wern101 It works out at around R50k, which is a small fraction of what a similar quality product would cost abroad, based on the research I did before commissioning this guitar. Final price can vary according to the woods that you prefer to use and special features (such as the integrated bevel). Although Hans has specialized in making classical guitars, he has also made acoustic (steel string) guitars. I have not played or seen those first-hand, but can only imagine that they would be of a similar quality. Check out the photos of the OM model: http://bergguitars.co.za/instruments.html
Hans Van Den Berg Guitar build
wern101 To put this in perspective, a basic guitar build from South African luthiers Casimi or Marc Maingard would begin at USD15,000 (about ZAR180,000 at current exchange rates) before adding extra bells and whistles (as I have done with the guitar that Hans has made for me). I had a very constructive discussion with Mervyn Davis, who is a highly experienced and innovative luthier who could make you a guitar at a similar price bracket to Hans (a bit more realistic for South African buyers). As an entrepreneur myself, I certainly do not begrudge these luthiers selling their guitars to international buyers at whatever price the market can bear - elementary laws of supply and demand, willing-buyer, willing-seller. They all certainly make absolutely beautiful guitars that are world class and quite unique. As South Africans, we often tend to assume that foreign products are better than local, but there are a few luthiers here in SA that deserve a close look. I do agree that, regardless of whether it is a classical or acoustic (steel string) guitar, you cannot realistically compare a luthier-built guitar to a factory made instrument in terms of the craftsmanship.
Another way to see the price is hours: If you pay R50k for 200 hours of work, that's not bad. Way below the average motor technician billing rate. But in terms of "this is a guitar" it sounds a lot. if I could get some work out at that hourly rate I would smile. I would assume that the luthier cannot work 40 hours per week non-stop on one instrument, if that was possible, your guitar would arrive in less than two months. Spaced out over the time it would take to build, it is not such a good money-spinner. Locally. In perspective, 30 years ago a handmade guitar was R2500. And I thought that was expensive!
Beautiful work, I would love to feel and play such an instrument someday.
Also, the convenience of telling the luthier what you might like is handy. Nut width. Fingerboard radius. Fret sizes. Sound characteristics. Not easy to buy those off the rack.
Bridge glued on: 
Machine heads fitted (super smooth apparently!):
I think Hans works on a maximum on 2-3 guitars at a time. Because I am based in Cape Town, he builds the guitar (from his base in Meyerton) in a controlled humidity environment that will replicate the average weather conditions here. Something that has repeatedly struck me throughout this guitar build process is the incredible attention to detail.
Basically complete, just some final polishing to be done:
That concludes my 'berg guitar build post', signing out to go and practice!
Absolutely stunning!
a year later
Stunning build. Congrats
I highly recommend that you speak to Hans about this: bergguitars.co.za Hans is very approachable and is a true craftsman and a perfectionist. I have been following some of the guitars he has made since mine was built and I can tell you he is doing some incredible work.
7 days later
Thanks a lot. Have already contacted Hans.
2 years later
absolutely gorgeous guitar. can you tell me the dimensions of the radial bracing.