2007 Hermann Hauser III "Special Edition" SP/CSAR

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.

This is a "special edition" model, based on a Hermann Hauser I "Segovia" model from 1930. At the time of its construction in 2007, the gorgeous aged spruce (with generous amounts of cross-grain silk) for the top had been stocked for about 100 years and the CSA rosewood for the back and sides had been dried in a natural wood storage space in the Hauser workshop for over 60 years - these materials were clearly selected from Hauser III's finest stock. Notable aesthetic details include a Manuel Ramirez inspired headshape, thin rosette with richly inlaid herringbone as the central motif, and a 4-piece back. This is a fantastic example of an instrument that blends the Spanish guitar with Hauser I's native Germanic style. The lyrical, voice-like qualities found in Torres and Manuel Ramirez fuse gracefully with the "teutonic" elements which include extreme clarity and balance between voices, even sustain in all registers, and of course incomparable purity of tone. The sound of this style of instrument has been most famously immortalized by Julian Bream in countless recordings, as well as by numerous other major players. The sound of this instrument has the classic and timeless characteristics that have mesmerized players and audiences for nearly a century. Condition is near-mint, almost "like-new" - the previous owner took meticulous care of this instrument as it shows almost no signs of prior use.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober