1969 Hermann Hauser II "Llobet" SP/CSAR

This is an elegant and beautifully preserved instrument, built by Hermann Hauser II in 1969. It is based on the style of instrument preferred by the great Catalan guitarist Miguel Llobet (1878-1938) - primarily on his 1859 Torres, of which Hauser I and II modeled several of their instruments. Rather than being a strict copy, it does also exhibit features more commonly associated with Hauser designs including the famous "V joint" at the back of the head, as well as Hauser II's normal thicknesses and strutting. As a result, soundwise, this is pure Hauser - it boasts supreme clarity and piano-like balance across all registers. Although it is slightly more compact in body proportions, it has a startlingly large amount of volume - enough to fill any concert hall. Materials are gorgeous including a very dark, aged top with a generous amount of bearclaw in the cross-grains, and a dramatic, colorful set of CSA rosewood for the back and sides. Apart from 1 crack in the top (beautifully spliced) and one in the back, it is in excellent, condition - it even has the original nut and saddle which after many years have taken on an orange color. Overall an impressive and charming instrument, even by Hauser standards.