Thanks, Jim. I'm waiting for more specific evidence that the Larsons had
anything to do with the Leland line, besides Bob Hartman's conjecture in his book. The key "Vega" aspects for me are the bridge position and the (smoking gun) of the SN series and location on the uppermost brace...which are design features Vega used on a range of their mandolins-for-hire. The few detailing "traits" attributed to the Larsons on some of the Lelands might be just that (maybe, perhaps, kind of, sort of, etc)....mandolins built by Vega that were detailed by the Larsons.
I understand folks really want to believe that the LarBros had something to do with their mandolins---but it strikes me as one of the stranger threads of discussion around here. I can't recall a single discussion about the sound, playability etc. of a "Larson" mandolin taking place here. I might have missed those. It is always some vague, mystical association.
Attached are a couple images of a "The Leland" bowlback. I think there might actually have been another "brand" or type using the name before the Vega-built line came out. Seems like there was a discussion about one just recently here. I need to dig a little deeper into my files.
I know I'm the cranky, doubting Thomas on this topic, but I'm sticking with it.
Mick
Bookmarks