Joachim Schneider (1939-2019) was born in 1939 in Markneukirchen and began his training under his grandfather, Willy Blahowetz, a maker of violins and cellos. He then went on to receive formal training at the Chemnitz Chamber of Crafts, receiving a masters certificate in 1961. When his grandfather died in 1962, he took over his granfather's workshop, and decided to dedicate his efforts to building fine classical guitars. Over the years he received many international awards for the quality of his guitars, and he is frequently mentioned with Hermann Hauser III, Mathias Dammann, as being among Germany’s top guitar makers. This guitar was made in 1998 and is his Donja-40 model. The finish has been well cared for and although it shows some light wear—an area of the back that has been discolored by contact with the owners body over the years (see photo of the back)—the finish is almost as new. The original tuning machine heads were replaced because the gears were worn with ones made in Taiwan, but if one wants them can be sent with the guitar. Otherwise the guitar is in excellent condition, and has been recently set up by a master guitar maker in Greece. Among its features are a 12-hole bridge, and fret markers on the side of the fingerboard. It comes with a Hiscox Hardcase.