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Bernhard Kresse - 2008 "Nikolaus Georg Ries" 8-string

Bernhard Kresse - 2008 "Nikolaus Georg Ries" 8-string

Overview

Bernhard Kresse is a very respected German master luthier based in Cologne. He is one of the most sought-after guitar makers worldwide, especially when it comes to replicas of 19th-century guitars. In the course of his career, he restored an impressive number of historical guitars and gained extensive knowledge about these instruments. Many of his guitars have been recorded by international musicians over the last decades.

This beautiful instrument was built by Bernhard Kresse after an eight-string guitar made by the nineteenth-century Viennese luthier Nicolaus Georg Ries. Eight-string guitars of this type were probably inspired by J. A. Stauffer's "new 8-string guitar," which emerged in the early 1840s. It is important to note that influential composers and virtuosos of the time, such as Regondi and Mertz, owned and performed on these multi-string instruments, giving them a dedicated repertoire. This particular instrument features a highest-grade spruce soundboard and flamed maple back and sides. Moreover, it has an adjustable neck, 21 frets ebony fingerboard, six strings running over the fingerboard, and two additional bass strings. This guitar's unique, authentic and delicate tone will highlight any 19th-century musical work. Finally, this instrument is in mint condition with barely any playing marks on it.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you can find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.

Luthier: Bernhard Kresse
Construction year: 2008
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Flamed Maple
Scale: 740/625 mm
Nut: 47 mm
Weight: 1260 grams
Air body frequency: C
Tuners: Pegheads
Strings: Knobloch EDC 34.0
Case: Hardshell
Condition: Excellent
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Video overview

Bernhard Kresse 2008 Ries 8 string copy Classical Guitar review
The Weekly Guitar Meeting #21 - Frignani, Stauffer, Marrabello, Kresse, Sato | Siccas Guitars

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  • 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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