1956 Hermann Hauser II No. 587 SP/CSAR

This 1956 Hermann Hauser II No. 587 is a spruce and CSA rosewood classical guitar from Reisbach, first owned by Sophocles Papas, the great pedagogue and friend of Segovia – a Hauser II started in 1956 and given a new back by the maker in 1960.

From the Collection of Sophocles Papas

This guitar was originally owned by the great pedagogue and friend of Segovia, Sophocles Papas, and has had only two other owners to date after him. It is in near-perfect, almost "mint" condition – however its present condition dates from 1960 and not 1956, as a penciled-in inscription under the top in Hauser II's hand reads: "Neuer Boden 18.1.60, 62%", which means "New back, January 18, 1960, 62% humidity". Based on the impeccable condition of the sides and top, it's impossible to know the reason for the change. The wood of the back matches the sides beautifully, so without this inscription inside we wouldn't know. It is perhaps more apt to call this a Hauser started in 1956 and completed in 1960. Apart from a fresh setup a few years ago (including a refret), the guitar is an exceptional example of Hauser II's finest handwork.

A Standout Sound

Sound-wise this instrument is a standout. In great Hauser style, the fundamental of every note across all registers is very clear and bell-like, with almost perfect separation, and the basses are strong, steady and precise – an extremely well-balanced piano, with the lyrical charm and sweetness of a great, warm and loose Hauser I. The old, aged top has a deep, honey/amber quality in the patina with bold grain patterning, contributing to the enhancement of the sound thanks to the thicker, crystallized resin in the grain. A near perfect example of the archetypal Hauser II for sound, appearance and playability – a dream for either collector or performer.

Hermann Hauser II: Third Generation of the Hauser Dynasty

Hermann Hauser II (1911–1988) – Hermann Hauser Jr. – is considered to be one of the greatest makers of the twentieth century. Grandson of the luthier Josef Hauser and son of Hermann Hauser I, he learned his craft working alongside his father, and after his father's death in 1952 he carried the family's Torres-based "teutonic" style into the second half of the century from the Hauser workshop in Reisbach, Bavaria. His son Hermann Hauser III (the fourth generation) and granddaughter Kathrin (the fifth) still work there today – see Hermann Hauser III & Kathrin Hauser – with many of the same tools and even woods stocked by the earlier generations.

The Hauser dynasty, now spanning five generations, has produced instruments played by countless concert artists including Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, the Romeros and many others.

The Hauser II Sound

The sound has the attributes of a great Hauser that have attracted great players from Bream to Segovia to the Romeros and beyond – crystal-clear fundamental tones with almost perfect separation, basses that are steady and precise, and at the same time a lyrical charm and sweetness, particularly in the trebles. At its best, a Hauser II is like a loud and balanced piano, with the warmth of a great Hauser I. Playability is easy, thanks to his slender and very comfortable neck shape.

Books on Hermann Hauser II

Orfeo Magazine No. 4 is devoted to the Hauser dynasty, and a 1960 Hauser II is among the guitars shown in Orfeo's "34 Classical Guitars in Life Size":

Orfeo Magazine 1-5

Orfeo – 34 Classical Guitars in Life Size