Hanika 54PF

First of all, I have to say that I am not a classical guitarist, and so am unable to compare this guitar with guitars with pricetags large enough to buy a new car. In this range, though, +/ - ¤1,000, I think this guitar cannot be beat. It is really a work of art, and weighs only about 1.5 kilos. Very light, very dynamically responsive, and it has a very sweet, full-bodied sound.

There is nothing about this guitar that I do not like. The woods and finish are excellent, the workmanship is first-class. There is nothing shiny or fancy, everything has been put into providing an excellent instrument at what I consider to be a fair price-point, especially since Hanika guitars are made here in Germany.

While I am not a classically-trained guitarist, I can play. I already have a 2007 Hanika PC54, but I wanted something with bit of a different tone and clearer highs. I tried out a couple of crossover guitars, in the range of ¤500-¤900, but their sound was anemic, and I had to accept that, for the money I wanted to spend, I would need a traditional instrument. My experience with my 54PC guided my purchase of the 54PF, and it must've come almost directly from the Hanika workshop, because it is flawless, no signs of sitting in a warehouse for months (e.g., sharp fret-ends, etc).

I am not really the 'gushy' type, when it comes to reviewing instruments. I have a nice collection of electric and Western guitars, and am not easily positively impressed. The Hanika 54PF impresses me, and I am sure I will love it more and more as it opens up.

The gigbag is above average, though I worry a bit about the zipper scratching the guitar. Just means I have to be careful with it, or get a case.

I would not hesitate to recommend this guitar to anyone who wants a nice classical guitar for their collection, or for students who are starting classical guitar lessons.