Hermann Hauser Sr. (1882-1952) is best remembered for the remarkable instruments he built in the Spanish style after 1924. In that year, both Andrés Segovia and Miguel Llobet visited Hauser. Segovia was impressed by the quality of Hauser's work and wrote his impressions, noting that he "immediately saw the potential of this great artisan if only his mastery might be turned to the construction of the guitar in the Spanish pattern, as immutably fixed by Torres and Ramirez as the violin had been fixed by Stradivarius and Guarnerius" (Segovia in Guitar Review 1954). Segovia encouraged Hauser to build instruments based on his 1912 Manuel Ramirez guitar (built by Santos Hernandez) after he examined and made measurements of this instrument. At this time Hauser also had the opportunity to examine Miguel Llobet’s famous 1859 Torres which would also become a decisive influence on the maturing "Hauser" style.
This particular guitar is an exquisite example of Hauser's fulfillment of the integration of the Spanish style into his own Germanic base. The meeting of the Spanish and German techniques and styles is perfectly synthesized in this instrument, and it stands out as an example of what has been determined to be one of the most iconic styles in history. Along with Torres, his guitars are the most studied, revered and desired of the great historical makers, and are coveted today by collectors, players and luthiers.
Sound is as one would expect - perfectly balanced with great clarity between voices. It is fitted with a "zero fret" which makes the open strings sound like the fretted notes - as all notes vibrate between a fret and the saddle which maximizes consistency of sound. It also has a rich, deep texture that gives it a unique lyricism and great beauty of tone. Installed is a tornavoz (a conical tube placed inside the soundhole) which enhances the bass frequencies and adds greater depth and volume to the overall sound, creating a sort of "sonic boom" particularly in the the bottom-end. The trebles also benefit with added harmonic richness and depth as well. Hauser appears to have been fond of the tornavoz as he used it throughout his career in several other guitars. Of the many Hauser I guitars we have sold over the years, this one seems to have an exceptionally strong "Spanish" character to it - warm, dark and very romantic.
It has had two cracks repaired on the back. Apart from this, the guitar is in excellent condition. The guitar is ready for concert stage or recording studio, or for a luxurious evening of private playing. Playability is a dream for both right and left hands. Truly a remarkable and rare instrument from one of history's most important luthiers.
