Hermann Müller - - Archtop guitar - 1960
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Description from the seller
Hermann Müller Archtop – Markneukirchen (East Germany), circa 1958–1965
Well-preserved historical artifact of East German guitar making.
This rare archtop guitar comes from the workshop of Hermann Müller, a luthier from Markneukirchen, Saxony – the historic center of German musical instrument making.
It was probably manufactured between 1958 and 1965, a time when, despite limited materials, remarkably high-quality and characterful instruments were produced. Hermann Müller was one of the smaller, craft-oriented manufacturers operating within the MIGMA cooperative (Musikinstrumentenbau Markneukirchen).
Technical and optical details
Vaulted ceiling with f-shaped holes (archtop construction)
Floating, two-part wooden bridge (adjustable)
Original metal string holder with 'HM' logo
Classic open mechanics with plastic wings.
Coating in elegant black, preserved with a glossy shine.
Clearly visible craftsmanship – typical of DDR instruments from the early 1960s.
state
Despite its age, the guitar appears in very good, largely original condition.
No cracks, no open glue joints.
Original parts fully preserved
Neck straight, string action excellent.
Only minimal signs of use – remarkable for an instrument over 60 years old.
The bridge can be fine-tuned to optimize the intonation. Sonically, the instrument offers the typical, slightly dry and warm vintage jazz tone that makes these East German archtops so characteristic.
Uniqueness & Value
Guitars by Hermann Müller are rare on the market, as they were produced in small quantities and were mostly sold only regionally. This specimen is among the best-preserved known instruments of this brand – a true collectible and a fascinating piece of music history from the GDR.
Summary
Manufacturer: Hermann Müller, Markneukirchen (GDR)
Construction period: circa 1958–1965
Type: Archtop / Jazz guitar (acoustic)
Condition: very good, fully playable, original preserved
Origin: Historical DDR guitar building (Vogtland region).
An exceptionally well-preserved example of East German guitar craftsmanship – ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, or musicians with a taste for authentic vintage instruments.
Hermann Müller Archtop – Markneukirchen (East Germany), circa 1958–1965
Exceptionally well-preserved example of East German craftsmanship.
This rare archtop guitar was crafted by Hermann Müller in Markneukirchen, Saxony – the historic heart of German instrument making.
Built approximately between 1958 and 1965, during a period of material scarcity, this instrument reflects the remarkable skill and character of East German luthiers of the time. Hermann Müller was one of the smaller, artisanal builders associated with the MIGMA cooperative (Musikinstrumentenbau Markneukirchen).
Technical and visual details
Arched top with f-holes (traditional archtop design)
Floating, two-piece adjustable wooden bridge
Original metal tailpiece with 'HM' logo
Classic open tuners with plastic buttons
Glossy black finish in excellent preservation
Visible hand craftsmanship – typical of early 1960s East German guitars.
Condition
Despite its age, the guitar remains in very good, largely original condition.
No cracks or open seams.
All original parts intact
Straight neck, excellent string action.
Only minor wear – remarkable for a 60+ year-old instrument.
The bridge can be fine-tuned for intonation. Its sound offers the typical dry yet warm vintage jazz tone characteristic of East German archtops.
Rarity & value
Guitars by Hermann Müller are rarely seen on the market, as production numbers were low and most instruments were sold regionally.
This example ranks among the best-preserved known pieces from this maker – a genuine collector’s item and a fascinating piece of musical history.
Summary
Maker: Hermann Müller, Markneukirchen (GDR)
Year: circa 1958–1965
Type: Archtop / acoustic jazz guitar
Condition: very good, fully playable, original condition.
Origin: Historical East German luthiery (Vogtland region).
A beautifully preserved example of East German guitar craftsmanship – ideal for collectors, vintage enthusiasts, or musicians seeking authentic mid-century tone.
Hermann Müller Archtop – Markneukirchen (East Germany), circa 1958–1965
Well-preserved historical artifact of East German guitar making.
