Edgar Mönch - 1959

Edgar Mönch - 1959

Overview

Edgar Mönch, born on October 29, 1907, in Leipzig, came from a family deeply rooted in music. His mother, a Russian pianist, and his father, a violinist and kapellmeister, nurtured his artistic upbringing. Mönch spent his early years in Russia, where he attended school before pursuing engineering at the Technical University of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland). He later worked as a technical interpreter at the Stoka Plant in Prague, where he also studied violin at the conservatory. His introduction to guitar making came during World War II, while imprisoned in an English camp as a German prisoner of war. There, he learned the craft from a violin maker from Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), marking the beginning of his lifelong passion. Upon his release in 1947, Mönch fully committed to guitar making, refining his skills through studies in Spain with renowned luthier Marcelo Barbero in Madrid.

Mönch's extraordinary craftsmanship and perfectionism earned him global recognition, often being compared to a "Stradivari of Guitar Building." His dedication to his work was matched by his eagerness to pass on his knowledge, and his workshop produced notable luthiers, including John Larrivée, Kolya Panhuyzen, Ken Bowen, and Joseph Kurek. Revered for his meticulous attention to detail, Mönch crafted guitars cherished by legendary musicians such as Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, John Williams, and Vicente Gómez. His contributions to classical guitar construction remain influential long after his passing on February 16, 1977, just two months after the loss of his son. Today, Mönch guitars are celebrated worldwide for their exceptional quality and enduring legacy.

This guitar was built in 1959 in Munich and has a spruce top, complemented by Indian rosewood back and sides. The beautiful, original tuning machines are made by Landstorfer. Soundwise, the trebles manage to project a direct, bright sound while maintaining a round tone, without any hint of harshness. These qualities result in great clarity and separation, and an airy quality in the vibratos that bring out the pleasing overtones the guitar has to offer. The basses are well developed and manage to complement the trebles adequately without overpowering them or falling behind. Playability is excellent. The guitar has 4 professionally repaired cracks on the soundboard and one on the back, and wear marks on the top but is nonetheless in good condition to be played.

Luthier: Edgar Mönch
Construction year: 1959
Construction type: Traditional
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Indian rosewood
Finish: French polish
Air body frequency: F / F #
Scale: 650 mm
Nut: 50.5 mm
Weight: 1385 grams
Tuners: Landstorfer
Strings: Knobloch - EDC 34.0
Condition: Very good
Case: Hiscox Pro II “Siccas Edition”
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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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  • 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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