About the luthier

Mario Gropp has been active as a professional master guitar maker since 1983. His comprehensive background in classical guitar performance provides him with a deep understanding of the practical and ergonomic demands placed on the instrument, enabling him to address the specific needs of guitarists with precision. This dual perspective informs both the playability of his guitars and the realisation of individual customer requirements.

Since 1997, Gropp has focused intensively on the structural and tonal development of the top level concert guitars produced in the workshop. His work has gained international recognition, with leading guitarists valuing the tonal quality and reliability of his instruments. In addition to models with standard scale lengths, he has devoted significant research to the development of high performance concert guitars with shorter scales, addressing the highest artistic demands without compromise in sound.

In 2022, the Musical Instrument Museum in Markneukirchen honoured the workshop’s centenary with the special exhibition “100 Jahre Kurt Gropp.” Portraits of the Gropp workshop and its work have appeared in international publications and broadcasts, including Classical Guitar magazine, Korean television KBS, Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, Concertino, and Orfeo.

About the guitar

This concert guitar was built in 2018 and represents Mario Gropp’s mature approach to contemporary concert instrument design. The combination of a cedar top with Madagascar rosewood back and sides supports a tonal profile that is rich, stable, and well balanced across the registers.

The sound is characterised by a strong fundamental presence and a broad dynamic range. The bass register is full and supportive without becoming diffuse, while the trebles remain clear and controlled, retaining definition even under greater dynamic pressure. The midrange integrates seamlessly, contributing to an even and coherent overall voice.

The response is predictable and stable, offering the player a high degree of control in both articulation and dynamic shaping. The guitar maintains clarity in complex textures and supports sustained phrasing, making it well suited to demanding concert repertoire and extended performance contexts.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition. There are no cracks, damages, or structural issues, and no visible marks or wear worth noting.

Mario Gropp

Mario Gropp - 2018 No. 596 "La Onda"