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Archived Sales of
Selected Flamenco and Classical Guitars
More archives
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Zavaleta's La Casa de Guitarras
specializes in flamenco and classical guitars made in Spain. We carry carefully selected
inventory of fine handmade guitars built by individual Spanish luthiers. Because we are a flamenco and classical guitar dealer not a retail store, our
concert classical guitars and professional flamenco guitars are not those left
after thousands of buyers have looked at them. We have no pound puppies.
If we do not have what you want in stock, we can easily place an order for
you with any of the Spanish guitar
makers we handle. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
PURCHASE POLICY: Guitars shipped pre-paid on 48 hr.
approval, 30 day exchange.
GUITARS
SHIPPED DHL OVERNIGHT IN THE CONTINENTAL USA FOR $35.00 |
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Guitars
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1913 Hermann Hauser 7-String Guitar.
Although Hermann Hauser Sr. (1882-1952)
is widely known for his guitars in the Spanish tradition, which he began
to make with Segovia's encouragement after meeting him in 1924,
Hauser had been building guitars, lutes, and other related instruments
in the German tradition since 1900. While Hauser's early work does not
yet command the astronomic prices of his latter instruments, I consider
these instruments to be good investments as only limited numbers
survive. This unusual and rare seven-string guitar is a fine example of
his early work.
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1920 Hermann Hauser Vienna Model Classical Guitar.
Hermann Hauser Sr. (1882-1952) is widely regarded
as one of the finest makers of the 20th century. This guitar was originally
purchased from Hauser by the German guitarist and composer Heinrich Albert
(1870-1950). Its body is made of
flamed European maple with a top of German spruce. The instrument is in excellent condition. The
machine tuners and hardcase are original. The guitar has been re-French
polished by Renzo Salvador, a luthier in Belgium. The fingerboard has been
widened slightly for playability, but could be returned to its original
configuration easily.
Its sound is of absolute purity, and it was used by Philippe Lemaigre
to record the complete works of Agustin Barrios. This guitar is
currently in Europe and price does not include shipping or other
applicable duties.
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Hermann Hauser, Munich, 1924.
Although Hermann Hauser Sr.
(1882-1952) is best remembered for the remarkable instruments he built in
the Spanish tradition after 1924. In that year, both Andres Segovia and Miguel
Llobet visited Hauser in Munich. Segovia had attended a concert at which a group
of musicians all played Hauser's. Segovia impressed by the quality of Hauser's
work, wrote his impressions of the concert, noting that he "immediately saw the
potential of this great artisan if only his mastery might be turned to the
construction of the guitar in the Spanish pattern as immutably fixed by Torres
and Ramirez" (Segovia 1954). Segovia encouraged Hauser to copy his 1912
Manuel Ramirez guitar (an instrument generally believed to have been built by
Santos Hernandez while he was foreman of the Ramirez shop). He examined and made
measurements of this instrument. As Llobet owned an 1859 Antonio de Torres,
Hauser also had opportunity to examine it as well. Although Hauser began
building in the Spanish tradition in 1925, the secrets of these great masters
were not an open book, and it took him twelve years of trail and error before he
was able to build a guitar that Segovia proclaimed as being the "greatest guitar
of our epoch." This guitar is Hauser's Vienna model which he continued to
make even as he made Segovia's 1937 Spanish style concert classical guitar.
1924 Hermann Hauser
played by Guilherme Vincens |
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1933 Santos Hernandez Concert Classical Guitar.
Santos Hernandez
was the maker who built Andres Segovia's 1912 Manuel Ramirez guitar while worked
for Ramirez. The sound of his concert classical guitars speak for themselves. The
label has been signed and dated by Santos Hernandez, and bears the maker's stamp
neck block. The underside of the top is also signed and dated. This guitar was
restored in 1981 by J. Farré, a luthier in Barcelona, (b.1928), and the guitar
also carries his label stating that he
restored this instrument. The restoration repaired a number of cracks on the
back, including one that crossed the original label, and hairline cracks on the
top. The restorer also refinished the guitar using, as did Santos Hernandez,
French polish. This guitar has a top of German spruce, and Brazilian rosewood
back and sides. Everything, including the tuners, appears to be original. The
neck is straight, and the action at the 12th fret, 6th string is set at 3.5mm.
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1940 Santos Hernandez, Concert Classical Guitar.
Santos Hernandez (1874-1943)
was one the guitar great makers of the early 20th century to come out of
the shop of Manuel Ramirez. He is credited with being the maker of the
1912 Manuel Ramirez that Segovia played until 1938. After Manuel Ramirez
died, he worked for Manuel's widow until 1918, where upon he opened his
own shop on the calle Atocha. Under his own name between 1916-1943, he
made some 300 guitars. This guitar made by Santos Hernandez
in 1940 for the countess Josefina Locateli, in whose possession it remained
until 2004.
1940 Santos Hernandez
played
by Gonzalo Andrés Molano
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1944 Vda de Domingo Esteso Flamenco Guitar. Domingo Esteso
Lopez was one the guitar great
makers of the early 20th century to come out of the shop of Manuel Ramirez.