This rare archtop guitar comes from the workshop of Hermann Müller, a luthier from Markneukirchen, Saxony – the historic center of German musical instrument making.
It was probably manufactured between 1958 and 1965, a time when, despite limited materials, remarkably high-quality and characterful instruments were produced. Hermann Müller was one of the smaller, craft-oriented manufacturers operating within the MIGMA cooperative (Musikinstrumentenbau Markneukirchen).
Technical and optical details
Vaulted ceiling with f-shaped holes (archtop construction)
Floating, two-part wooden bridge (adjustable)
Original metal string holder with 'HM' logo
Classic open mechanics with plastic wings.
Coating in elegant black, preserved with a glossy shine.
Clearly visible craftsmanship – typical of DDR instruments from the early 1960s.
state
Despite its age, the guitar appears in very good, largely original condition.
No cracks, no open glue joints.
Original parts fully preserved
Neck straight, string action excellent.
Only minimal signs of use – remarkable for an instrument over 60 years old.
The bridge can be fine-tuned to optimize the intonation. Sonically, the instrument offers the typical, slightly dry and warm vintage jazz tone that makes these East German archtops so characteristic.
Uniqueness & Value
Guitars by Hermann Müller are rare on the market, as they were produced in small quantities and were mostly sold only regionally. This specimen is among the best-preserved known instruments of this brand – a true collectible and a fascinating piece of music history from the GDR.
Summary
Manufacturer: Hermann Müller, Markneukirchen (GDR)
Construction period: circa 1958–1965
Type: Archtop / Jazz guitar (acoustic)
Condition: very good, fully playable, original preserved
Origin: Historical DDR guitar building (Vogtland region).
An exceptionally well-preserved example of East German guitar craftsmanship – ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, or musicians with a taste for authentic vintage instruments.
Hermann Müller Archtop – Markneukirchen (East Germany), circa 1958–1965
Exceptionally well-preserved example of East German craftsmanship.
This rare archtop guitar was crafted by Hermann Müller in Markneukirchen, Saxony – the historic heart of German instrument making.
Built approximately between 1958 and 1965, during a period of material scarcity, this instrument reflects the remarkable skill and character of East German luthiers of the time. Hermann Müller was one of the smaller, artisanal builders associated with the MIGMA cooperative (Musikinstrumentenbau Markneukirchen).
Technical and visual details
Arched top with f-holes (traditional archtop design)
Floating, two-piece adjustable wooden bridge
Original metal tailpiece with 'HM' logo
Classic open tuners with plastic buttons
Glossy black finish in excellent preservation
Visible hand craftsmanship – typical of early 1960s East German guitars.
Condition
Despite its age, the guitar remains in very good, largely original condition.
No cracks or open seams.
All original parts intact
Straight neck, excellent string action.
Only minor wear – remarkable for a 60+ year-old instrument.
The bridge can be fine-tuned for intonation. Its sound offers the typical dry yet warm vintage jazz tone characteristic of East German archtops.
Rarity & value
Guitars by Hermann Müller are rarely seen on the market, as production numbers were low and most instruments were sold regionally.
This example ranks among the best-preserved known pieces from this maker – a genuine collector’s item and a fascinating piece of musical history.
Summary
Maker: Hermann Müller, Markneukirchen (GDR)
Year: circa 1958–1965
Type: Archtop / acoustic jazz guitar
Condition: very good, fully playable, original condition.
Origin: Historical East German luthiery (Vogtland region).
A beautifully preserved example of East German guitar craftsmanship – ideal for collectors, vintage enthusiasts, or musicians seeking authentic mid-century tone.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Hermann Müller
Multiple Models
No
Year of Manufacture
1960
Condition
Very good
Nr of items
1
Includes
+ Extra item (see description)
Weight
8 kg
Tested and working
Tested and working/playable
