Romantic guitars - true to the original, finely built & sonorous
Romantic guitars bring back the sound of the 19th century: with a slimmer and smaller body, fine spruce top and shorter scale length, they are ideal for historical music and chamber music works. Whether original or a detailed replica - every guitar is an artistic instrument and 100% handmade!
Discover Romantic guitars now - with history, sound and character.
Romantic guitars - historical instruments with soul & history
What are Romantic guitars and what makes them special?
Romantic guitars are a special type of guitar that originated in the 19th century and are considered the forerunners of modern concert guitars. Their design is characterized by narrow and smaller bodies with a shorter scale length. These features and the reduced string tension have a significant influence on the sound and feel compared to today's guitars.
The sound character of the Romantic guitar is particularly warm and resonant, which makes it ideal for chamber music works and the music of the composers of the Romantic period. Important composers such as Fernando Sor, Luigi Legnani, Francisco Tárrega and Mauro Giuliani wrote for these instruments and explored their musical possibilities.
With its soft and nuanced sound, the Romantic guitar enables a special expressiveness that is appreciated in chamber music literature. It offers musicians the opportunity to bring out the emotions and subtleties of romantic music in the best possible way, making it an important instrument even today.
Sound & construction - Instruments for Romantic music
The sound and construction of Romantic guitars are decisive for their suitability for the music of the Romantic period. These instruments are usually made of high-quality materials, with the top always being made of spruce and the body of maple or other woods available in Europe.
The fingerboard is usually made of ebony, which makes it pleasant to play. Romantic guitars have special shapes and contours that differ from modern acoustic or concert guitars. Their narrower and smaller body and shorter scale length allow for differentiated playing and a special response.
Compared to modern concert guitars, Romantic guitars have a softer, less penetrating sound, which is ideal for the gentle and emotional expressions of Romantic music. The special construction promotes the nuances and dynamics that are characteristic of the musical works of this period.
Originals & replicas - for players and collectors
Vintage Guitar World offers a wide selection of original guitars from the Romantic era that are of interest to players and collectors alike. In addition to these originals, there are also replicas of historical models that capture the aesthetics and sound of the period.
In addition, custom-made products are offered that are tailored to the individual measurements of the players.
The use of gut strings enhances the special sound of these instruments, as they produce a warm and natural sound that brings out the nuances of romantic music. The playing feel with gut strings differs considerably from modern strings and contributes to the authenticity of the musical performances.
Experience romantic music on historical guitars
Performing romantic music on historical guitars opens up a fascinating world of sound. Typical pieces from this period, such as the etudes by Fernando Sor or the compositions of Mauro Giuliani, use specific playing techniques that exploit the full potential of the instruments. These techniques include complex fingerpicking patterns and harmonic embellishments that emphasize the emotional moods of the music.
An outstanding reference to composers such as Paganini can be seen in the virtuoso challenges that this music poses to the players. Paganini's influences can be felt in many romantic guitar works, which combine technical brilliance and emotional depth.
For more information about the classical guitar and historical guitars, visit the following links:
What are famous luthiers from the Romantic period?
Famous luthiers of the time were Johann Georg Stauffer and René Lacote. Stauffer was known for his innovative designs, while Lacote was appreciated for his exquisite craftsmanship. Both made significant contributions to the development of the Romantic guitar.
How long is the scale length of the romantic guitar?
The scale length of romantic guitars usually varies between 620 and 640 mm. This shorter scale length enables a differentiated playing feel and an easier response, which is important for romantic music.
How should you tune romantic guitars?
Romantic guitars should ideally be tuned between 415 and 425 hertz. This tuning contributes to the authenticity of the sound and adapts to the music of the Romantic era.
What kind of music is played on romantic guitars?
Romantic guitars are mainly used to play works by composers such as Fernando Sor, Francisco Tárrega and Mauro Giuliani. These pieces are often melodic and emotional and make use of the special sound qualities of the instruments.
Is a Romantic guitar a good alternative to the traditional Spanish guitar?
Yes, a Romantic guitar can be a good alternative to the traditional Spanish guitar, especially for players who want to explore the tonal spectrum of Romantic music. It offers a different response and timbre that is suitable for certain musical styles.
