Brand: Stephan Thumhart
Instrument Categories: Antique and Romantic, Guitars, SOLD
This is one of the older pieces in our shop at the moment – a fully functional Romantic guitar by Stephan Thumhart, built in Munich and dated to 1820. It features a modern 25.5 inch scale length, spruce top, and figured maple back and sides. The neck of this Stephan Thumhart Romantic Guitar is maple with ebony for the fingerboard and pin bridge. It has had many repairs over its nearly two hundred year history, but works well.
Stephan Thumhart operated an instrument shop in Munchen, Bavaria – in the English speaking world, Munich, from at least 1820 to 1850, and was Luthier to the Bavarian Court. Some sources indicate that he worked in Munich from 1830 to 1850, and then returned to his native Amberg, but the label on this instrument clearly says both 1820 and Munich. This guitar also has a secondary label, indicating a repair done by Hans Trautner in Ambach during 1911.
This guitar is fully playable, with nylon strings installed. The ebony friction tuners have been rebuilt and rebushed, and work as well as they can.
Here is what Twelfth Fret expert, Grant MacNeill says about this wonderful instrument:
“This amazing survivor has lovely tone typical of the better Romantic era guitars. Myriad minor repairs and finish touch ups have been done over the past 196 years, including a 20th century fretboard and frets. It has retained its lovely tonal character and should continue to make music for another 200 years. The action is low and the neck set is ideal so there are no playability issues with this historic guitar. Built in Munich in 1820 according to the intact original label.” ~ Grant MacNeill
This instrument is sold without case.
- Model: Romantic Guitar
- Year: 1830 | Approximate year
- Finish Natural Varnish
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: N/A
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 13/03/2018
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Instrument Weight: 2.2lbs 1kg
- Scale Length: 25.2in 648mm
- Nut Width: 1.69in 43mm
