Gerhard Oldiges, 2014

This 2014 Oldiges “La Garza” might be one of, if not the best Hauser-style guitars I’ve played. If I were blindfolded, I might tell you it was a great Hauser I or II. It is up there with Fritz Ober among the finest Hauser-inspired instruments I’ve encountered.

What makes this guitar special is not just that it looks the part, but that it truly feels and sounds like the real thing. Unlike many tight or overly bright aesthetic copies, this one is open, organic, and alive. The bloom of a simple open E chord has that authoritative, throbbing depth you associate with a truly great Hermann Hauser I from the 1930s. And yet it does not feel stiff or resistant. It feels mature and responsive right now.

There is also something distinctly Oldiges here. Compared to many Hausers I’ve played, this guitar feels slightly less tight in the upper mids, resulting in a tone that is rich, clear, and beautifully balanced without becoming mid-rangy. It records exceptionally well. Listening back to test recordings reminded me of some of my favorite Hauser sessions. You feel very good behind the guitar, but when you hear it played back, it sounds even better than expected.

Key Features

• Luthier: Gerhard J. Oldiges

Construction & Aesthetic

Built in 2014 by Gerhard J. Oldiges, “La Garza” features a beautifully aged spruce top that feels incredibly open and free. The Indian rosewood back and sides are elegant and understated, with simple purflings and tasteful detailing throughout.

The Hauser inspiration is clear in the rosette, with subtle green tones in a refined mosaic pattern. That same green accent appears again in the back center strip, tied together with a warm tan line that runs along the bindings. The bridge is clean and traditional, with ample saddle remaining should a player wish to lower the action further, though it is already set very comfortably.

Under the top is a traditional seven-fan bracing pattern, as one would expect in this lineage.

The guitar is in excellent condition with no cracks and only minimal signs of use.

Neck & Playability

The neck profile is very much in the Hauser tradition. A comfortable C shape, fairly slim, and extremely natural in the hand.

The setup is excellent and very much in line with my personal preference, making the guitar feel easy and fluid. Despite the full nut width, it feels compact and comfortable under the left hand.

Sound

What strikes me most about this instrument is its balance. No note jumps out. No string dominates. Everything integrates beautifully.

The first string is crisp and clear, filled with colorful overtones without becoming brittle.
The second string is refined and singing without excess darkness.
The third string has a wonderfully fat, vocal quality.
The fourth string is where that unmistakable Hauser character really reveals itself: focused, round, and expressive.
The fifth string has authority and punch.
And the sixth string has that deep, chest-resonating quality that you physically feel when playing.

It is not just about individual notes, though. It is about how the chords come together. The integration. The bloom. The organic, raw quality of the sound. It never feels overly processed or overly polished.

This is a guitar that feels alive.

Excellent condition. No cracks. Very minimal signs of use.