Louis Sutz of Cincinatti?

[allenhopkins]

Mark Leue Stringed Instruments
(413) 628-3367
1790 Cape St
Williamsburg, MA 01096-9793

Found this on one of those regional business listings; couldn't pull up a website for the company, but it appears Mr. Leue is still in the business.

[Jim Garber]

I recently heard from a descendant of Louis Sutz. Here is what she said:

My Great Aunt; Emma Sutz, married Harold Francisco...
Harold Francisco is brother to my Grandfather John Henry Francisco.

Emma Sutz and her brother Louis were two of ten children.

Louis Sutz born 1883
John Sutz 1886
Emma Sutz 1888
Eliza Sutz 1890
Matilda Sutz 1897
William Sutz 1900
Alvina Sutz 1902

three babies died before the 1900c. I don't know anything about them. And William died between 1900 and 1910.

Emma when she spoke of her Father, always referred to his violin making.
And he had a Shop in down town Cincinnati. Her brothers when old enough
began to help in the shop. Tho John became a minister.

The labels in the photos on the Internet appear to be of different ages
the more square of the labels in photos to me is an older style and may be
Louis Sr. work and the other appears to be a more resent label suggesting
a piece made by his son.

Louis Sutz Sr. was born in Baden, Germany 1862 and immigrated to the US in 1880 and was later naturalized. He died 1942 here in Cincinnati. His wife is Phillipina Meyer also born in Baden her birth date 1857. She died also in 1942.

Louis Sutz Sr. parents are Peter Sutz and Carolina LaCroix.

[john erdmann]

I too have a Louis Sutz parlor guitar made in Cincinnati, the label reads 616(?) Vine St., maker of cabinets (which I find interesting) and stringed instruments. Your chronology makes sense to me. The guitar belonged to my grandfather, Armin Erdmann, the "Singing Conductor" on the Cincy street cars. He grew up in Over the Rhine, the German area of Sutz Vine Street shop.
I would assume my grandfather purchased the instrument in the 20's or 30's because he was born in 1875. He composed on the guitar, one tune was recorded in the late 50's, and played the guitar up into the '60's. I've had a little repair done on the guitar. It looks much line one picture I see in your forum. I believe the body is mahogany, ebony fret board.
I'm anxious to know more about Sutz.
Any idea of the value of such an instrument?

John Erdmann

[mrmando]

Here is a Sutz bowlback on Craig's List.

[Highlander]

I just picked up that very same Mandolin that Jim shows, except mine also as a decorative inlay running down the middle back. Exact same label inside (wish they'd put the year!!) Got it from a fellow in Ann Arbor for $125, considering it's age it is in very good condition, two hairline cracks on the back. Took it to my favorite luthier and he was quite impressed by it, said it's likely worth $800 - $1000!! I would like to know when he stopped building mandolins, would at least give an idea of the age. I was told it's from 1910, but I wouldn't take that to the bank.
Anybody know any more about the business at 616 Vine?

[Highlander]

Thought I'd put pics of my Sutz Mandolin up.

[Jim Garber]

highlander: you made mention of the back but you did not post any pics of it.

[pfox14]

Well, that's just about everything you'd ever want to know about Louis Sutz. Great work guys

[Highlander]

Aye, I must make amends!

[fernmando]

I grew up on Elm Street in Over The Rhine. MUCH bluegrass music was played there in the '70s at our house! Enjoying this thread.

Roscoe Morgan

[Mark Leue]

Hi Andy, Jim!
Five years later i somehow stumble across this thread on the eternal internet. Nice to be remembered 30 some years later. I don't have the sign anymore, Andy, but it was really cool. Anyway I am still at it, in Ashfield Mass. I have a website about my luthiurie business, the luthier.us. There you can see my current sign which is inspired in part by your original sign, Andy. http://www.theluthier.us

[CooleyC]

Hello all!

I believe I spoke to the same family member of Louis Sutz. I own a Louis Sutz violin. I bought it from a collector and luthier in Manchester, TN. I went to one of those Antique Roadshow like events in Southaven, MS, put on by the public television/radio station in Memphis, TN. They gave an estimated value of $3000-$4000. I will post pictures later this evening.

[CooleyC]

6 Years Later... Here are pictures of the violin...