Hans Frederik “Single” Jensen Archtop 1950s

Hans Frederik Jensen’s large archtops are among the more rare Scandinavian jazz guitars, but this 1950s example ticks many of the right boxes. Built in Copenhagen by Jensen – better known as “Single Jensen” – it’s a full-bodied archtop with the characteristic asymmetrical headstock and multi-ply binding, finished in a now heavily worn brown lacquer.

Jensen was born in 1902 and originally trained as a coffin maker before moving to Copenhagen and later opening his workshop in “Åbenrå” in the heart of the city. There he developed a small but loyal following among Danish players and became known for finely made jazz guitars with carved spruce tops, mahogany back and sides, multi-piece mahogany necks with an internal metal bar, and his own “Jensen carve” with upside-down Y-bracing. He was famously strict about quality, destroying any guitar that did not meet his standards.

This guitar has the right period details: large body with f-holes, bound fingerboard with broad block markers, chunky neck profile typical of 1950s archtops, and the long floating wooden bridge. The small frets appear original but still play fine, and overall playability is good. A period correct and highly desirable Made in Denmark Walchris floating pickup is mounted at the end of the fingerboard. The pickguard has been modified and shows an extra hole where a volume control once sat next to the jack, which is still guard-mounted.

The guitar is structurally sound with no cracks or breaks. There are two neatly plugged holes on the lower back bout and the trapeze tailpiece is likely a later replacement. The lacquer shows heavy, naturally earned wear that gives the guitar fantastic patina and an unbeatable “smoky jazz bar” vibe. A supercool mid-century Danish jazz box, hand-made in the heart of Copenhagen.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Maker: Hans Frederik Jensen (“Single Jensen”)
• Model: Large archtop jazz guitar
• Country of origin: Denmark
• Year: c. 1950s
• Top: Likely solid carved spruce
• Back and sides: Mahogany, bound top and back
• Neck: Multi-piece mahogany with contrasting center strips, internal metal bar
• Neck profile: Fat, chunky 1950s-style
• Fingerboard: Bound dark wood with large block inlays
• Scale length: Approx. 648 mm / 25.5″
• Pickup: Walchris floating pickup stamped “Walchris – Made in Denmark”, mounted at fingerboard end
• Controls: Jack on pickguard, extra hole indicating former volume pot on guard
• Bridge: Adjustable floating wooden bridge
• Tailpiece: Trapeze style, likely later replacement
• Tuners: 3-on-a-plate open-gear with cream buttons
• Body: Large archtop, approx. 16–17″ lower bout
• Frets: Original small vintage wire, plays well
• Condition notes: No cracks or breaks, two plugged holes on lower back bout, heavy cosmetic wear and patina
• Weight: 3400g