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