Martin Bretscher - 2026 Flow-Cut Crossover
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
Important: Additional costs such as import taxes and custom duties may occur when importing goods from the EU into your country.
Delivery times are typically reliable and most instruments arrive within the estimated timeframe.
Should any unexpected delay occur, our team will keep you informed and provide support at every step. For all shipping details and exceptions, please see our Shipping Policy.
Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Ask us - right here.
Enrico, our AI team member, replies around the clock.
Instant reply · free · no obligation Rather use WhatsApp
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Martin Bretscher is a German guitar maker whose work combines precise craftsmanship with a strong commitment to sustainability, fairness, and individuality. His professional path began with an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, during which he developed the sensitivity to wood and attention to detail that would later shape his approach to instrument making. In 2003, he began formal training as a plucked instrument maker under Armin Hanika, completing his master craftsman qualification in 2007 and receiving the Master Craftsman Prize of the Bavarian State Government in recognition of his achievements.
In 2020, Bretscher founded Soul Guitars in Bavaria, establishing a workshop guided by environmental responsibility, ethical material sourcing, and individual design. His instruments reflect a thoughtful combination of carefully selected woods, refined construction, and a desire to explore the expressive possibilities of the guitar. The Flow-Cut crossover model embodies this philosophy, bringing together contemporary ergonomics, distinctive visual details, and the tonal qualities of the classical guitar in an instrument designed for a broad range of musical styles.
About the guitar
The 2026 Flow-Cut Crossover by Martin Bretscher combines the resonance and tonal richness of a classical guitar with the playing comfort and versatility of a contemporary crossover instrument. Its spruce soundboard and striking ziricote back and sides are complemented by carefully integrated decorative details, giving the guitar a distinctive yet harmonious appearance. The cutaway, sculpted armrest, and gently radiused fingerboard are central to its ergonomic design, offering particularly comfortable access across the instrument and a natural playing feel for musicians moving between classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Musically, the Flow-Cut has a remarkably soft and overtone-rich character, with a generous, rounded sound that retains excellent definition. Notes develop with warmth and sustain well beyond the initial attack, allowing melodic phrases to unfold smoothly without requiring continuous vibrato to maintain their presence. The sound remains strikingly consistent across different positions of the fingerboard, with an even intensity and volume that make transitions between registers feel particularly fluid. Despite its gentle tonal character, the guitar offers substantial acoustic volume and a clear, resonant presence.
Built with traditional fan bracing, the instrument preserves important acoustic qualities of the classical guitar while extending its practical possibilities through its crossover construction. The integrated pickup system provides an additional option for amplified performance, while the precise workmanship, decorative purfling, and UV-cured finish complete its contemporary identity. The result is a versatile instrument in which comfortable playability, sustained resonance, and tonal consistency come together without sacrificing the warmth and expressive flexibility of a nylon-string guitar.
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.
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.