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.
Built just two years before Segovia's iconic 1937 instrument, this is a supreme example of the mature Hauser I style at its best. It has the classic curves, compact (yet sturdy) build, and aesthetic features that make this one of the most iconic (and copied) models in the history of the craft. It also has the unmistakeable 'archetypal' Hauser I sound that has mesmerized audiences for nearly a century in the hands of players such as Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, and countless others. The sound can be described as having virtually everything one could ask for on a wish-list of sonic qualities - a piano-like clarity in all registers, precise balance and a vast color palette (bright and brassy when played ponticello, milky and luminous when played sul tasto, and everything imaginable in-between). Every note has a clearly defined and "anchored" fundamental at its core with very controlled and transparent overtones. For quality of sound and ease of playability this is an exceptional and rare example of this makers best work. As if this wasn't enough - the guitar is in fantastic condition - it has no cracks or repairs of any kind.
At some point quite in its history, it had a coat of lacquer sprayed over the French polish and a tap plate added - likely to preserve the pristine condition of the instrument and protect it from playing wear - if so, the goal has been achieved as the instrument has very little wear in it at all. For those in search of the ultimate Hauser I, this has it all - the elegant and classic Hauser design, superb feel and playability, and most importantly - incredible nuance and subtlety of sound.
