Description
J. A. Baader & Co. 1890 Romanic Guitar – Exceptional Handcrafted Mittenwald Instrument | Rare Antique German Classical Guitar
The J. A. Baader & Co. 1890 Romanic Guitar is a beautifully preserved example of late 19th-century German craftsmanship, built by one of the most respected instrument makers in Mittenwald. Founded around 1790, J. A. Baader & Co. was, alongside Neuner & Hornsteiner, one of the leading workshops in the region. Under the direction of Johann Paul Baader, Max Baader, and later Adolf Baader, the company became a renowned court supplier (Hoflieferant), known for precision craftsmanship and elegant tonal design.
By the late 1800s, the firm operated its own sawmill, employed around 160 craftsmen and home workers, and produced fine violins, zithers, and guitars admired for their sound and build quality.
This particular J. A. Baader & Co. 1890 Romanic Guitar reflects the highest standards of Mittenwald’s luthier tradition. It features a spruce top with maple back and sides, a 47 mm nut width, and a 620 mm scale length — dimensions that provide comfort, balance, and responsiveness. It can be dated to around 1890.
The sound of this instrument is charming, warm, and lyrical, capable of capturing the authentic character of early 19th-century repertoire by composers such as Sor, Giuliani, Aguado, Legnani, Diabelli, Carulli, and Coste. Despite its age, the guitar has remarkable clarity, projection, and sustain, producing a fine concert-level tone rich in color and nuance.
Features:
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Maker: J. A. Baader & Co., Mittenwald, Germany
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Year: circa 1890
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Model: Romanic Guitar
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Top: Spruce
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Back & Sides: Maple
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Scale Length: 620 mm
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Nut Width: 47 mm
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Condition: Very good, lightly restored, structurally sound, and fully playable
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Playability: Straight neck, low and comfortable action
The J. A. Baader & Co. 1890 Romanic Guitar offers an enchanting, refined tone — perfect for historically informed performance. Its responsive top and elegant construction deliver both volume and dynamic control, making it ideal for collectors and players seeking an authentic 19th-century sound.
As a product of one of the most important Mittenwald workshops, this J. A. Baader & Co. 1890 Romanic Guitar embodies the long-standing excellence of German instrument making — combining beauty, tradition, and performance in one timeless instrument.
















