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Carsten Kobs, 2015

$20,000.00

Cedar / Madagascar Rosewood

This 2015 guitar from Hamburg-based luthier Carsten Kobs offers a fascinating look into the early maturity of one of today’s most sought-after double-top builders. Kobs’ instruments are played by many of the world’s top artists, and his waiting list now stretches many years, making an example like this, with a decade of natural aging and tonal development, a rare opportunity.

The instrument features Kobs’ hallmark cedar Nomex double-top construction paired with a raised fingerboard and immaculate craftsmanship throughout. The cedar top displays an exceptionally tight grain and an understated satin finish typical of his earlier work, lending it a softer, more organic texture compared to his newer high-gloss guitars. The overall aesthetic is refined and understated, with every detail executed to perfection.

The back and sides are beautifully figured Madagascar rosewood, with dark linear grain and a rich, earthy glow that complements the warmth of the cedar top. It is equipped with Scheller tuners featuring black rollers and nickel plates, side-square markers at the 5th and 7th frets, and Kobs’ signature rosette in deep reds, browns, and blacks. The setup is low and comfortable with ample saddle height remaining.

About the Maker

Carsten Kobs is one of the most respected modern classical guitar makers in the world, based in Hamburg, Germany. His instruments are played by leading artists such as David Russell, Zoran Dukic, and Aniello Desiderio. Known for his precise craftsmanship and deep understanding of tone, Kobs builds with a focus on balance, projection, and expressive range.

His double-top guitars combine traditional fan-bracing concepts with lightweight construction and refined voicing, creating instruments that are both powerful and lyrical. Each guitar is built individually by Kobs in his Hamburg workshop, representing the culmination of decades of innovation and artistry.

Sound

This guitar captures the unmistakable character of Kobs’ modern double-top design while offering a more mature and organic voice unique to its age. The tone is focused and clear, with excellent separation and balance that allow inner voices to sing naturally. It is expressive and responsive, capable of both dark, rounded warmth and bright, lively brilliance at a player’s command.

Harmonics emerge effortlessly, sustain is long and singing, and the guitar responds beautifully to dynamic phrasing. Even strung with nylon (not carbon) strings, the projection and clarity are impressive, producing a refined and natural power that feels alive under the fingers. It is an instrument that rewards nuance and depth, inviting expressive playing and tonal exploration.

Condition

Excellent condition throughout, with only light nail marks and faint stringing under the first string. No cracks or repairs.

Key Features

Top: Cedar Nomex double-top
Back & Sides: Madagascar rosewood
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52 mm
Fingerboard: Ebony, raised design
Tuners: Scheller, black rollers, nickel plates
Finish: French polish
Condition: Excellent condition throughout, with only light nail marks and faint stringing under the first string. No cracks or repairs.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com