Carsten Kobs - 2016 Double Top
Carsten Kobs - 2016 Double Top
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
Carsten Kobs is a German luthier based in Hamburg and belongs to the first generation of makers in Germany to adopt double top construction. From the beginning, his work has followed a clear concept of reduced mass, structural efficiency, and maximum responsiveness. His instruments are known for their light build, quick reaction to touch, and substantial concert volume.
Over the years, Kobs guitars have been played by internationally recognised artists including Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, and Aniello Desiderio. Due to limited annual production and sustained demand, his instruments are rarely available on the open market.
About the guitar
This 2016 Carsten Kobs is a cedar double top guitar with Indian rosewood back and sides. Its very low weight reflects Kobs’ consistent pursuit of a light yet stable construction, giving the instrument an immediate response and a direct connection between touch and sound.
The bass register is deep and expansive, producing considerable volume while remaining controlled. The trebles retain clarity and separation, carrying a distinctly Spanish colour that avoids excessive darkness. This balance between depth and presence gives the guitar a refined and versatile voice within the double top category.
The sound is focused, forward moving, and well separated, with the projection needed for larger spaces and the evenness required for contrapuntal repertoire. Its fast response and clear articulation make it particularly suitable for music that depends on definition, balance, and rhythmic precision, while the cedar top adds warmth and a mellow quality to the overall character.
Condition
This guitar is in excellent condition with normal signs of wear. It is generally well preserved and has no cracks or repairs.
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.