In 1937, the stars aligned for the world of guitar. Andrés Segovia received an instrument from German guitar maker Hermann Hauser that would single-handedly legitimize the guitar as a concert instrument and become one of the most heard, iconic guitars ever. Prior to Segovia’s arrival, the guitar was seen mostly as a “folk” or “parlor” instrument primarily for home use but by 1929, Segovia had won over audiences world-wide with his stunning technique and orchestral sense on the guitar. However, Segovia needed an instrument that was not only capable of reproducing his huge dynamic range and subtle nuances but that could project those details throughout a large, concert venue. He turned to Hauser, who was at the time making Viennese-style guitars, to make a Spanish-style guitar for concert and recording use. After several attempts, that were each better than the previous according to Segovia, the Master settled on the guitar Hauser made for him in 1937, hailing it as the “greatest guitar of our epoch.” This guitar remained as Segovia’s concert and recording instrument through the most fertile period of his illustrious career, until 1962 when it was retired and ultimately donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City where it currently resides. The Cordoba Hauser is a painstakingly exact replica of a 1937 Hauser. Segovia’s Hauser has incredible wear and use and was retired due to an accident in the recording studio that required a repair. After the repair, the guitar was never the same. The 1937 Hauser that Cordoba obtained to replicate is in excellent condition and showcases Hermann Hauser at the peak of his guitar-making skills. This guitar was carefully examined, measured, played, and listened to in order to create an exact replica. Englemann Spruce, known for its rich midrange and refined tone, is used as the top material. Indian rosewood makes up the back and sides, striking a perfect balance between warmth and brightness. The Spanish cedar neck, capped with an African ebony fretboard, allows for maximum string energy transfer to the top of the guitar. All of the Hauser earmarks are present on the Cordoba Hauser: his 7-fan bracing technique, bravura “V” head joint, and light-yet-stiff Indian rosewood bridge. Another intricate detail is the lift of the neck plane as it relates to the soundboard. This slight upward lift of the neck, present in the finest nylon-string guitars, creates the perfect string height for execution and projection as well as the correct torque on the soundboard. Only minimal modern refinements were made to Hauser’s design including 18:1 gold Gotoh tuners with ebony buttons, a durable finish, and a truss rod. The Cordoba Hauser is a balanced instrument with controlled overtones, producing a focused fundamental tone and excellent separation of voices. From the quietest ppp dynamic to the loudest fff, this guitar puts all of the control into the performer’s hands. Right-hand placement shifts can create tones ranging from brassy and bright to dark and warm. If you’re after a serious concert-grade instrument that is a fitting tribute to the father of modern classical guitar, look no further than the Cordoba Hauser.