2006 Sean Hancock SP/MP

A 2006 classical guitar by Sean Hancock, with a German spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, made on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, Australia – a Hauser-inspired guitar with no damage or repairs.

After Segovia's 1937 Hauser

Sean's guitars are based on Hauser designs, most notably the famous 1937 Hauser of Segovia, and also a 1966 Hauser II that Sean saw here at GSI in 1999. The result is a full, rounded tone, excellent balance and surprising volume for the slightly smaller body.

Materials, Craftsmanship and Condition

Beautiful flamed maple for the back and sides and German spruce for the soundboard, with extremely precise craftsmanship and enormous attention to every detail. Although used, it is in great shape, with no damage or repairs – only some harmless, superficial playing wear in the finish.

Sean Hancock: A Hauser-Inspired Maker from Queensland

Sean Hancock is an Australian classical guitar maker from the Gold Coast of Queensland, who built his guitars in his family's workshop on Tamborine Mountain, in the Gold Coast hinterland. Fine woodworking runs in the family – his great-great-grandfather, Arthur Collingwood, worked on Westminster Cathedral in London – and Sean grew up helping his father, Kim, make guitars, alongside his brother Dane, also a maker. He built his first guitar in 1992, at 11.

The Nescafé Big Break and a 1966 Hauser II

In 1997, at 16, he won the Nescafé Big Break, which let him upgrade his workshop and visit the USA, including GSI, where a 1966 Hauser II made a lasting impression. His guitars follow Hauser designs – above all the famous 1937 Hauser of Segovia – for a balanced, clear, sweet sound with excellent projection, comfortable playability and near-perfect workmanship.