Sold

Karl-Hermann Schäfer - 2023 - Santos Hernandez

Details

Construction Year: 2023
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Madagascar rosewood
Soundboard Finish: French polish
Body Finish: French polish
Air Body Frequency: E / F
Scale (mm): 650
Weight (g): 1535
Tuner: Der Jung
Strings: Knobloch - EDC 34.0
Condition: Very good
Case: Hiscox Pro II “Siccas Edition”

Overview

This guitar by Karl-Hermann Schäfer is a refined homage to Santos Hernández, capturing both the tonal spirit and craftsmanship of early 20th-century Spanish lutherie. Built with a spruce top and a historically inspired seven-fan bracing pattern, it delivers a sound that closely recalls the depth and resonance of Hernández’s 1930s instruments. The basses are powerful and rounded, while the trebles sing with warmth, sustain, and clarity, enhanced by a distinct resonance between E and F that lends it an “old world” character. Despite its historical inspiration, it plays with remarkable balance and ease across all registers, making it both authentic in design and fully suited to modern performance. In excellent condition with only minor signs of use, it stands as a near-mint, beautifully crafted concert guitar and a faithful tribute to one of the greatest masters of the Spanish tradition.
View full details

Video overview

Some text about the video block with SEO. Some text about the video block with SEO.
Romantic Guitar Sound Turns Into Absolute Madness! WGM #149 - Fischer, Cadiz, Weissgerber, Schäfer
Karl-Hermann Schäfer 2023 "Santos Hernandez" Classical Guitar Review

More details about the guitar

About the luthier

Karl-Hermann Schäfer started making guitars in 1966. He did his apprenticeship under the guidance of master guitar maker Ernest Köröskeny and later studied under master guitar maker Dieter Hopf. After having worked in Hopf’s workshop from 1971 to 1994, he opened his own in Oberneisen and moved to Niederbrechen, Germany, five years later. Karl-Hermann Schäfer has specialized in making the most wonderful replicas one could wish for. These instruments are not only well built, but they also offer the very authentic sound of master instruments of the past.

About the guitar

Karl-Hermann Schäfer is undoubtedly one of the few modern luthiers with a profound understanding of early 20th-century Spanish guitar making, particularly the work of Santos Hernández, Antonio de Torres, and other iconic masters. This particular guitar is inspired by the guitars of Santos Hernández, and it reflects Schäfer’s dedication to authenticity, nuance, and historical detail. Tonally, the guitar is strikingly close to a Santos Hernández from the early 1930s, with a similarly angled headstock and an overall playing feel that captures the soul of the original. The instrument delivers a deep resonance between E and F, giving it a distinct “old world” character, while the basses are rich and profound, and the trebles sing with warmth, sustain, and clarity—a rare combination that few luthiers can achieve. It also boasts remarkable evenness across the entire fingerboard and register, making it not only historically accurate but also a highly playable and expressive concert instrument. Internally, the spruce soundboard is supported by a 7-fan bracing system, with five symmetrical braces and two outer braces connected by small diagonal bars, forming subtle “L”-shaped figures. Similar pattern can be found in 1935 Santos Hernandez. As a pre-loved instrument, this guitar is in excellent condition, with only a few minor playing marks. It could easily be rated as near mint, and stands as a beautiful and faithful homage to one of the greatest luthiers of the classical guitar tradition.

While this one is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitars

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
    Look all products of the collection
  • Luthier: Antonio Marin Montero
    Construction Year: 2011
    Construction Type: Flamenco
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Cocobolo
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G
    Weight (g): 1510
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Jialan Chen
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce / Cedar
    Back and Sides: Wenge
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1595
    Tuner: Alessi
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Lucio Antonio Carbone
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1400
    Tuner: Alessi
    Condition: Mint
  • Luthier: Andreas Kirschner
    Construction Year: 2016
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp
    Weight (g): 1450
    Tuner: Gotoh
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Richard Jacob Weissgerber
    Construction Year: 1944
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: A
    Weight (g): 1185
    Tuner: Rubner
    Condition: Very good
  • Luthier: Richard Jacob Weissgerber
    Construction Year: 1936
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Cherry
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1175
    Tuner: Rubner
    Condition: Very good
  • Luthier: Zbigniew Gnatek
    Construction Year: 2023
    Construction Type: Lattice
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Madagascar rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Nitrocellulose
    Body Finish: Polyurethane
    Air Body Frequency: G
    Weight (g): 1760
    Tuner: Pagos
    Condition: Excellent
  • Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Double-Top Guitars
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: F
    Weight (g): 1500
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: Mint
  • Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp / A
    Weight (g): 1550
    Tuner: Fustero
    Condition: New
  • Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G
    Weight (g): 1710
    Tuner: Rubner
    Condition: New

Related guitars

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

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.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

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.

Early Access to Rare Guitars and Selected Offers

Receive early updates on newly arrived guitars, rare instruments, and selected special offers.