After Manuel Ramirez died, he opened his own shop on the calle Gravina, where he was joined by his
13 year old nephew, Faustino Conde in 1926. After his death in 1937,
Domingo's widow (Vda) took over the shop, and Faustino and his two
brothers, Mariano and Julio continued working for her building under the
label Vda y Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso which they signed Conde Hermanos until her death in the 1960s. This guitar made by the Conde Hermanos in Gravina
Shop in 1944.
This guitar has the wonderful, dry flamenco rasp,
and soul that made Conde Hermanos world famous.
1944 Vda y Sobrinos de Domingo
Esteso played by
Gaetano
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1957 Manuel Velazquez Concert Classical Guitar.
Manuel
Velazquez was born in 1918, and began building in the 1930s, he is
widely consider a world class maker, and his guitars have been played by
Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, and many others. This guitar was made in
1957 with magnificent German spruce top, of a quality that is rarely
seen these days. The back and sides are build of Brazilian rosewood.
The tone of this guitar is warm,
full, fundamental, even, and concentrated. Normal finish wear for a
guitar of this age, some light scratches.
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1958 Arcángel Fernandez Flamenco Guitar.
This flamenco guitar, no 75 in his obra, was made in
1958. Over all this guitar is in remarkable condition. There a few
hairline cracks on the back and top which were expertly repaired by Ivor
Marants music in London some 10 years, and do not affect the sound. The
golpeadores (tap plates) have come off leaving marks on the finish
underneath. There are a few small scratches and dings on the sides and back.
Again nothing serious The neck is straight, and the action is set up for
flamenco. This would be a wonderful addition to any collection, and a
great instrument for any player.
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1960 Marcelino Lopez Nieto Concert Flamenco Guitar.
Born in 1931, Marcelino
López Nieto
was a cabinet maker before becoming a guitar maker. He was drawn into making
guitars, because he was studying with Daniel Fortea, and wanted a fine
guitar, but could not afford one. Although, he confesses that as a luthier
he is largely self-taught, he worked for a time carving head stocks
for Hernandez y Aguado, and he informally learned much the theory of his
craft from the widow of Santos Hernandez, and from his nephew Feliciano Bayon
in whose workshop he hung out regularly as did many of the leading musicians
of the time. He established his own workshop in Madrid in 1949.
Marcelino is a complete luthier, and makes not only fine classical and
flamenco guitars, but historic guitars and ancient instruments. He is also
one of only five living Spanish makers included on Summerfield's list of the
finest guitar makers since 1800. This flamenco guitar which was made in 1960
has back and sides of cypress, German spruce top, machine heads, and like
old flamenco guitars a tap plate made of maple. The scale is 650mm, with a
52mm nut. While the guitar shows wear consistent with its age, (scratches to the
finish, etc), overall this guitar is in excellent condition. There are no
cracks, repairs, nor are any needed. The set up at the 12th fret is 3mm on the
6th string, 2mm on the 1st.
1960 Marcelino Lopez Nieto
played by owner |
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1960 Ignacio Fleta, Sr Concert Classical Guitar.
There are Fleta's and there are Fleta's. This is an extraordinary one, and
certainly the best one I have ever played. Built by Ignacio Fleta, Sr. this
is an instrument that is truly worthy of a concert guitarist. There are two
small cracks in the top, but the repairs were so excellently done that they
are nearly invisible.
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1961 Edgar
Monch Concert Classical Guitar. Edgar Monch was a German luthier from Munich who in
1959 moved to Toronto, CA, and later trained Jean Larrivée, the founder
of Larrivée guitars. Summerfield includes him on his list of the finest
guitar makers since 1800. Early in John William's career, he
played a Monch. This fine example of his work is in excellent
condition. Made in 1961, it is his 75th guitar. It has a fine grained
German spruce top, rosewood from Brazil back and sides, and black
engraved with gold, Gotoh tuners.
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1962 Jose Ramirez III, 1a
Concert Classical Guitar.
A rich, sweet and full Spanish sound that comes from great
craftsmanship and careful, nurtured aging. This guitar made during what many
consider Jose Ramirez III's best period has been meticulous cared for, and
apart from two well repaired cracks, is in good condition. The guitar has
the initials F.M. indicating it was built by Felix Manzanero when he worked
for Ramirez. An rare opportunity to own the top-of-the-line from the most
famous name in the business, and at an affordable price.
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1964 Hermanos Conde Concert Flamenco Guitar.
The Spanish luthier Domingo Esteso
Lopez was one the guitar great
makers of the early 20th century to come out of the shop of Manuel Ramirez.
After Manuel Ramirez died, he opened his own shop where he was joined by his
13 year old nephew, Faustino Conde in 1926. After his death in 1937,
Domingo's widow (Vda) took over the shop, and Faustino and his brothers, Mariano and Julio continued
to work for their aunt building under the
label Vda y Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso. With her death in the 1960s,
when they began using their own label Hermanos Conde, sobrinos (nephews)
of Domingo Esteso. This guitar made by the Conde Hermanos in their Atocha
Shop in 1964. Other than a few nail marks, this guitar is in remarkable condition,
no cracks, straight neck, nicely set up for flamenco. This wonderful
flamenco guitar has
the dry flamenco rasp, and soul that made Conde
Hermanos
the choice of so many famous flamenco players. This rare guitar
would be a great instrument for any player, and a wonderful addition to
any collection. |
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1967 Manuel de la
Chica Concert Classical Guitar
Manuel de la Chica was a Granada maker (1911-1998). Like many
makers, Manuel de la Chica began as a cabinet maker. He did this work
until the late 1930s, when he decided to build guitars. Already familiar
with tools, woods, and having studied a little about acoustics, without
any apprenticeship, he began to copy the guitars of Santos Hernandez.
