by Steve Richards » Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:44 am
After nearly 2 years, here is a partial answer. There is very little information about Karl Hauser Guitars available, and so, I will supply very little more. According to Hermann Hauser lll, Karl Hauser is in no way related to his family. He does say that he is a "very good business man," but that his (Hermann's) instruments are of "much better" quality. Whatever that all means, I'm not sure, other than he may know more than he states. He is at least familiar with the name of Karl Hauser.
Apparently there are several models out there. I have heard mentioned a Model 500, 600, 730, and an 830. I can only say for sure there is indeed a Model 730, because I have one. Recently, I bought it at an auction in Denver, where I assumed correctly, that the average attendee to an antique furniture auction (including the auctioneer to my benefit) is generally clueless as to the value of a classical guitar. It is in excellent shape and plays very well. That and the price is why I bought it. Although most of my experience is with electrics, I can say without question, it is worth more than I paid for it. Even a cheap classical is not cheap. The little sticker inside says "Handcrafted in West Germany," and looks a bit similar to the stickers in the Hermanns. Of course that similarity means very little.
There is an Internet post from 4 years ago stating that someone was willing to pay 700 Euros for a Model 730 in good condition. That is roughly $1000. There is another posting by an "expert," who hasn't actually seen one, stating that it probably isn't worth more than $900-1000. Then there is even another post stating that in mint condition a 730 is worth from $700-3500. Who really knows, and who really knows if they know? It is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I bought mine to play.
Karl Hauser is also a maker of violins and violas. They are occasionally for sale at various outlets and on the Internet. I know nothing at all about these other than they do exist in a picture, and as I write this, there are two for sale on Ebay.
Clearly people like Andres Segovia and Julian Bream have played Hermann Hauser's for a reason. However, since I am not playing classical guitar professionally, and am not headed to Reisbach, Germany, at least not this week, to order a Hermann, and I am playing a Karl Hauser for entertainment, I can say that his instruments are not bad at all. I like mine. It is a fine instrument, and I'm keepin' it. If anyone has any further knowledge about these instruments, please feel free to comment. I'm sure there are at least a couple people, that would like to know. That about covers it. out
Steve Richards