Wolfgang JellinghausBavaria 1A

Inspired by the 1937 Hermann Hauser associated with Andrés Segovia, the Bavaria 1A pairs a spruce top and pau ferro body with a 650mm scale and Wolfgang Jellinghaus’s historical design approach.

The Bavaria 1A is based strongly on a legendary 1937 Hermann Hauser guitar, once owned and played by Andrés Segovia, who described it as the best guitar he ever played.

Before his association with Hauser, Segovia mainly played guitars made in the workshop of Manuel Ramírez. He encouraged Hauser to build in a similar Spanish tradition, resulting in the 1937 instrument that became one of Segovia’s most celebrated guitars. The original is now held in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Wolfgang Jellinghaus draws directly from this historic design while giving the Bavaria 1A a noticeably more modern feel in the hands.

The Bavaria 1A combines a spruce soundboard with Pau Ferro back and sides, with a lightweight overall construction of approximately 1,486g.

It’s 51.6mm nut and modern neck profile make it considerably less cumbersome than many instruments of this type. String spacing remains comfortable at approximately 42.7mm at the nut and 56.8mm at the saddle.

The trebles are crystal clear and honey-sweet, with a precise, articulate attack and excellent note definition. The basses are similarly controlled and polished, giving the guitar a firm foundation without overpowering the middle and upper registers.

Overall, the Bavaria 1A has a clear, balanced and elegant character, with the sweetness of spruce combined with excellent articulation.

Despite its historical inspiration, the Wolfgang Jellinghaus Bavaria 1A feels distinctly modern to play. Its relatively light weight also contributes to an immediate sense of ease and responsiveness.

The Bavaria 1A is a compelling choice for players drawn to the Hauser tradition but who prefer a slimmer, more contemporary player-friendly neck profile. It combines clarity, sweetness and refined basses with superb, comfortable playability.