The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #113976   Message #3611533
Posted By: GUEST,Mikos Landouse
21-Mar-14 - 11:06 AM
Thread Name: Otwin guitars - anyone else owned one?
Subject: RE: Otwin guitars - anyone else owned one?
Otto Windisch guitars investigations by myself have revealed names such as FRANZ STARKE (STAERKE) and brands such as JOHANNES ADLER, ESTE, OTWIN, and OWOPHONE.
I have an old Johannes Adler Archtop, possibly pre WWII, which is very light and has carved back and top. It is quite loud with a mid range "bark" similar to the recorded sound of a guitarist called Django Reinhardt! It appears to be a mid range instrument. When I bought it I tried a similar (1930's) Gibson which actually sounded no better or played no better, it did however, have some benefits in build quality. I paid a fraction of the price of the Gibson to obtain it and fitted it with lighter tension strings and lowered the action to help reduce the relief in the neck, which has no truss rod. The guitar could do with a visit to the Samois Gypsy Jazz festival wher I,n sure it will feel nearly at home.