Full Timeline

Late 1880s: Swedish Roots & Arrival in Chicago
Carl Larson (b. 1867) and August Larson (b. 1873) emigrate from Sweden to Chicago, beginning their careers as luthiers for existing instrument manufacturers.

1900: Acquisition of Maurer & Co. - The Genesis
August Larson, with investors, acquires the Robert Maurer guitar company where the brothers had been working since 1893. Carl later buys out the other investors, consolidating the brothers' control. This marks the true beginning of their influential period.

Early 1900s: Pioneering Steel String Design
The Larson Brothers begin designing and constructing instruments specifically for steel strings, decades before many contemporaries, addressing the structural challenges posed by higher tension.

1904: Laminated X-Bracing Patent
August Larson secures patent #765019 for an "ingenious laminated X-bracing system." This "sandwich" of spruce with an ebony or rosewood center strip significantly increases strength without adding excessive weight, optimizing soundboard vibration.

Early 1900s: "Built Under Tension" Construction
They develop and implement their unique "Built under Tension" method, constructing guitar tops and backs with a slight arch. This enhances structural integrity and contributes to their distinctive bright, focused tone.

1900-1920s: The White-Label Strategy & Brand Proliferation
The Larsons deliberately choose not to label instruments with their own name, instead producing for numerous established brands like Maurer, Stahl (from 1907), Dyer (especially for harp guitars), Stetson, and Bruno, leveraging existing distribution networks.

1920s: Diversification & Consistent Craftsmanship
Their Chicago workshop produces a wide array of handmade instruments, including guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and harp guitars. They gain a reputation for consistent quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality, aged woods (minimum 20 years).

Late 1920s: Introduction of the Prairie State Brand
The "Prairie State" brand is introduced, reflecting their Illinois roots. This marque is specifically associated with their unique steel bar body reinforcement system and larger body styles, becoming a premium line for their most robust instruments.

1930: Internal Metal Reinforcing Bars Patent
August Larson secures patent #1768261 for internal metal reinforcing bars. This system of steel rods supports the guitar body and allows for neck adjustment, effectively countering string tension and preventing body collapse.

1934: Euphonon Brand Replaces Maurer
The "Maurer" name is retired and replaced by the "Euphonon" brand. This coincides with the industry's shift towards larger body styles, and Euphonon models quickly gain popularity, particularly in the Midwest.

1930s: Peak Influence & Musician Recognition
Larson instruments become highly sought after by professional musicians, especially country and western singers on WLS-AM in Chicago. Notable artists like Marjorie Lynn, the Prairie Ramblers, Gene Autry, and Patsy Montana play their guitars.

1934: Collaboration with Les Paul
Les Paul (then Rhubarb Red) commissions a unique solid maple top guitar with no soundholes from the Larsons. This instrument, later modified with pickups by Paul, becomes one of the first electric guitars, highlighting the Larsons' indirect but pivotal role in electric guitar history.

1940: Carl Larson's Retirement
Carl Larson, the elder brother, retires from instrument making, signaling the beginning of the end for the active period of the two-man shop.

1944: August Larson's Passing & Business Dissolution
The business is formally dissolved upon the death of August Larson. The cessation of operations coincides with World War II, which brought severe material shortages (e.g., spruce, metal) that likely contributed to their decision to wind down.

Post-1940s: Lasting Legacy & Collectibility
Despite the dissolution, Larson creations remain highly collectible and are considered some of the finest ever made. Their instruments continue to be played by prominent musicians (e.g., Johnny Cash gifting a Euphonon to Bob Dylan in 1965).