2012 Edmund Blöchinger "Llobet" SP/CSAR

Firmly established as one of the top living builders, Edmund Blochinger is now in great demand world-wide. He originally began building his guitars in the style of Hauser and Torres and in recent years has been influenced by Miguel Rodriguez guitars from the early 60s. Pepe and Celin Romero have been great champions of these instruments and they both play on Blochinger guitars as one of their main concert instruments. Recently, Celino Romero has also been touring and recording on a cedar Blochinger as well. In Pepe's words, Blochinger is "one of the greatest" luthiers in the world today.

This instrument is inspired by the 1859 Torres that was played and cherished by Miguel Llobet and is now housed in the Museu de la Musica in Barcelona, Spain. Rather than a literal copy, Blochinger has seamlessly fused elements of the historical guitar into his own design. It has enormous charm both aesthetically and sonically. The tone is warm with a beautiful soft glow but is also very penetrating and clear. It has surprising volume and energy despite the slightly smaller body size, making it a delight to play. The comparison was recently made by another owner of this model - "it's like a Porsche, small and fast!". On stage, it has great power and an outstanding richness of tone. It also boasts one of the most comfortable neck-shapes (the entire neck and heel unit being made from a single piece of wood), and the finish on the back of the neck is done in such a way that the left hand plays effortlessly, with no "stickiness" for the left thumb. Materials are all first-quality throughout and carefully selected. Overall, a very impressive and beautiful guitar for the serious performer or collector alike.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober