 000-12 Adi/Koa

[justonwo]

There aren't too many builders out there that make recreations of the old Larson Brothers guitars. Tony Klassen of New Era is one of the few. Although the wood combinations are a little atypical for the Larsons, he's going after that classic Larson sound. We'll be using laminated braces and the guitar will be "built under tension" just like the originals. The only modification from the original design will be a slightly deeper body to keep the guitar from sounding boxy.

We'll be doing quite a bit of pearl inlay. This will get the "Style 8" treatment.

Design: 000-12
Top: Adirondack spruce
Back and sides: Koa
Neck: Laminated with carbon fiber rods
Scale: 25.5"
Nut: 1 3/4"
Saddle: 2 5/16"
Bridge and fingerboard: Ebony
Laminated braces

[iim7V7IM7]

Look forward to watching this one come together...

[Deft Tungsman]

Beautiful koa, dude. You rock.

[colins]

Congratulations, and nice to see another koa guitar being luthiered.

With this and the Circa coming in I worry about whether you will have space restrictions Juston. If you do run low on space, well I'm here to help....

[jt1]

Beautiful!
Is that a cloud pickguard I see drawn on the form?

[TomB'sox]

When you get a chance, can you explain a little bit about being "built under tension"? Thanks.

[Mr. Jelly]

Thanks for rubbing it in.

[jt1]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

When you get a chance, can you explain a little bit about being "built under tension"? Thanks.

That's Larsonesque for significantly radiused tops and backs.

You can read more about the Larsons' building style here, a reproduction of my Fretboard Journal about the brothers and their instruments.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

When you get a chance, can you explain a little bit about being "built under tension"? Thanks.

It means the built their guitars with a substantial arch to the top and back, which I suppose means they forced both under tension. I assume they added the arch by bracing on a dished table, but JT probably knows more. I wonder how this compares to what Laurent Brondel and Stefan Sobell do on their guitars?

John Thomas, is there also a lengthwise arch to the back? Are the top and back domed or laterally arched?

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by jt1

Beautiful!
Is that a cloud pickguard I see drawn on the form?

It is. Not sure if I’ll go for one, but maybe! They are so cool.

[bho]

I love Tony Klassen’s passion for authenticity, impeccable craftsmanship, and awesome tone. Will watch this one with interest!

[jt1]

Originally Posted by justonwo

It means the built their guitars with a substantial arch to the top and back, which I suppose means they forced both under tension. I assume they added the arch by bracing on a dished table, but JT probably knows more. I wonder how this compares to what Laurent Brondel and Stefan Sobell do on their guitars?

John Thomas, is there also a lengthwise arch to the back? Are the top and back domed or laterally arched?

Mainly laterally arched, with a bit of longitudinal arch, too. So, sort of domed. But, then, the example I'm inspecting right now is 100 years old and, like me, may have lost some of its shape with age.

[jt1]

Originally Posted by justonwo

It is. Not sure if I’ll go for one, but maybe! They are so cool.

The inlaid cloud pickguard improves tone by 11.686 %.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by jt1

The inlaid cloud pickguard improves tone by 11.686 %.

Beautifully played, my friend.

[jt1]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Beautifully played, my friend.

Thank you, kind sir!