Gerhard J. Oldiges – 2021 “Marieta” 64 cm

Description

Gerhard Oldiges started to build guitars in the late seventies while studying and after graduating he completed a two-year apprenticeship as a guitar maker. After that, he first worked in a guitar repair workshop and took part in a guitar-making course given by José Romanillos in 1988, with whom he is still friends today and whose courses he has regularly attended since 1996. Gerhard Oldiges is intensively engaged in the history of the Spanish guitar building. Thus, a special focus of his work is the replication of old Spanish master instruments by Antonio de Torres, Vicente Arias, Manuel Ramírez, and others.

This Margherita special model by Gerhard Oldiges is called “Marieta”. Very accurate attention to detail went into the construction and, as always with Gerhard, the result is a true masterpiece. The entire plantilla is reminiscent of Torres’ more compact guitars, and a particularly fine set of CITES-certified Rio rosewood was chosen for the back and sides. The latter has a particularly dark color with bright orange veins, making it a true showpiece. For the top, Gerhard Oldiges chose delightful bear claw spruce, and some gorgeous hand-engraved German Scheller tuners perfectly set the mood. The marquetry work is also of great elegance. The checkerboard pattern is found on both the bridge and the central ebony part of the back, and the remarkable rosette is proof of the highest craftsmanship.

Sound-wise, this guitar offers much more than its size may suggest. Due to its double sides and excellent responsive top, it has a voluminous, warm, and round tone. In addition, the treble strings are characterized by a special harmonicity with a long sustain and a balanced tone. The quality of the basses, on the other hand, captivates with a distinct almost cello-like sound structure. This is an excellent master guitar that has a lot to offer in terms of sound and also knows how to impress with its appearance.