In time, however, he began to evolve his own designs. Among his disciples are Antonio Lopez of
Paris, Francisco Manuel Diaz of Granada, and Pedro Maldonado of
Malaga. Manuel de la Chica retired in 1973 due to poor
health. His guitars were played by Andrés Segovia, Celedonio Romero, Luis Sanchez,
Manuel Cano and Sebastian Maroto. This guitar is in excellent condition
aside from slight scratches on the top below the sound hole, some
visible nail marks, and a string burn behind the first string. The set
up is standard, 4mm at 12th fret, 6th string, 3mm on 1st string.
Although the present set up is very comfortable, there is sufficient
bone in the saddle to adjust the action if needed. NOTE this guitar
is presently in the UK and is priced in pounds sterling. |
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1968 Manuel
Contreras Sr. 1a Concert Classical Guitar.
Born in Madrid in
1926, Manuel Contreras joined the Ramirez
workshop as a senior journeyman in 1959. It was Contreras who made the first José
Ramirez guitar Andrés Segovia bought in 1960. After three years with
Ramirez, Manuel opened his own guitar workshop in the center of Madrid.
He soon earned a reputation as one of the finest and most innovative
luthiers in Spain. Contreras died in 1994
of cancer. This handmade concert classical guitar is from his best period, and is signed by
Manuel Contreras Sr. It is generally in
very good condition, no cracks, straight neck, but it does have some finish wear
consistent with this guitar's age and active use-- there is some
glazing of the finish, and finger nail dents from
"golpes, and assorted other surface finish scratches, nothing deep."
Some work was done on the neck and a shim placed under the fingerboard to
correct the action, which is now set at a standard 4mm at the 12th fret on the
6th string, and 3mm on the first. The set up is very comfortable, and there is
more than sufficient bone in the saddle to make adjustments should this ever be
necessary. This a powerful, concert guitar, with great sustain and
separation, each note comes across as distinct. The upper registers do not
become plinky and notes remain full and mellow. The intonation is
excellent. An new equivalent concert guitar from Manuel Contreras II would
retail for around $8000.
1968
Manuel Contreras
played by Guilherme Vincens |
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1969 José Ramirez 1a Traditional Flamenco Guitar.
From the workshop of Jose
Ramirez III, during his best period, this Ramirez 1a
professional concert flamenco guitar with traditional pegs represents the
highest quality in workmanship, detail, and choice of wood. The guitar of
choice for many professional flamenco guitarists, it has an easy to play 655mm scale,
and a low, fast action. It has the kind of raucous rasp and power one
seeks in a flamenco guitar. The sonority of this guitar has to be
experienced in person. This guitar is absolutely stunning. For attention to
detail, quality of construction and sound, this is a first-class handmade
flamenco instrument. This guitar has a tightly
spaced, strain grain Canadian cedar top with the highest quality Spanish
cypress back and sides. This flamenco guitar does not
appear to have ever been really played, since the only marks on it are
only some light scratches below the bridge, from changing strings.
Comes a hardcase.
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1971 John M Gilbert Flamenco
guitar. John M. Gilbert (b.1922) is regarded by
many as one of the finest luthiers in America, and also among the most
innovative. His guitars are played by guitars such as David Russell, David
Tanenbaum, and Fred Hand. This guitar is the only flamenco guitar he made,
at least to my knowledge. With exception of some nail marks on the treble
side next to the golpeador, the guitar is in excellent shape. The action
is very low, and gives an aggressive flamenco sound. This label is signed,
dated, and serial numbered 712.
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1971 Conde Hermanos Concert
Classical Guitar.
This concert classical guitar built under the label Vda y Sobrinos de Domingo
Esteso and signed Conde Hermanos is a wonderful example of their work. It is
among the best sounding guitars we have had come thru our hands. Its tone and
character remind me strongly of the cedar topped guitars of Miguel Rodriguez,
big bold Spanish sound, with fat notes. The guitar has a couple of well-repaired
hair line cracks in the top, and has recently had its French polish renewed.
Otherwise this handmade guitar is in excellent shape. The action is very
playable and comfortable.
1971 Conde Hermanos Concert
Classical played by
Guilherme Vincens
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1972
David Rubio Concert Classical Guitar.
David Rubio, (1934-2000) had a long and
close relationship with Julian Bream. Their now famous collaboration led Rubio
to produce exceptional concert guitars. His guitars are played not only Bream
but also by a number of well known recording artists: This wonderful handcrafted
concert guitar is signed by David and dated 1972.
This concert classical guitar is in excellent condition, showing
only some nail marks, which are nearly invisible, and which
could be easily polished out. Neck is straight, the action is set at 3.5mm at
the 12th fret, 6th string.
