Otto Rauch – 2023 Doubletop No. 286 “Domenico Montagnana – The sleeping beauty”

Description

Otto Rauch is a German guitar maker from the small town of Obermoschel in Rheinland-Pfalz. With over 35 years of experience as a guitar maker, he is one of the German pioneers of double-top construction. After repairing a Matthias Dammann guitar in the early 1990s, Otto Rauch began building doubel-top guitars. At first, he used cedar struts and then a balsa core, a construction he continued to develop over the years. While helping a friend set up his violin making business, Otto Rauch came across the name of the 18th century Venetian violin maker Domenico Montagnana. His cellos are praised for their dark tone, fantastic sound volume and enigmatic construction. As these three attributes reflect Otto’s construction, he adopted the name, and the Domenico Montagnana model was born.

The Otto Rauch 2023 No. 286 “Domenico Montagnana” guitar is a commendable blend of exquisite craftsmanship, extraordinary selection of materials, and an homage to the renowned “Sleeping Beauty” cello. The “Sleeping Beauty” cello, created in 1739, is one of the most celebrated works of Domenico Montagnana. The instrument has stunning Madagascar rosewood back and sides, with its distinctively grained two-tone set, contribute to its exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal. This guitar belongs to the “Sleeping Beauty” series by Otto Rauch, which encompasses a range of his finest and most exclusive guitars. The guitars in this series are uniquely constructed with specially chosen timbers, illustrating Rauch’s meticulous attention to detail and appreciation for fine materials. This attention is further exemplified by the inclusion of a cedar balsa core double top in the construction of the No. 286 model. Beyond its striking appearance, the 2023 No. 286 guitar is a true concert-grade instrument. With the F main resonance, the guitar delivers an expressive, dark, and complex sound that reflects the quality of its materials and construction. This unique blend of acoustic qualities enhances the overall character of the guitar, positioning it as a coveted and rare collectible instrument in the world of music. The Otto Rauch 2023 No. 286 “Domenico Montagnana” guitar is a perfect symphony of artistry, quality material selection, and acoustic excellence. It is a fitting tribute to Montagnana’s “Sleeping Beauty” cello, marking it as a must-have for any discerning collector or musician.

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