Otwin Sonor Archtop Jazz – Germany, circa 1944–1948
Large-body German archtop built during the transitional years at the end of World War II and the immediate post-war period. Otwin Sonor belonged to a network of workshops that preserved traditional handcraft methods despite material shortages and economic disruption.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this instrument is the combination of a hand-carved solid spruce top with a shorter 24 1/2" scale length. This pairing results in strong acoustic projection, quick response, and clear, detailed highs, while maintaining a comfortable and supple playing feel. The generous 16 3/4" body delivers impressive volume and presence for a European archtop of this era.
Key features
- Orientation: Right-handed
- Top: Hand-carved solid spruce
- Body: 16 3/4" archtop
- Finish: Thin two-tone brown nitrocellulose
- Neck: Narrow deep C profile
- Neck width: 1.650" at nut / 1.945" at 12th fret
- Neck thickness: 0.980" at 1st fret / 1.4" at 12th fret
- Fingerboard: Locally sourced European hardwood (likely beech or oak)
- Radius: 7.25"
- Scale length: 24 1/2"
- Frets: Refretted with tall frets
- Bridge: Original floating bridge
- Pickup: Later-added Schaller Rhythm floating pickup
- Weight: Approx. 4 lbs
Work performed
- Full fret leveling
- Complete setup
Work carried out by Montréal Guitar
Strings installed: D’Addario EJ21
Notes
- No structural cracks
- Original binding previously reglued
- Originally built as an acoustic instrument, pickup added later
- Strong acoustic projection with clear, articulate highs, well suited for jazz and light amplification
Otwin Sonor Archtop Jazz - circa 1944–1948
1. Currency and payment: All transactions are in CAD. Payments accepted by cash, debit, credit, cheque, e-transfer, and direct deposit. No trades of equivalent value.
2. Shipping: International shipping with insurance and tracking available. Local pickup by appointment at Montréal Guitar, 129 Van Horne, Montreal.
3. Returns and warranty: Items sold as described. Returns accepted only if the item received does not match the description or has a major undisclosed functional issue, within 48 hours of receipt.
4. Reservations and deposits: Instruments may be reserved with a 20 percent deposit, non-refundable after 7 days.