Anonymous Romantic guitar – ca. 1920 10 strings

Anonymous Romantic guitar – ca. 1920 10 strings

Overview

What a lovely romantic guitar! This ten-string anonymous instrument, also called contra-guitar, was most probably built in Germany in the 1920s. Yet, one grasps a very strong influence of the French school of romantic guitar making, as illustrated by the bridge with dotted mustaches and the elegant blank and white purflings and rosette. This guitar’s condition is also incredible, with only one tiny 3 cm crack on the soundboard, a repaired hairline crack on the head, and rare playing marks. It is in perfect playing condition, the frets are smooth, and it is an extremely easy to play guitar for the left hand.
If you have read the specs and looked at the pictures, you will surely have noticed that the back and sides are made of maple yet look like Brazilian rosewood! This fun feature was common at the time as Brazilian rosewood was very sought after but tremendously hard to become at a reasonable price. Therefore, Luthiers started painting the maple with a darker color and imitating the rosewood's beautiful grain.

This guitar sounds very open with a genuinely romantic sound. What does romantic sound like? Warm, sweet, and with a lot of "depth" in the tone. The sympathetic resonances when playing this instrument are fascinating and give an extra dimension to the sound. Moreover, the four extra bass strings offer the guitarist endless new accompaniment possibilities.

Luthier: Unknown
Construction year: ca. 1920
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Maple
Scale: 680/650 mm
Nut: 47 mm
Weight: 1550 grams
Air body frequency: C#/D
Tuners: Original
Strings: Knobloch
Case: Hardshell
Condition: Used
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Video overview

Romantic 10 Strings Guitar - Improvisation

While this one is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitar

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
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  • Luthier: Elvis Pajares
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Double Top
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1415
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: José Luis Romanillos
    Construction Year: 1979
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1410
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Elvis Pajares
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1365
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Giovanni Tacchi
    Construction Year: 2023
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: E / F
    Weight (g): 1300
    Tuner: Alessi
    Condition: Mint
  • Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1605
    Tuner: Perona
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Otto Vowinkel
    Construction Year: 2019
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1590
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Hermann Hauser II
    Construction Year: 1956
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1440
    Tuner: Landstorfer
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Fritz Ober
    Construction Year: 2019
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: C sharp / D
    Weight (g): 1345
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: Excellent
  • Construction Year: 2006
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1495
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Paul Fischer
    Construction Year: 1982
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (Pre-CITES)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1655
    Tuner: Rodgers
    Condition: Excellent

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