Haselbacher Model Classical Guitar, labeled Augustine (1978), made in Connecticut, spirit varnish finish, Brazillian rosewood back and sides. German spruce top, Spanish cedar neck with ebony fingerboard.
This very fine concert guitar was made by luthier Frank Haselbacher for the Albert Augustine company, inventors of the nylon guitar string and one of the most distinguished names in the American classical guitar world. Hasselbacher was born in Austria but emigrated to the US, eventually working with Albert Augustine before Augustine found his efforts diverted from building guitars to creating and marketing the nylon guitar string. When the Augustine company was looking to distribute high-grade classical guitars, Albert's former assistant Hasselbacher was called upon to build the actual instruments.
The woods are particularly nice, with a finely figured rosewood back and spectacular cross-grain flame in the top. The Augustine guitar line did not prove to be a great part of the company's business, but some excellent instruments were made, of which this is an especially nice example.
This guitar has a bright, powerful, but well-modulated tone, and is in perfect playing condition.
Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 14 5/16 in. (36.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 15/16 in. (10 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/8 in. (54 mm.).
Very clean overall, showing only the most minor signs of use. Excellent + Condition.
