1997 Gary Southwell "1940 'Augustine' Hauser, ex-Bream" SP/IN

Gary Southwell is regarded today as one of the most established of the British builders. He trained in the early 1980s, primarily in furniture making and in historical (pre-Torres) instruments, and in 1983 set up his own workshop in Nottingham specializing in and becoming a leading expert in 19th century guitars. Additionally, since 1995 Gary has been building Hauser-style guitars for Julian Bream and to quote Gary directly: "I have worked closely with Julian Bream on this Hauser design since 1995, experimenting and refining certain aspects. We have been particularly interested in the tuning of the front, back and body chamber; examining their relationship to each other and how that affects the tonal quality of the finished guitar. This has enabled me to successfully produce a sound reminscent of the original Hauser guitar." This guitar we have on offer is such a "bench copy" of that 1940 Hauser immortalized by Bream in several recording and documentaries. The guitar is surprisingly lightweight and has an impressive bottom end, perfect balance and a Hauser-like clarity that indeed shows close attention to the original. Craftsmanship is superb, materials are first-rate. Not a single detail has been overlooked - it is fitted with Rodgers tuners and thinly finished in an amber oil varnish which due to its strength has left this instrument, now nearly 20 years old in near-pristine condition.

In addition to Julian Bream, Gary's impressive list of clients includes the likes of Paul Simon, David Starobin, Sting, David Tanenbaum, Scott Tennant and John Williams, to name just a few.