About the luthier

Richard Jacob Weissgerber, born in Markneukirchen in 1877 and active until his death in 1960, is widely regarded as one of the most creative, innovative and versatile classical guitar makers of the 20th century. In Germany and beyond, no other master produced a comparable variety of models, forms and designs. His legacy spans an astonishing range of instruments and concepts, marked by exceptional craftsmanship, aesthetic curiosity and acoustic refinement.

Throughout more than five decades of work, Weissgerber explored the Spanish tradition while developing his own voice. His workshop, founded in 1905, became a nexus of experimentation, and many of his guitars are preserved today in European collections. He combined structural daring with expressive purpose — using fluted tops, unusual body shapes and advanced bracing concepts — all aimed at serving the tone, balance and projection demanded by serious players.

About the guitar

This 1951 guitar by Richard Jacob Weissgerber, bearing the registration number 036.5/9 and identified as Model Ideal 54 Solist‑G, represents a rare and expressive example of his late concert instruments. Built in Spanish format with a 650 mm scale and weighing only 1,315 grams, it achieves remarkable lightness and resonance. The back and sides are made of finely figured Brazilian rosewood, paired with a spruce top that features Weissgerber’s distinctive light fluting — a signature detail found only on his special models.

Tonally, the guitar offers a deep, rounded voice with warmth and richness in the basses, and clear, singing trebles that carry easily across a room. The enlarged resonating body and carefully tuned construction allow for both delicacy and presence. The instrument speaks with immediacy and subtlety, responding to the lightest touch while also supporting dynamic phrasing with ease. Its balance, especially across registers, is striking, and the tone remains full and vocal even in pianissimo passages.

The neck is crafted from Sapelli mahogany, fitted with a refined ebony fingerboard and strongly seated frets. The headstock is double veneered and carved on the reverse, reflecting Weissgerber’s sculptural sense of proportion. Elegant French polish enhances the natural depth of the materials. The original Rubner tuners, made in nickel silver with French-style rollers, remain intact and function smoothly.

This guitar also holds historical significance. It is believed to be the first known Weissgerber model with an oval soundhole and is considered a prototype for the later large concert guitars. No other instrument of this exact model is currently known to exist.

Condition

This 1951 Weissgerber guitar is in very good condition for its age showing minimal playing wear. The spruce top shows several professionally repaired cracks: two alongside the fingerboard, each reinforced with cleats; one along the center joint; one beside the bridge, also cleated; and one behind the bridge. All repairs are structurally stable. The finish and setup are well preserved, and the instrument performs with full resonance and clarity.

Richard Jacob Weissgerber

Richard Jacob Weissgerber - 1951 Torres 36.5./9