Richard Jacob Weissgerber - 1944 Biedermeier 35.1/3
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
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 1944 Richard Jacob Weissgerber Biedermeier 35.1/3 shows one of the more ornate headstock variants within this distinctive model family. The small body, oval soundhole, simple hardwood inlay around the soundhole, ornamented bridge, and intricately carved headstock give the guitar a refined historical character without overstating its decoration. Its V joint at the head, slightly arched V shaped neck profile, extended fingerboard with first string access up to C sharp, and original Landstorfer tuners reveal the precision and practical imagination that run through Weissgerber’s work.
A particularly important feature is the spruce top with its distinctive Hohlkehle, a fluted carving concept inspired by bowed instrument construction. By working the top so that the edges become thinner, Weissgerber explored an acoustic idea that also reflects the influence of Antonio de Torres, yet he translated it into his own language. Paired with impressively figured Indian rosewood for the back and sides, the guitar has a visual identity that feels compact, refined, and carefully balanced: minimal around the soundhole, more expressive at the headstock, and rich in the natural figure of the rosewood.
Musically, this Biedermeier model has an intimate and soft spoken character, with a clear Weissgerber colour in the voice. The sound is gentle, darkly shaded, and calming rather than forceful in a modern concert sense, yet it remains balanced and responsive. Notes emerge with focused directness, while the rosewood body adds depth and warmth to the instrument’s small format. The result is a Biedermeier guitar with a very personal presence: visually refined, historically distinctive, and tonally intimate, with the quiet authority that characterises Weissgerber’s most carefully conceived instruments.
Condition
This guitar is in very good original condition. Two cracks on the top have been professionally repaired: one runs from the lower bout to the soundhole, while the other starts from the lower bout and does not reach the bridge. Both repairs are supported with cleats to ensure long term structural stability. The finish appears to be original.
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.