2005 Fritz Ober SP/CSAR

Fritz Ober was known for building some of the best Torres/Hauser style guitars of his generation. His workmanship, choice of materials, and quality of sound in his instruments are not just outstanding but nearly unmatched. Playability is excellent. The sound is clear, focused and perfectly balanced.

This particular instrument features some beautiful aesthetics including the rosette and purfling details. Materials are alll first-quality - it has incredibly gorgeous rosewood for the back/sides and head veneer with subtle hues of sapwood. Tuning machines are Reischl with black horn buttons. Sound is superb - it has excellent clarity and power, with a very woody, deep natural tone. Sound is quite complex, with a harmonically-rich texture that gives it a very intriguing, mysterious quality. The looseness, transparency, balance, and inner chordal harmony make this guitar sound much more like an instrument that has been aging for 50-60 years. Although this guitar has been played in beautifully over the course of its life, it has no damage, no repairs, only some normal aesthetic wear in the finish from regular use. Overall, a top-level concert and recording instrument for the discriminating performer.

Orfeo article on Hauser III, Blochinger and Ober