1972 David Rubio winamp sound sample |
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1976 Miguel Rodriguez Concert Classical Guitar.
If I were trying to pick one guitar with a quintessentially Spanish tone,
it would be a Miguel Rodriguez. This guitar is a monster--volume to fill
the largest concert hall, and an intensely bold Spanish voice. It is
simply wonderful to play. This guitar was built by Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. (1921-1998).
It was formerly owned by Angel Romero who used it to record Claude Bolling
laserdisc. It is in excellent condition, but does have one repaired
crack that while
well-done could be made less noticeable without great expense.
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1978 E.B. Jones
Concert Classical Guitar (David Rubio Workshop).
This British maker
apprenticed with David Rubio, one of England's premier luthiers, best
known for his long association with Julian Bream. This guitar was made
in David Rubio's workshop by E.B. Jones in 1978. It has a German spruce
top, rosewood from Brazil back and sides. It is French polished, and has a
650mm scale length. The head and rosette details are nearly
indistinguishable from Rubio's own work from this period Likewise its
rich, sweet tone is typical of a Rubio. It is in excellent condition.
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1979 Manuel Contreras 1a Special Concert Classical
Guitar.
Born in Madrid in
1926, Contreras joined the Ramirez
workshop as a senior journeyman in 1959. It was Contreras who made the first José
Ramirez guitar Andrés Segovia bought in 1960. After three years with
Ramirez, Manuel opened his own guitar workshop in the center of Madrid.
He soon earned a reputation as one of the finest and most innovative
luthiers in Spain. Contreras died in 1994
of cancer. This guitar is from Contreras best period. It is generally in
very good condition, but does have some finish wear including several
spots where the finish on the neck has bubbled or flaked off. There is a
visible 2.5cm scratch above the bridge, as well as other shorter less
obvious scratches on the top, and a couple of dozen finger nail dents from
"golpes." There is a general loss of finish below the sound hole. The back
and sides are in good condition, showing wear consistent with this
guitar's age and active use. The set up is very comfortable, and there is
sufficient bone in the saddle to make adjustments should this ever be
necessary. This a powerful, concert guitar, with great sustain and
separation, each note comes across as distinct. The upper registers do not
become plinky and notes remain full and mellow. The intonation is
excellent. A new 1a special concert model from Manuel Contreras II would
retail for around $8000.
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1979 Robert Ruck Concert Classical
Guitar. Robert Ruck (born 1945) has
been building guitars full-time since 1965, and has become widely
recognized as one of the great American builders. Among the great
guitarists playing Ruck guitars is Manuel Barrueco. This guitar is number
199 in Ruck's obra. According to a letter from Ruck, this guitar was
modeled on one he made for Juan Mercadal. The same letter describes it as
a concert guitar with a European top, rosewood from Brazil back and sides,
Honduras Mahogany neck, and fingerboard of Indian ebony. He also says "I
am no longer taking new orders. My order list is 300 orders long. I build
25-30 guitars a year. The owner describes this guitar as being in perfect
shape.
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1981 Feliciano Bayón Concert Classical Guitar.
Felicano Bayón, who died in 1998, was the nephew of Santos Hernández, and
inherited the shop of his famous uncle. He built under the label Sobrinos de
Santos Hernández, and was the father of Santos Bayón. Feliciano studied his
uncle's guitars very closely, and modeled his guitars on those of his
uncle's.
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1982 Juan M. Alvarez Concert Classical Guitar.
This classical guitar was
built by Juan
M. Alvarez, the son of Juan Alvarez (1932-2001) who
was one of Madrid best luthiers and a great gentleman. The label is signed
and dated. This is a concert classical guitar.
While there are a few
minor scratches and checking of the finish, the only minor issue is a
hairline crack on the bass side tongue of the bridge which does not appear
to be affect the sound. The setup is good: 4mm on the bass side, slightly
lower on the treble 3mm.
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1984 Greg Byers Classical
Guitar.
Greg Byers is among the most respect
luthiers in America. His road to becoming a luthier is a strange
one. In 1979, while doing research for his Ph.D. in Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology he met a guitar maker in Puerto Rico, and decided
he would like to build one some day. Returning to Tucson, he
finished his dissertation (University of Arizona 1981), and built a
guitar which he showed to Tom Patterson, (the head of the guitar program
at the UA). Encouraged by Tom to continue building, he enrolled in a
workshop taught by Jose Romanillos, and "never looked back." John
Gilbert also has had a strong influence on his work. David Russell and
David Tanenbaum are among the many concert guitarists who play his
instruments. Other than some light nail marks in the top, this guitar is
in nearly perfect shape. The setup is comfortable, and if ever needed
could be lowered. Currently, if one places an order directly with Greg,
his standard classical guitars is $7500, making this fine instrument a
real bargain.
1984 Greg Byers played by
Perf de Castro
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1987 Valeriano Bernal
Professional Flamenco Guitar. This 1987 concert flamenco
guitar by Valeriano Bernal is representative of his best models. His
guitars are particularly sought after by professionals, and have that edge
that flamenco players love, and an endearing deep, dark tonality
characteristic of guitars from Andalusia. This instrument is generally
in good condition. As might be expected, it has a few dings, a string burn
behind the first string. There are a couple of
cracks. One, about three inches long, runs along
the upper edge of the fingerboard. We suspect it is just in the lacquer
finish
(because it definitely does not go through the top). The other runs back
from the bridge, and is a little longer. It appears to be stable and does
not move when you push on it, so it might not be in the wood. The owner
describes this guitar as being one of the easiest guitars to play that he
has ever touched, and should one want to lower the action, there is enough
saddle to make an adjustment.
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1988 Greg Smallman Concert
Classical Guitar
This guitar is in excellent condition, and has the wonderful kind of sound
that attracted John Williams among many other professional players. This
guitar was originally made for Benjamin Verdery
(as a letter from Smallman in the case attests). Although there is one
repaired crack on the top, the repair was done by Smallman, and has no
affect on this guitar's marvelous tone. The action on this guitar is a
player's dream.
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1988 John
M Gilbert. Concert Classical Guitar Gilbert
(b.1922) is regarded by many as one of the finest luthiers in America,
and also among the most innovative. His guitars, for example, feature a
unique bridge design that not only better distributes the load driving the
top but allows the height of each string to be adjusted separately. His
guitars are played by guitars such as David Russell, David Tanenbaum, and
Fred Hand. This is a player's guitar: great volume, controlled but powerful
basses and polished singing trebles, well balanced, evenness of tone
throughout.
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1990 Manuel Contreras Double Top, Concert Guitar.
The Double Top is Mr.
Contreras most successful designs, which is made with a matched piece of
cedar that is laminated to the inside of the back, making for better
projection and improvement of tone. The action is low, making it extremely
easy to play. Its beautifully made, and in excellent condition, with a
few playing marks. This guitar was purchased from the shop of the late
Manuel Contreras in Madrid, by its present owner. It comes with
its original case.
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1991 David Daily Concert Classical
Guitar. This
American luthier has earned an good reputation for fine work. This is a concert
guitar with a German spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides. It is French
polished and has Sloan tuners. The guitar is in excellent condition, with
exception of some minimal nail damage near the rosette, a string burn, and some
wear to the finish on the upper bout. Nothing that could not be easily touched
up with French polish. This guitar is priced to sell fast.
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1994 David Whiteman Concert
Classical Guitar.
This British builder from Brighton has earned an
good reputation. This guitar originally was custom made for the guitarist
Richard Durrant. It has a old German spruce top, Indian
rosewood back and sides. It is French polished and has Rodgers tuners. I
comes with a Hiscox hard-shell case. Considering this guitar was
professionally play, it is in excellent condition.
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1995 Kevin Aram Concert Classical
Guitar.
This British builder has earned an outstanding
reputation, especially for his Hauser and Torres copies. This guitar is
his "Torres" model. Its scale length is 650 mm. It has a German spruce
top, Indian rosewood back and sides. It is French polished and has Rodgers
tuners. I comes with a Hiscox case. The guitar is in excellent condition,
with no marks except for a hardly noticeable nick in the back.
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1995 Masaru Kohno
Concert Classical Guitar.
Masaru Kohno apprenticed with Arcángel
Fernández and was destined to become one Japan's greatest guitar makers.
This guitar was built by Masaru personally, and the label bears his
signature. Other than a scratch on the purflings on the back of the
guitar, this instrument is nearly flawless. The setup is low, and there
is room at the saddle for adjustments. It comes with a TKL case.
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1996 Jeronimo Pena Fernandez
Concert Flamenca Negra Guitar.
The back and sides are made with figured and deep
'purplish, chocolate-brown' rosewood from Brazil, giving this guitar a very
exotic look. The soundboard is the highest
quality German spruce, beautiful even grain. Ebony fingerboard &
headstock overlay. The headstock is exquisitely carved with Jerónimo's
distinguishing mark as is the bridge. The back of the neck has also a gorgeous inlaid
motif. Fustero tuners. The
fingerboard width at the nut is 54 mm, (very comfortable). The neck is
straight as an arrow, and the scale length is 657 mm. Action is amazingly
low, (2.2 mm @ the 12th fret!) with no buzzing! A true joy to play on the
merits of its action alone. The sound is incredible, bright flamenco high
end with deep resounding bass, and a longer than usual sustain than most
flamenco blancas. Pena's French polish finishing is second to none, his
instruments are truly musical works of art! They have been favored by
flamenco players including Manolo Sanlucar, Enrique Montoya, and
Manu rosewood Escobar. Jerónimo is retired now, at
the age of 69. His guitars are becoming increasingly more difficult to
obtain, specially in this mint condition & in the rosewood from Brazil
version.
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1997 Conde Hermanos Model A26
Flamenco Guitar. From the Conde Hermanos Felipe V shop,
this is their model A-26, professional flamenco guitar. Overall this
Spanish flamenco guitar is in great shape, exhibiting the kind of wear that one might
expect in a played guitar. There are no cracks or repairs. There are
some scratches on the back caused by a belt buckle. The top of this
Conde Hermanos guitar is in nearly
perfect shape, with the exception of a string burn, and one little nick
below the bridge. All of the scratches are in the lacquer finish, and
have not penetrated into the wood. The neck is straight. There is
sufficient bone showing above the saddle to lower the action should one
want to do so.
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1998 Felix Manzanero, Concert
Classical Guitar, No. 1000. Felix
is among the finest makers in Spain, and his guitars not only have the power
one expects in a concert instrument, but a noble rich, complex, refined, and
balanced tone. This guitar was made to celebrate his 1000th guitar, and is
an absolute gems of the luthier's art. For this guitar, Felix used his
finest woods, all aged over 30 years. This fingerboard is inlayed with fine
marquetry. I took these pictures in his shop, perhaps the most fitting place
to display this masterpiece.
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1998 J.A. Pantoja Martin Traditional Maple Flamenco
Guitar. This 1998 J.A. Pantoja
Martin maple flamenco with pegs is excellent condition and looks almost
new.
J.A. Pantoja Martin is a
traditional luthier, and craftsman of the old school. Every part of this
handmade guitar (with the exception of the frets, tap plate and strings)
he has made himself using hand tools. This is an old school flamenco
guitar as well. Maple was the wood of choice for fine flamenco guitars
until the 1930s when the depression dictated the use more economical woods
and Spanish cypress became popular. The tone is sophisticated and full. It
has both a refined, lovely, warm, smooth honey-like voice that one wants
to play lyrical passages, plus the real bark one expects in a concert
flamenco guitar. This
instrument is in excellent condition. There is a nail mark on the top, near the
neck, and a small
area on the back where French polish is dull. There
is some
color variation on the top, but it is simply an artifact of the luthier's choice to use
particularly seasoned piece of wood with better sonic properties than
appearance.
J.A. Pantoja Martin
Flamenca
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1998 Ignacio M Rozas 2a Professional flamenco
guitar. Although Rozas terms
this flamenco guitar a model 2a, he does not make a flamenco 1a model. Back
and sides of fine Spanish cypress, top of German spruce. French
polished. 650mm scale, 52 mm at nut. This is another guitar that I
selected personally on my recent trip to Spain. A great flamenco guitar made
by one of Madrid's finest makers. Set up is perfect.
Rozas Flamenco
played by Andrew
Hull
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1998 Jose Martinez Penalver Professional Flamenco Guitar.
This is Pedro's top
special model, a truly professional flamenco guitar. Great volume. Its
tone is one of great clarity with true biting flamenco edge to it. Its
action is perfect. Because it developed a crack in the top
along the seam from the bridge to the butt, which we have had expertly
repaired, we are selling it as a used instrument, and have reduced the
price.
José
Martinez Peńalver played by Andrew
Hull
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1998 Casimiro Lozano 1a Rio Concert Classical Guitar.
Lozano work is inspired by
Ignacio Fleta's guitars. Although not a copy, Lozano's handmade concert classical guitars incorporate
elements of Fleta's design. The result is a Fleta without a Fleta price.
Its attack is immediate, with bright, clear sound, and unusually long
sustain. It has superb balance, separation, and volume. Don't just take
our word for it read what others are saying (Review
1
Review 2 ). This guitar
has been well-cared for and has only a few barely visible scratches.
[From our archives]
Casimiro Lozano 1a played by Andrew Hall
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1998 Juan Alvarez Concert Flamenco Guitar.
This is a
concert flamenco guitar worthy of an artist. This is a truly an
exceptional instrument: explosive power, bright, clear, and responsive in
every register. Fast flamenco action and authentic sound.
Juan Alvarez
played by Paco de N.
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1998 Robert Ruck Concert Guitar.
Robert Ruck (born 1945) has
been building guitars full-time since 1965, and has become widely
recognized as one of the great American builders. Among the great
guitarists playing Ruck instruments is Manuel Barrueco. This guitar is number
686 in Ruck's obra. It is a concert guitar with a Western Red Cedar top,
Indian rosewood back and sides. It has Gotoh deluxe
tuners. Aside from a string burn below the bridge at the first string,
the guitar is in excellent condition.
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1998 Paulino Bernabé model 40 Concert Classical Guitar.
A gorgeous instrument that is suitable for concert-level performance.
This handmade concert classical guitar features Indian rosewood back and sides,
and German spruce soundboard. Finished with hand-rubbed French polish, Fustero
tuning machines, ebony reinforcement in the neck and beautiful purflings and
rosette. The sound is very Spanish, very full, with excellent volume,
separation, evenness, and clarity in all registers. Bernabé is known as one of
the finest makers in Madrid to have come out of the Ramirez workshop. The top
has been re-French polished, over existing finish, and is in excellent
shape--with only a few minor nail marks that are only visible if the light is
right. Overall this guitar is in excellent condition. Includes a hard shell
case.
1998 Paulino Bernabe model
40 concert classical played by Guilherme Vincens
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1998 Greg
Byers Concert Classical Guitar.
