A CLASSICAL GUITAR, MUNICH, 1939

German born, Hermann Hauser Sr. is considered by many the finest non-Spanish luthier to create guitars in the Spanish tradition. The inspiration for this transition into the Spanish style is credited to his association with Andres Segovia. From their very first encounter, Segovia saw great potential in the German maker and encouraged him to follow in the Spanish method of Manuel Ramirez and Antonio de Torres. Hauser proved himself a worthy learner, and began producing guitars rivaling his Spanish influences. Segovia was particularly taken with Hauser's new technique, famously playing on a 1931 guitar gifted to him by the maker and later on one from 1937. Another instrument Hauser obviously intended for the hands of the guitar virtuoso was this guitar from 1939; made evident by the inscription on the sound board, fait pour Monsieur Andres Segovia Montevideo. Similar dedications can be found on both the 1931 and 1937 guitars. From Segovia the guitar passed to Señora Paz. An amateur player, Paz and her husband, Dr. Arensto de Quiroga, were early patrons of Segovia and moved among Barcelona's elite society. The guitar then went from Seora Paz to Rosa Lloret Ortiz, a Barcelona concert guitarist. When Ortiz's career was cut short by hand problems, the guitar came into the possession of a private collector in Buenos Aires and ultimately to the current owner.