Carsten Kobs - 2025 No. 185
Carsten Kobs - 2025 No. 185
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, he pursued a concept focused on 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, his 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 instrument from 2025, numbered 185, is a double top model with cedar soundboard and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, finished in French polish. With a weight of approximately 1.3 kilograms, it reflects Kobs’ consistent pursuit of lightweight yet stable construction.
The bass register is deep and expansive, developing considerable volume while remaining controlled. In contrast, the trebles retain clarity and separation, carrying a distinctly Spanish colour that avoids excessive darkness. This balance between depth and presence gives the instrument a refined and versatile voice within the double top category.
The response is immediate across all registers, with a long and even sustain. The light overall mass enhances sensitivity to the right hand, allowing subtle dynamic gradations as well as powerful projection when required. The result is a concert instrument that combines structural efficiency with tonal depth and clarity.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition. There is a small nick on the soundboard under the third string, behind the bridge. Apart from this minor mark, the finish is well preserved and the instrument is structurally stable.
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.