Hermann Hauser I, 1952
Spruce / CSA Rosewood
While this guitar has already sold, please contact me about two special Hauser II guitars I currently have in stock!
The Final Year of the Master’s Life, a Museum-Quality Icon of the Classical Guitar Tradition
Overview
Today I have the honor of presenting an extraordinary piece of classical guitar history: a 1952 Hermann Hauser I, built in the final year of his life. Hauser I guitars stand at the very top of the classical guitar world, their legacy intertwined with the development of the modern concert instrument.
This particular guitar was made for Sophocles Papas, the lifelong friend and collaborator of Andrés Segovia. It remains in astonishingly original condition with no cracks, no repairs, and only a professional refret at some point in its life. The spruce seven-fan top is beautifully preserved, with only light nail marks under the strings. Were it not for the gentle amber hue of the spruce and the aforementioned nail marks, you could almost mistake it for a newly built instrument.
The rosette is breathtaking in its subtlety, with soft blues and warm orange tones woven into fine geometric patterns. The original Landstorfer tuners still function smoothly, and the Brazilian rosewood back and sides remain in remarkable shape. Every detail speaks of Hauser’s precision and artistry.
Sound and Feel
This guitar delivers a rare combination of depth, power, and clarity. The sound is dark and rounded yet strikingly articulate, with a warm bass and bell-like trebles that sustain beautifully.
Each note retains a pure center, supported by resonant overtones that never obscure the fundamental. The result is a voice that invites phrasing with precision and expression. It responds instantly to touch, offering both sensitivity and control.
The dynamic range is vast, the balance perfect, and the tone unmistakably Hauser — lyrical, noble, and deeply inspiring to play.
Key Features
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Year: 1952
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Builder: Hermann Hauser I (Reisbach, Germany)
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Top: Spruce, 7-fan bracing
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Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood (old-growth set)
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Neck: Mahogany
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Fingerboard: Ebony
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Scale Length: 650 mm
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Nut Width: 52 mm
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Tuners: Original Landstorfer
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Condition: Excellent, no cracks or repairs
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Provenance: Built for Sophocles Papas, close friend of Andrés Segovia
Historical Context
Hermann Hauser Sr. (1882–1952) was a German master luthier whose work reshaped the identity of the classical guitar. Originally trained as a violin maker, Hauser’s direction changed after meeting Spanish virtuoso Miguel Llobet in 1913. Llobet introduced him to the guitars of Antonio de Torres, inspiring Hauser to refine the Spanish model with German precision and consistency.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Hauser collaborated closely with Andrés Segovia, developing instruments that set a new global standard for tone, balance, and projection. Segovia’s 1937 Hauser, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, became one of the most influential instruments ever built and was described by Segovia as “the greatest guitar of our epoch.”
Between 1924 and his death in 1952, Hauser built roughly 250 guitars, each tailored to the player’s needs. His work established the foundation for the modern concert guitar and inspired generations of luthiers including his son Hermann Hauser II, grandson Hermann Hauser III, and great-granddaughter Kathrin Hauser.
Closing Thoughts
To hold and play this guitar is to connect directly with the origins of the modern classical guitar sound. Built in the final year of Hermann Hauser I’s life, it represents the culmination of a lifetime of mastery. Its preservation and tone make it one of the most significant Hausers in existence, and it is a true privilege to share it with you.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com