NO RESERVE. Edgar Mönch started building classical guitars in the 1940s in Munich, Germany. In 1965 he moved his workshop to Toronto, Canada, where he trained Jean Larrivée (of Larrivée Guitars) how to make guitars, but in the early ’70s he returned to Germany where he established his shop in Freiburg. Mönch’s guitars feature conventional Torres-style fan bracing and are inspired by the designs of Hermann Hauser. The tone of his 1950s instruments is described as similar to the classical guitars made by Hermann Hauser II during the same period.


Built in 1952, this guitar has a loud, commanding voice that is ideal for concert performance thanks to its Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Julian Bream and John Williams played Mönch guitars during their careers, and this guitar is certainly worthy of players of their caliber.


Label: Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso/Construcción de guitarras/Gravina 7 Madrid; “Para Enrique Ruiz de sus amigos Conde” and “1962” handwritten on label
Top: Spruce with golpeadores
Back and sides: Cypress
Neck: Mahogany
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 19
Bridge: Tie block
Tuners: Machine with engraved baseplates and carved pearl buttons