About the luthier

The Hauser family is one of the oldest guitar making dynasties in the world, reaching back to the second half of the nineteenth century. Josef Hauser, born in 1854, was a respected zither maker and performer who passed on his passion for instrument building to his son Hermann Hauser I. The work of Hermann Hauser I shaped the modern classical guitar and his collaboration with Andrés Segovia in the nineteen thirties brought international attention to the German interpretation of the Spanish tradition.

Hermann Hauser II, born in 1911, entered the family workshop in 1930 and took over its direction in 1952. Under his leadership the workshop entered a period of exceptional refinement. His guitars are admired for their clarity, agility and balance, as well as a deep expressive complexity that has influenced generations of players. Julian Bream is among the artists who performed on Hauser II instruments and contributed to their legendary status. The guitar presented here belongs to this important lineage and reflects the mature voice of one of the most significant luthiers of the twentieth century.

About the guitar

This instrument from 1958 with the number 635 is an outstanding example of Hermann Hauser II’s traditional construction. It is built with a honey coloured spruce top of remarkable quality and Indian rosewood for the back and sides. The nitrocellulose finish is applied with great restraint which allows the body to remain lightweight. At just 1360 grams the guitar displays the airy and highly responsive build that characterises Hauser II’s most admired work. Original Landstorfer tuning machines complement the instrument with precise and steady tuning.

The tone is exceptionally balanced and clear. Each register possesses the same intensity which gives the impression of a single continuous voice across the entire instrument. The fundamental of each note is bell like and beautifully defined and the separation is outstanding. The trebles are lyrical, warm and charming while the basses are deep yet focused. The sustain is long and steady and the guitar responds to even the most delicate stroke with colour and grace. The palette of tonal shades is unusually large and the guitar makes it easy to shape voices and build complex musical textures. The coherence of the sound across positions is remarkable and the instrument retains its expressive depth at every dynamic level. It is a rare concert guitar that unites history with a living musical presence.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition. It has no cracks or repairs and preserves its original finish.

Hermann Hauser II

Hermann Hauser II - 1958 No.635