Karl-Hermann Schäfer - 2024 - Torres Fe 09 (Llobet) Tornavoz

About the luthier

Karl-Hermann Schäfer started making guitars in 1966. He did his apprenticeship under the guidance of master guitar maker Ernest Köröskeny and later studied under master guitar maker Dieter Hopf. After having worked in Hopf’s workshop from 1971 to 1994, he opened his own in Oberneisen and moved to Niederbrechen, Germany, five years later. Karl-Hermann Schäfer has specialized in making the most wonderful replicas one could wish for. These instruments are not only well built, but they also offer the very authentic sound of master instruments of the past.

About the guitar

This beautiful instrument is a faithful replica of Antonio de Torres’ FE-09, built in 1859 and famously played by Miguel Llobet. The original guitar is preserved at the Museu de la Música in Barcelona, and this replica remains true to its character and construction—including the tornavoz, just like the original. The guitar beautifully captures the unique sound of Torres, especially the warm, round trebles that define his instruments. Thanks to the very thin soundboard and cypress back and sides, the guitar is incredibly light, weighing only 1,285 grams including the tuners. Its air resonance lies between D♯ and E, contributing to its distinctive “old world” charm. Despite the low body resonance, the basses, mids, and trebles all exhibit long sustain, making the instrument highly expressive and full of character. This guitar practically invites the player to explore Spanish repertoire, and feels particularly suited for the music of Tárrega and his contemporaries.

Condition

As a pre-loved instrument, this guitar is in mint condition, showing virtually almost no signs of wear.