Golden Era steel-strings with pre-war authenticity and old-world craftsmanship
Founded in Tübingen, Germany, in 1996 by Rudolf “Rudie” Blazer and Wilhelm “Willi” Henkes, B&H Guitars grew from decades of building, repairing, restoring, and studying vintage American instruments. Their close examination of original pre-war Martins, wartime Gibsons, and Larson Brothers guitars gave them an exceptional understanding of Golden Era construction and sound.
B&H recreated these historic instruments not only in appearance, but also in materials and construction. Lightweight tonewoods, hot hide glue, pure nitrocellulose lacquer, carefully selected Alpine spruce, and period-correct structural details were used to achieve the powerful, open, and responsive character of the finest American steel-strings of the 1930s.
Their work encompassed Martin-inspired dreadnoughts, OMs, and 12-fret models, alongside Gibson- and Larson-inspired designs. Built entirely by hand in small batches, B&H guitars combined remarkable historical authenticity with the precision of old-world European craftsmanship. Production has now ended following the makers’ retirement, leaving a limited and highly regarded body of instruments.
