Van der Waals Nylon barritone 1965

This rare Baritone (or Quint-Bass) guitar was handcrafted in 1965 by the legendary Dutch luthier Nico van der Waals. Built during his highly creative period in the Netherlands, this instrument stands as a fascinating historical milestone. The mid-1960s marked a pivotal turning point in Van der Waals’ career, as he began shifting his focus toward historical lutes and early period instruments. This guitar beautifully reflects that transition, combining traditional classical guitar construction with a deep understanding of ensemble acoustics and lower pitch registers.

Designed primarily to expand the sonic range of guitar ensembles, this Baritone instrument is typically tuned a perfect fifth lower than a standard classical guitar (B-E-A-D-F#-B). To support the lower frequencies while maintaining excellent string tension and clarity on nylon strings, it features a significantly longer scale length and a uniquely optimized body projection. Van der Waals’ signature craftsmanship is evident in every detail—from the meticulous selection of premium tonewoods, like brazilian rosewood in this guitar to the sophisticated internal bracing that delivers a warm, transparent, and majestic bass response. Combining rare acoustic engineering with historical significance, this 1965 masterpiece is not just an instrument, but a living piece of 20th-century guitar-making history.