Greg Byers is among the
most respect luthiers in America. His road to becoming a luthier is a
strange one. In 1979, while doing research for his Ph.D. in Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology he met a guitar maker in Puerto Rico, and decided he
would like to build one some day. Returning to Tucson, he
finished his dissertation (University of Arizona 1981), and built a guitar
which he showed to Tom Patterson, (the head of the guitar program at the
UA). Encouraged by Tom to continue building, he enrolled in a workshop
taught by Jose Romanillos, and "never looked back." John Gilbert also has
had a strong influence on his work. David Russell and David Tanenbaum are
among the many concert guitarists who play his instruments. Although the top was
refinished by Greg Byers in 2006, however, fingernail marks can be discern under
the refreshed French polish. The setup is standard, and comfortable, and if ever needed could be lowered. Currently,
if one places an order directly with Greg, his standard classical guitars
is $9000, making this fine instrument a real bargain.
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1999 Casimiro Lozano 1a Concert Classical Guitar.
This guitar is a real
bargain, priced more than a thousand dollars below its current new price.
It is simply a superb instrument, with an immediate attack, bright, clear
and focused trebles, rich crisp basses, and an unusually long sustain. It
has excellent balance, separation, and real concert volume. This guitar is
in excellent condition, its only defects being some light fingernail marks
in the finish below the sound hole. It is set up as a classical should be,
but has sufficient saddle to adjust the action should one desire to do so.
Casimiro
Lozano 1a
played by Randall
Avers
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2000 Gerundino Fernandez Concert Flamenco Guitar.
This is an
authentic flamenca blanca, built by the late, great, Gerundino
Fernández. Recognized as one of the few
master builders of the 20th century, his guitars have a special duende
professional flamenco players seek and love. To name but a few of his
clients: Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, and Paco Peňo.
As is typical of Gerundino's instruments, this guitar is made of master
grade woods. Its top is made using the best tight-grained German spruce,
the back and sides are made from impeccable Spanish cypress. This
guitar's form and size is signature Gerundino. He built large bodied
guitars, with full upper bouts, and long scale lengths. This guitars
660mm scale and 54mm nut is characteristic. The set up is low to medium.
The guitar is responsive in all registers. It is in excellent condition,
save a few minor nicks that do not penetrate the finish. It is been
cared for meticulously by its owner who acquired it directly from
Gerundino Fernandez. This guitar is among the most desired flamenco
guitars on the market, and is priced to sell quickly.
2000
Gerundino Fernandez
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2000 Amalio Burguet ABF Flamenca Negra Guitar.
This professional flamenca negra is personally made by Amalio
Burguet and is entirely handcrafted. Each ABF guitar is dated, numbered,
and signed. Amalio uses the finest woods available for this model.
Amalio Burguet's flamenco guitars have a truly flamenco tone and bite.
Their set-up is low, fast, and they are a joy to play.
This is a great flamenco negra and a true bargain.
Amalio Burguet ABF Flamenca Negra
played by
Paco de N.
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2000 Amalio Burguet ABF
Professional Flamenco Guitar.
This model is personally handmade by Amalio
Burguet and is entirely handcrafted. Each ABF guitar is dated, numbered,
and signed. Amalio uses the finest woods available for this model.
Amalio Burguet's flamenco guitars have a truly flamenco tone and bite.
Their set-up is low, fast, and they are a joy to play.
This would be a great flamenco guitar at any price.
Amalio
Burguet played by Paco de N.
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2000 Ruben Moises Lopez Concert Classical Guitar.
Ruben Moises Lopez is the 33
year old son of
Marcelino Lopez Nieto--
one of Spain's
most respected luthiers--who is mentioned in almost every major book
about classical guitars, and whose guitars are widely sought after by
players and collectors. Marcelino writes me: "While you are waiting for
the guitars you have ordered from me, it occurred to me to offer you a
guitar made of Indian rosewood built using wood that I have had in my
house for many years, a guitar of my design, done and varnished by hand
by my son, Ruben. This guitar is similar to mine in sound, and some
parts of it were built by me." This collaboration alone may make this a
very collectable guitar. Regardless, if you are looking for concert
quality sound at a reasonable price, this guitar is a real bargain.
Ruben
Moises Lopez Concert guitar played by
Randall Avers
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2000 J.A.
Pantoja Martin 1a Traditional Flamenco Maple Guitar.
This 2000 J.A. Pantoja
Martin maple flamenco with pegs is excellent condition and looks almost
new. Maple was the wood of choice for fine flamenco guitars until the
1930s when the depression dictated the use more economical woods and
Spanish cypress became popular. Since the guitar is French polished the
finish shows some slight wear on the binding where you place your arm.
Except for a slight blemish below the bridge where a string snapped
that has been re-polished, there are no dings or cracks. This guitar is
made with very beautiful maple and spruce wood and has a very mature tone.
The maple imparts a refined, smooth honey-like voice that one wants to
play lyrical passages, but it also has the real bark one expects in a
concert flamenco guitar. Great low, fast flamenco action.
J.A. Pantoja
Martin
played by
Andrew
Hull
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2001 Hermanos Conde Flamenca Negra Guitar.
From the original Conde shop, with this
model Hermanos Conde set the standard for flamenca negras.
Hermanos
Conde played by Andrew
Hull
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2001 Francisco Santiago Marin Concert
Classical Guitar.
