Richard Jacob Weissgerber - 1936 Torres Damen 33.3/0
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.
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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
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Richard Jacob “Weissgerber” was one of the most creative and versatile guitar makers of the 20th century. Working in Markneukirchen, he developed an exceptionally varied body of work, with models, outlines, constructions, and decorative languages that reveal a restless artistic imagination. His instruments rarely feel like repetitions of a fixed workshop formula; instead, they often show a maker continually rethinking the guitar’s form, proportion, ornament, and voice. This independence made Weissgerber one of the defining figures of German guitar making and a builder whose work still occupies a singular place in European lutherie.
About the guitar
This 1936 Richard Jacob Weissgerber Torres Damen 33.3/0 is a compact Spanish inspired model with a quietly elegant visual identity and a particularly beautiful use of cypress. The spruce top is paired with finely figured cypress for the back and sides, giving the instrument a light, transparent appearance that corresponds naturally with its direct and articulate voice. Details such as the V joint between neck and head, the carefully shaped heel, and the original Landstorfer tuners reveal the precision and historical character of Weissgerber’s work without relying on excessive ornament.
Its decorative language also reflects a broader development in Weissgerber’s Spanish inspired instruments of the 1930s. As Christof Hanusch notes in his work on Weissgerber, “after 1930 the decorations of the Spanish guitars became increasingly plainer, the soundholes were mostly just surrounded by a simple binding.” On this guitar, that restraint gives particular importance to the proportions, the texture of the cypress, and the quiet exactness of the construction.
Musically, this guitar has the pure, lightly nasal, and darkened colour that gives many Weissgerber instruments their distinctive vintage identity. The sound is not heavily saturated; instead, it speaks with clarity and an almost transparent directness, allowing the shape of each note to remain visible. At the same time, the instrument has a surprising sense of presence. Its response is lively, and the sound carries into the room with more strength than the compact body concept might suggest. The cypress body contributes to this dry clarity and immediacy, while the spruce top gives the voice a clean, focused release. The result is a historically characterful Weissgerber with refined handwork and a voice that feels intimate, clear, and unexpectedly carrying.
Condition
This guitar is in very good condition. It has undergone a careful professional restoration for several cracks on the top and back, which have been reinforced with cleats to support long term structural stability. The finish has been repolished with nitrocellulose in some areas. The instrument remains playable and structurally stable, and the original Landstorfer tuners are preserved.
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.
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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.