Karl-Heinz Römmich - 2019
Karl-Heinz Römmich - 2019
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Karl-Heinz Römmich, born in 1953, has been building guitars for more than four decades and is regarded as one of the significant German masters working in the Spanish tradition. His instruments are entirely hand built and finished with French polish, using woods that he has dried and selected over many years. Many renowned concert artists have played his guitars, attracted by their depth of tone, wide expressive range and refined craftsmanship. Römmich’s instruments are known for their lyricism, their rich colours and their ability to project with clarity while maintaining a poetic warmth.
Although rooted in the traditional Spanish method, Römmich’s approach is shaped by a meticulous eye for detail and a sensitivity to the acoustic behaviour of each piece of wood. He builds in limited numbers, allowing each instrument to mature naturally during construction. The result is a body of work appreciated by musicians who value both tonal depth and disciplined craftsmanship.
About the guitar
This 2019 guitar represents Römmich at a very high level of refinement. The spruce soundboard is paired with Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides, the latter certified and chosen for its beauty and acoustic strength. The entire instrument is finished in French polish. Römmich’s ornamentation remains restrained and elegant, with clean purfling and a rosette that reflects the classical aesthetic associated with his work. Fustero tuners complete the instrument with a traditional and dignified touch.
The sound is characteristic of Römmich’s finest work. The tone is elastic and responsive, allowing the player to create a wide range of colours without exaggerated right-hand movement. The instrument projects deeply, with strong and steady basses that anchor the sound and lyrical trebles that sing effortlessly. The balance across the registers is exceptional, so contrapuntal lines remain clear and harmonically connected. The guitar possesses a depth that encourages expressive phrasing and has the capacity to fill a hall while preserving intimacy and refinement. The air body resonance lies between F sharp and G, which contributes to a sense of warmth and quiet gravitational presence beneath the main voice. The doubled sides add stability and help the instrument maintain clarity even at strong dynamic levels.
Overall, this Römmich offers a rich and complex voice with an inviting dynamic range, a broad palette of colours and an effortless projection that suits both recital and ensemble work. It is an instrument for players who seek a mature, expressive and deeply traditional guitar built with precision and artistry.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition. There are no cracks and no structural repairs. The French polish on both soundboard and body shows slight and natural signs of use, including small dents and light scratches consistent with careful playing. Structurally the instrument is stable and the Fustero tuners function smoothly and reliably.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.