2002 Hermann Hauser III SP/PF

Hermann Hauser III has tirelessly built guitars that capture the sound and aesthetic of the "teutonic" style, as initially established by his grandfather, Hermann Hauser I and transmitted through his father, Hermann Hauser II. Although it is one of the most iconic (and copied) styles since its inception, it should be no surprise that the style has been most faithfully preserved by Hermann III - indeed he works in the same workshop as his father and grandfather, uses many of the same tools, and even uses woods that were acquired by both his paternal predecessors. Features of the "teutonic" style are the extreme clarity and balance between voices, even sustain in all registers, and of course incomparable beauty of tone. The sound of this style of instrument has been most famously immortalized by such giants as Andres Segovia and Julian Bream in countless recordings as well as by numerous other major players.

Workmanship and materials on this particular guitar are outstanding. It features old spruce for the soundboard, as well as elegantly figured, lush and colorful pau ferro for the back and sides, with a birdseye maple wedge in the center of the back as well as the heel cap. The design is essentially the same since the Segovia-owned guitar of Hauser I in 1937. This instrument is in excellent condition for its age, with only some minor wear in the finish, yet still has a beautifully played-in and "loosened up" sound that lends a gorgeous glow to each note, which (in perfect Hauser style) is perfectly balanced across all registers with supreme definition/separation between voices. This is a beautiful example from one of the most recognized and respected workshops in classical guitar history.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober