Rolf Eichinger Ex. Bokyung Byun, 2005

This 2005 Rolf Eichinger is a rare and very compelling concert guitar with a spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and a comfortable 640 mm scale length. Rolf Eichinger was a German maker deeply connected to the Granada tradition, and his guitars have become increasingly difficult to find. His total output was relatively small, and his best instruments show a wonderful balance of Spanish character, clarity, refinement, and directness.

This particular guitar is especially meaningful because of its provenance. It previously belonged to Bokyung Byun and was used during her time at The Juilliard School, as well as in many concerts. Bokyung Byun is now widely recognized as one of the leading classical guitarists of her generation. Instruments with real artist provenance are always exciting, but this one is particularly special because it was not simply owned by an important player; it was played seriously, trusted in performance, and used as a working concert instrument during a formative period in her career.

Watch Bokyung Byun perform on this guitar here and at The Korea Society.

Specifications

Luthier: Rolf Eichinger
Year: 2005
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Construction: Traditional
Scale Length: 640 mm
Provenance: ex. Bokyung Byun; used during her time at The Juilliard School and played in many concerts
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
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Condition: Honest playwear from concert use; no cracks or repairs noted

Sound

The spruce top gives this guitar a clear, focused, and articulate voice. There is a natural immediacy to the sound, with excellent definition in the trebles and a strong sense of separation across the voices. The Indian rosewood back and sides add warmth, depth, and a satisfying richness underneath that clarity. The result is a guitar that feels refined and elegant, but still direct and expressive, speaking easily with a response that encourages clean playing, careful voicing, and a wide range of color.

Playability

The 640 mm scale makes the guitar especially comfortable in the left hand, offering a noticeably easier reach than a standard 650 mm instrument while still feeling like a real concert instrument. Many players are looking for a guitar that offers a little more comfort and ease without feeling small or compromised, and this Eichinger sits very much in that category, with presence, color, and musical authority.

This guitar shows some obvious playwear from being quite loved and played over time. Given its history as a serious concert instrument, this is not surprising, and it is very much part of the story of the guitar. There are no cracks or repairs noted.