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Franz Xaver Kerschensteiner - ca. 1900 - 62 cm

Details

Construction Year: 1900
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Birdseye Maple
Soundboard Finish: French polish
Body Finish: French polish
Air Body Frequency: C # / D
Scale (mm): 620
Weight (g): 1300
Tuner: Pegs
Strings: Knobloch - EDB 31.5
Condition: Very good
Case: Gigbag

Overview

This Romantic guitar from around 1900, attributed to Franz Xaver Kerschensteiner, exemplifies the Viennese tradition with its spruce soundboard and birdseye maple back and sides, offering both elegance and historical character. Remarkably well preserved for its age, it shows only two carefully repaired cracks on the top and minimal signs of use. Its sound is warm and intimate, with a soft richness and a distinctive emphasis in the mid and lower registers, supported by an air-body resonance between C sharp and D. With precise friction pegs ensuring stable tuning, the instrument combines authentic craftsmanship with expressive tonal qualities, making it an inspiring choice for Romantic repertoire.
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Xaver Kerschensteiner ca. 1900 - Classical Guitar Review
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About the luthier

Franz Xaver Kerschensteiner (1839–1915) was a German luthier renowned in Regensburg for his versatility in instrument making, especially zithers, violins, and guitars. He trained under violin maker Petrus Schulz and undertook a traditional journeyman’s pilgrimage to leading workshops across Europe, including Munich, Linz, Vienna, and Würzburg. Over his career, more than 5.000 instruments were crafted in his workshop. He received numerous honors and held the prestigious title of “Royal Bavarian Court Supplier”.

About the guitar

This Romantic guitar, attributed to Kerschensteiner and dating from around 1900, is a fine example of his work in the Viennese or early Romantic tradition. Built in traditional style, strikingly well preserved for its age, it retains a spruce soundboard paired with birdseye maple for back and sides, echoing the aesthetic elegance seen in his similarly styled instruments.
The instrument remains in very good condition, with only two well-repaired and stable cracks on the top, and remarkably few signs of wear given its age. It produces a surprisingly soft, rich tone with an intimate, somewhat boxy character. The resonance is notably strong in the mid and lower registers. Equipped with precise friction pegs, it offers accurate tuning and maintains historical authenticity.
The air-body resonance, tuned between C sharp and D, contributes to warmth and responsiveness that suit romantic repertoire exceptionally well. Overall, it stands as an excellent, playable representation of early Romantic guitars, combining refined craftsmanship with expressive tonal design.

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How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

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We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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