2010 Fritz Ober SP/MP

Over the last several years, Fritz Ober has been building some of the best Torres/Hauser style guitars available. In our opinion, this maker stands in his own right as one of the great contemporary guitar makers in the world. His style of sound is reminiscent of the "Spanish-style" Hauser I guitars that we have seen. These have the great clarity, balance and transparency of the great Hauser style, but also have a very lyrical, warm quality particularly in the trebles. Fritz's latest guitars have had a deeper body resonance which gives the tone a bit more of a mysterious and dark character. The maple used for the back and sides adds a honey-like glow to the sound as well, softening the edginess of the rosewood counterpart. Aesthetically, this instrument is stunning. It features beautiful snakewood accents throughout, particularly in between the flamed maple used for the back and sides, head veneer and binding. The hand-crafted Alessi tuning machines have beautifully hand-engraved plates and bone buttons (note - the photos show snakewood buttons but these have been swapped out since these photos were taken). It has a gorgeous spruce top with some very elegant bearclaw in the grain. Many notable players have played Ober guitars over the years, including Wulfin Lieske, Earl Klugh, John Ingwerson, Doug Rubio, Andy Summers, and many other professors and collectors of the classical guitar. Condition is excellent with no damage. There is an area at the foot where an endpin was removed and plugged, otherwise there is only some very minor, respectful playing wear. Gorgeous guitar both to the eye and ear.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober