Jacobus Jany, Vienna, 1800: The emergence of the six-string classical guitar took place in the mid-1780s in Naples, Paris, and Vienna. This particular guitar, crafted in 1800 by Jacobus Jany, a skilled luthier based in Vienna, has remarkably endured the test of time and remains in nearly flawless condition. Notably, it bears a striking resemblance to guitars fashioned by Giovanni Battista Fabricatore (active circa 1780-1811) in Naples during the same era.

The guitar's features include an ebony fingerboard flush with the top, a body constructed from maple for the back and sides, a German spruce top, and a figure-eight headstock adorned with pegs. It boasts tie gut and ivory frets, although its original tie bridge was replaced with a pin bridge during the early 19th century. The scale length measures 625 mm.

Surprisingly, this instrument possesses impressive volume despite its smaller body, delivering a beautiful tone characterized by focused trebles, a well-rounded mid-range, and pleasant bass notes, albeit not as full or deep as those found in a modern guitar. The harmonious combination makes it particularly well-suited for playing period music, such as compositions by Sor or Giuliani. THIS GUITAR IS NOW PART OF THE COLLECTION OF THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM IN PHOENIX, AZ