Karl-Hermann Schäfer – 2023 “Santos Hernandez”

Description

Karl-Hermann Schäfer started making guitars in 1966. He did his apprenticeship under the guidance of master guitar maker Ernest Köröskeny and later studied under master guitar maker Dieter Hopf. After working in Hopf’s workshop from 1971 to 1994, he opened his own in Oberneisen and moved to Niederbrechen, Germany, five years later.

This magnificent copy of a Santos Hernandez guitar is a wonderful homage to the Madrilenian luthier of Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, and many other talented guitarists. Like the Spanish luthiers of the 19th and early 20th century, Karl-Hermann Schäfer chose this spruce top mainly because of its excellent sound characteristics. This brand-new guitar from 2023 displays a magnificent rosette of the late Santos Hernandez rosettes with colorful geometric patterns. Acoustically, this guitar captures the essence of Spanish guitar-making in the early 20th century with its airy timbre, deep basses, and lush yet singing trebles. Moreover, the guitar responds quickly to the right-hand attack and has an excellent neck profile. This instrument will fulfill the need of a concert guitarist of any kind. It is also the right guitar for the guitarist who regularly performs on a historical instrument without risking damaging the precious historical instrument yet still being able to capture the whole tonal spectrum of it.

A poem about Karl-Hermann Schäfer and this new 2023 guitar

A Master he became in the art of guitar-making,
Under guidance of Hopf and Köröskeny’s taking.
Years spent learning, perfecting his craft,
And in 1966, he began his own path.

In Niederbrechen now, his workshop does stand,
Making copies of Santos Hernandez in hand.
Geometric patterns, a rosette so bright,
This new guitar, a magnificent sight.

Like Spanish luthiers, he chose the spruce top,
Its sound so bright, it never will stop.
Airy timbre, deep basses, trebles that sing,
This instrument, a true symphony it will bring.

For concert players, it’s the perfect choice,
And for those who prefer to play with care and rejoice.
For those who play on a historical instrument,
This guitar will fulfill, without a lament.

So here’s to Karl-Hermann Schäfer, a true master,
Making guitars that bring joy faster.
A tribute to the Spanish art of old,
This guitar is a treasure, worth more than gold.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.