The Larson Brothers' American Dream

Carl and August Larson were born and lived their early years in Sweden. Like so many others in the mid-1880s, they emigrated to the United States, taking up residence in the city of Chicago.    

Working for guitar makers on the city's north side, the brothers honed the skills of master luthiers. In 1900, they purchased Mauer and Company, fulfilling their dream to design their own stringed instruments. For 44 years they led the industry, patenting many designs & construction techniques that became standard in the industry – laminated bracing, metal support rods and guitar backs & tops under tension. The Larsons' guitars, harp guitars, and mandolins carried varied names - Maurer, Euphonon, Prairie State, Stetson, Dyer, and Stahl. Today, Larson instruments are highly sought after by collectors. Carl and August Larson exemplify the American Dream – striving as they did to create a legacy that has impacted the music industry forever.