{"product_id":"michael-haaser-2018-liuto-forte-no-261","title":"Michael Haaser - 2018 Liuto Forte No. 261","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAbout the luthier\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eMichael Haaser (d. 2025) was a German instrument maker whose work became closely associated with the development and production of the Liuto Forte, a modern evolution of the European lute. He trained as a guitar maker at the instrument-making school in Markneukirchen before pursuing further studies in lute construction under Professor Günter Mark in Elsa. His background in both guitar and lute making provided a foundation for his understanding of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary acoustic design.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe Liuto Forte project originated in the 1990s through the collaboration of lutenist André Burguete, engineer Benno Streu, and instrument maker Günter Mark. Their ambition was to extend the expressive possibilities of the historical lute through innovative construction principles, increasing projection, sustain, and dynamic flexibility while preserving the instrument's distinctive musical character. Haaser became one of the principal makers associated with this development, producing numerous instruments for the project until early 2024. His work reached musicians throughout Europe and beyond, establishing his name within this specialised field of contemporary lute making. His instruments remain closely connected with an important chapter in the continuing evolution of the European lute.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the guitar\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eBuilt in 2018, this Liuto Forte No. 261 by Michael Haaser represents a fascinating meeting of historical instrument making and contemporary acoustic development. Its spruce soundboard is paired with an elegantly ribbed yew bowl, whose fine, remarkably uniform grain and warm amber colour are accentuated by narrow dark dividing lines. The flowing curvature of the body reveals the demanding craftsmanship involved in shaping and joining the individual ribs, creating an instrument of understated beauty and considerable structural refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe Liuto Forte concept goes beyond the faithful reproduction of a historical lute. Its sophisticated soundboard construction and use of individual strings rather than traditional paired courses are designed to provide greater projection, longer sustain, and a broader dynamic range. The aim is to preserve the delicate articulation and tonal flexibility of the lute while allowing individual notes to carry further and melodic lines to unfold with greater continuity. Depending on tuning and stringing, this approach opens a broad musical repertoire, from Renaissance polyphony and Baroque arrangements to contemporary compositions, extending the expressive possibilities of traditional lute playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eHaaser's craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the rib-built bowl, the refined proportions, and the careful integration of traditional lute making with the innovative construction principles of the Liuto Forte. Every element contributes to an instrument that respects the historical character of the lute while extending its musical possibilities. Internally geared tuning pegs provide an additional practical refinement, allowing precise and convenient tuning while preserving the traditional appearance of the instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe instrument is in mint condition, showing only the lightest traces of careful use and storage. It is accompanied by its original custom-fitted case and strap.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Siccas Guitars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54983260340557,"sku":"KS17993","price":6990.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0765\/4011\/7325\/files\/michael-haaser-2018-liuto-15.jpg?v=1791466082","url":"https:\/\/www.siccasguitars.com\/products\/michael-haaser-2018-liuto-forte-no-261","provider":"Siccas Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}