Description
Here is a Dieter Hopf Baroque Guitar from 1967, built in the general style of the Voboam workshops in Paris. As a six string single course design, this would represent the late Baroque period when these instruments transitioned from five double courses.
While this example is relatively plain, Voboam instruments were often fantastically ornamented and were used by French royalty and courtiers. An in-depth examination of Voboam instruments and their construction by The Dutch Luthier can be read here.
Construction and Condition
This fascinating instrument pairs a European Spruce top that extends to the eighth fret with flamed Maple for the sides and back. The bracing is also Spruce, with unornamented Maple for the solid linings. Linings are bent or kerfed wooden ledges glued to the side to provide support surface for the top and back. These solid linings are a departure from the Voboam technique which used a glue-soaked rope. The top binding is a rope style enclosing a four-layer purfling.
The neck is likely Poplar, a lightweight wood often used for this purpose. The fingerboard, three section bridge and friction tuning pegs are Ebony. The neck is attached with a modern Dovetail style joint rather than the 'slipper heel' construction used in the Voboam models as well as traditional Classical and Flamenco guitars. The frets are gut and are tied in place, a practice from the earliest days of fretted instruments until the introduction of metal strings. Some reproduction builders use nylon instead of gut for availability and reliability.
This Dieter Hopf Baroque Guitar is in overall very good condition, with no structural damage or body cracks. The front of the headstock is showing a central crack that is not structural. The varnish finish is in good condition with natural staining from being played.
The differences from historic to modern construction techniques do not detract from quality or performance and serve to make these instruments much more accessible and affordable.
About Dieter Hopf
Dieter Hopf's family has been building violins, guitars and related instruments since 1669 and the Hopf workshop is one of the most prominent in Germany. Originally the family was based near Klingenthal/Markneukirchen, an area with a wide range of musical instrument makers. At the end of WW2, that area fell under Soviet control and in 1948 the Hopf family, along with many others, moved to Western areas, the Hopfs settling in Taunusstein, west of Frankfurt.
The Hopf workshop is well known for a full range of quality classical guitars, from midrange to professional concert quality.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: Baroque (Voboam Style Romantic Guitar)
- Instrument Manufacturer: Dieter Hopf
- Instrument Year: 1967
- Instrument Finish: Hand rubbed varnish
- Instrument Class: Classical/ nylon
- Instrument Serial Number: N/A
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Instrument Condition: Very good with some minor cosmetic wear marks.
- Playing Condition: Good with comfortable action
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 1.78 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 0.81 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 24.48 in
- Scale Length Metric: 622 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.746 in
- Nut Width Metric: 44.35 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: No
- Case Type: Basic cardboard case
- Items in Case: cushion to help with fit in case
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190535
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |