1951 Edgar Mönch SP/IN

A fine example by this well-known German builder, it was built in Munich, before he moved to Toronto, Canada. John Williams played one of these guitars as a boy and early in his career from the same period and Segovia had one as well that he used for his daily practice. Julian Bream recorded his 2nd album for RCA on a 1959 Mönch which is from the same epoch as this instrument we offer here. This guitar is very lightweight, and sounds and plays a bit like a Hauser I from this same period - indeed its construction date is contemporaneous with the final instruments built by Hauser I at the end of his career. The sound can best be described as having a very charming woody, old-world sound with great clarity, projection and separation.

This is one of the best-sounding Mönch's we've ever seen, and the oldest! Its loose, warm and very open sound make it hard to put down, thanks also to the easy playability and soft action that only older, played-in, vintage guitars like this offer. It also has plenty of power, even by today's standard. It is in exceptional condition for being 75 years old. Apart from one well-repaired crack in the side near the foot (and therefore of no consequence to the sound), the guitar is otherwise pristine for its age. Also of note - this guitar has remained with the family of its original owner for three generations since it was first sold in 1951. So a very rare opportunity to own an exceptional instrument that is entering the market for the first time in its life!