1939 Hermann Hauser I SP/CSAR

This 1939 Hermann Hauser I is a "Spanish style" classical guitar in spruce and CSA rosewood, built in Munich, Germany, during what many would argue was his best period – entirely original, down to its finish and Landstorfer tuning machines.

A Full-Sized Hauser I from 1939, Close to Segovia's 1937

This instrument is a supreme example of a "Spanish style" Hauser I. 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 – this is a full-sized guitar, nearly identical to Segovia's 1937 Hauser in terms of measurements and internal structural details.

The Archetypal Hauser I Sound – with a Spanish Accent

Not surprisingly, it also has the unmistakable "archetypal" Hauser I sound that has mesmerized audiences for nearly a century in the hands of players such as Miguel Llobet, Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, and countless others. The tone 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 coating each note.

The "Spanish" style aspect of this particular guitar is a looser, warmer, "woodier" quality of sound when compared to his "teutonic" style.

A Rosette in Homage to Manuel Ramírez

For this guitar Hauser even used a rosette that appears to be a nod to Manuel Ramírez, with the rising and falling "wave" pattern used in the mosaic. This is truly another great, exceptional and rare example of this maker's best work.

Condition: Original, with Expert Work by Mark Tossman

Condition-wise it is entirely original (including finish and Landstorfer machines), but did have some minor work done several years ago to repair some small cracks in the sides that occurred when the back shrank from dryness, putting pressure on the sides where the back braces meet. Mark Tossman did the work expertly and also re-fretted it and gave it a fresh setup. 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.

Hermann Hauser I: Master Guitar Maker of Munich

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, Llobet and the Spanish Model

Segovia encouraged Hauser to build instruments based on his 1912 Manuel Ramírez guitar (built by Santos Hernández) 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.