1999 Hermann Hauser III SP/MP

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 and beauty 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. Workmanship and materials on this particular guitar are outstanding - this aged top is very tight-grained and perfectly quarter-sawn, and the flamed maple on the back and sides has an almost 3D texture to it when tilting it under different shades of light. The design is essentially the same since the Segovia-owned guitar of Hauser I in 1937. Julian Bream once said these guitars have an "aristocratic" tone. We believe that is an apt description.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober