| Julie -
These instruments were made by the Larson Brothers who made instruments
that were sold under a lot of different names. They were quality
guitars (and mandolins) and, though they don't have the same name
recognition as C.F. Martin, they are quite nice. Certain models are
highly regarded by collectors.
Value is hard to establish without knowing more. Condition is the most
important factor. Is it original? Has it been repaired or refinised?
(Refinishing reduces the value.) A complete desription would also
help, like, how big is it? What woods are in its construction?
If you can find that out, and if you have a picture, the people you
want to contact are The Mandolin Bros., 629 Forest Avenue, Staten
Island, NY 10310 (718) 981-3226. You will want to talk with either
Stan Jay, the owner, or Larry (I forget his last name, sorry). I've
know Stan for 25 years and he is regarded as one of the top instrument
collector/dealers in the world. I was in the shop three weeks ago
(yes, I bought ANOTHER guitar!) and he is always getting calls from
England, Ireland, Spain, etc. These guys know there stuff. I've
bought and sold at least 15 instruments through them over the years and
I regard them highly. They will be happy to assist you and you will
get an accurate appraisal from them.
Paul
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>> These instruments were made by the Larson Brothers who made instruments
>> that were sold under a lot of different names. They were quality
The Larson brothers made guitars under the "Prarie State" name (as well
as Maurer, Euphonon (sp?), and their own name). The guitar in question
is a "Bay State." Bay State was one of the lines of the Oliver
Ditson company. Mr. Haynes took over the company after the founder's
death, and added lines under his own name. I doubt that this guitar
would be in the same class as a Larson instrument (I recently saw a Maurer
selling for $3000), but I'm no expert. I'm sure that Mandolin Bros.
could give you more detailed information. I think that the use of
the Haynes name was discontinued after Mr. Haynes death in the early
1900s.
Martin did make guitars for Ditson, but I believe that these were all
marketed under the the Ditson name. The original dreadnaught was a
Martin/Ditson collaboration.
Jim
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| Jim -
You're right, my error. I also saw a Euphonon for over $3k recently,
but it was one of the larger bodied instruments from about 1930 that
have been favored by finger pickers. My guess here is that this might
be a smaller bodied guitar, ala an O or OO size.
Paul
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| Thanks, Paul and Jim, for the information. I will contact the Mandolin
Bros. with the technical description.
My dad bought it in 1938 for $50 and it has the original finish. I am
sure he would be pleased if the value was more than he paid for it.
*Plus* he's had all those 50-odd good years playing it...
Julie
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