Dieter Hopf - Artist
Dieter Hopf - Artist
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
The Hopf family’s involvement in instrument making dates back to 1669, marking one of the longest documented traditions in European lutherie. This lineage continues through Dieter Hopf, born in 1936, who settled in Taunusstein in 1949. Originally trained as a violin maker in Mittenwald, he later turned his focus to guitars, obtaining his master craftsman diploma in 1968. Over the decades, Hopf’s guitars have been played by internationally renowned artists including Alexandre Lagoya, Baden Powell, and Michael Tröster. His instruments are known for their structural precision and refined tonal language, making him one of the leading figures in postwar German guitar making.
About the guitar
This traditional concert guitar by Dieter Hopf embodies the depth and tonal balance characteristic of his mature period. The cedar soundboard offers a warm, centered voice with a gentle attack and sustained resonance, while the Santos rosewood back and sides contribute complexity and focus across the spectrum. The guitar responds with immediacy yet avoids harshness, supporting subtle dynamic control and phrasing nuance. Particularly notable is the register balance, allowing for clear melodic presence as well as articulate polyphonic textures. Projection and clarity remain strong despite the instrument’s age, a testament to both craftsmanship and material selection.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition with only superficial playing wear. There are no structural issues 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.