2007 Fritz Ober SP/MP

Over the last several years, Fritz Ober has been building some of the best Torres/Hauser style guitars available. In our opinion, this maker stands in his own right as one of the great contemporary guitar makers in the world. His style of sound is reminscent of the "Spanish-style" Hauser I guitars that we have seen. These have the great clarity, balance and transparency of the great Hauser style, but also have a very lyrical, warm quality particularly in the trebles. Fritz tends to favor a build that accommodates a deeper body resonance, giving the tone a bit more of a mysterious and dark character. The maple used for the back and sides adds a honey-like glow to the sound as well, softening the edginess of the rosewood counterpart. Aesthetically, this instrument is stunning. It features beautiful snakewood accents throughout, particularly in between the flamed maple used for the back and sides, head veneer and binding. The hand-crafted Alessi tuning machines have beautifully hand-engraved plates and ebony buttons. It has a gorgeous spruce top with some very elegant bearclaw in the grain. Many notable players have played Ober guitars over the years, including Wulfin Lieske, Earl Klugh, John Ingwerson, Doug Rubio, Andy Summers, and many other professors and collectors of the classical guitar. Condition is excellent with no damage, only some very minor, respectful playing wear. Gorgeous guitar both to the eye and ear.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober