Dieter Hopf β one of the most innovative guitar builders of all times β made this invention around 1980. With two patented features: f.v.t.s. (Free Vibrating Top System) and extra sound holes in the bridge.
When I found this guitar in 2018 the bridge looked as in picture 17 β 19. I was confused and wasn't able to find any answers online. So I wrote to Dieter Hopf β at that time at the age of 82 and still going strong ! And very kindly he sent me a letter containing a picture and a description of a similar model Classic II f.v.t.s. + two grids to put in the holes, that I then re-created.
This model named CARTAGENA f.v.t.s. is the former model offered by Willy Hopf & Co. β where Dieter was responsible for the guitar making.
Body length 48.7 cm. Upper bout 37.5 cm. Lower bout 29.0 cm. Body thickness <10.0 cm>. Body volume β15.8 liters. Mensur 650 mm. Nut width 52 mm. Action 2.3 mmβοΈ Body frequency between B and C. With Knobloch CX 300 ADC strings.
It has a great magic tone even by gentle / soft playing β and has a few superficial inperfections.
Heel-stamp 316 / 071 15 FEB. 1981
Prepared for electric amplification: Jack adapter at the bottom.
So far this model is known in only two copies. (I sold the other to a French in August / 2021)
The YouTube video is showing another model with the same Free Vibration Top System and bridge sound holes.
Comes with a NOHSC (Non-Original Hard Shell Case) π
Last picture: End-Ball options: choose between > 20 different ones
π΄ π π‘ π’ π΅ π£ β«οΈ βͺοΈ π€
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Watch my store (Oh*My*Gut*Guitars) description about End-balls and my general views on "guitar" and "music teachers" β myths and snobberyβοΈ