Francisco Santiago Marin was
born in Granada in 1946. He apprenticed with his uncle don Antonio Marin
Montero, and spent ten years in his uncle's workshop learning the art
of guitar making before opening his own workshop in 1973. He builds entirely
by hand using traditional methods and designs. In 1997, the Second
International Guitar Competition in Spain was held in his honor. His instruments
have been bought by such great players as Manuel Cano, Camelo Martinez,
David Rose, Konrad Ragossnig, and Eliot Fisk. Randall
Avers
MP3 Sound Sample
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2001 Jose Marin Plazuelo Concert Classical Guitar.
Jose Marin
Plazuelo is the nephew and disciple of Antonio Marin Montero, and shares his
shop. His classical guitars, are indeed, very similar to his uncle's earlier
instruments, with typical Granada characteristics, dark smooth trebles and
strong basses, they sing in all registers. His flamenco guitars are
patterned after a Francisco Simplicio (1874-1932) guitar, and is smaller
bodied than the standard Torres. Despite their small body, these instruments
carry very well in a concert hall.
José
Marin Plazuelo
played by
Maya Rafajlovic
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2001 Felix Manzanero Flamenca Negra Guitar. Felix is widely considered
as one of the truly great flamenco guitar makers in Spain. Built with
exception materials, the finest rosewood from Brazil, aged German spruce--
the top is 32 years old--this is a sublime flamenca negra and
plays like a dream. This
wonderful guitar was a special order but the buyer lost his job and was
unable to afford it. Because the buyer had Felix write a dedication to
him on the label, we have reduced the price.
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2001 Marcelino Lopez Nieto Torres Model Concert
Classical Guitar.
This
is a very faithful copy of an 1858 Antonio de Torres built by one of Spain's
most respected luthiers, who has been building guitars since 1949. This is
number 915. Although this guitar has cypress back and sides and a German spruce
top, aged more than 30 years, it is not a flamenco guitar. Like Torres,
Marcelino coaxes from cypress a remarkable, classical tone. The whole guitar is
light, and breathes, and every string is alive. I had intended to keep this
guitar for myself, but as I recently bought three antique guitars, for the sake
of domestic tranquility, I am selling this wonderful instrument. An act I am
sure I will regret, as I waited for over two and half years to get it from
Marcelino.
2001 M. Lopez (Torres copy)
played by
Randall Avers
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2001
Jesús Bellido F1
Professional Flamenco Guitar.
This guitar has the same
wonderful, vibrant, full-bodied tone and flamenco edge as his 2a model,
but with even greater clarity. Low, fast flamenco action. Jesús Bellido's
flamenco guitars have the kind of true flamenco flavor that evokes the
gypsy caves of Granada's Sacramento.
Jesus
Bellido played
by
Paco de N.
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2001 Jose Romero Concert Classical Guitar.
José
Romero is another of the fine craftsmen who learned their trade in the
workshop of José Ramirez. This is an
impeccably made guitar that uses fine, aged woods of the highest
quality.
This guitar
possess a wonderful, refined, and lovely tone. The trebles are clear and
concentrated. The basses are firm. The balance between trebles and basses
is excellent. All in all, this is a very musical instrument-- that
possess all the qualities one expects in a concert guitar.
Randall
Avers
MP3 Sound Sample
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2001
Santos Bayon Concert Classical Guitar - Santos Hernandez Model.
This is a fabulous handmade guitar
and a real bargain. As he builds few guitars and has a waiting list,
Santos kept it for several years as a demo for people who come into his
shop. Before sending it to us, he re-polished it, and put better machines
on it. Because it was
a demo guitar we have reduced the price. This is a guitar I would be happy
to keep for myself.
2001 Santos Bayon -
Santos Hernandez model played
by Gonzalo Andrés Molano
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2001 Paulino Bernabe Model Concierto PB Classical Guitar.
Little needs to be said about the
quality of this guitar, Paulino Bernabé is among the worlds best luthiers, and
his concierto model PB is a concert guitar is the choice of many professional
guitarists. Aside from a few tiny, light scratches on the back that one
need to have the right light and angle to see, this guitar is in perfect shape.
The set-up is very comfortable as well. While I don't have an actual recording
of this instrument, Bernabé is a consistent maker, and the following recording
is what I would reasonably expect.
Bernabé Concert P.B. model (s)(b)
played by Andrew Hull
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2001 Jose
Ruiz Pedregosa Concert Flamenco Guitar.
I have compared
José Ruiz Pedregosa's flamenco guitars head to head with that of flamenco
Gerundino Fernandez and found that I liked
that of José Ruiz Pedregosa more. This guitar is in nearly new
condition, making this a real bargain.
José Ruiz Pedregosa Concert Flamenco
played by Gaetano
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2001 Pedro De Miguel Concert Flamenca Negra Guitar.
This guitar was inspected by the respected
American luthier, Chris Carrington, who says of it, "I have thoroughly
examined this 2001 Pedro de Miguel Guitar, made of rosewood from Brazil and
spruce, and find it to be a superb example of this maker's work. Not only
is this guitar in perfect, brand new, mint condition, but the set up is in
perfect playing order."
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2001 Brian
Dunn Concert Classical Guitar (Hauser Model).
Brian Dunn is a luthier in Tucson, Arizona who is rapidly rising to
national prominence. Although he has been a luthier for many years, he
only recently turned his hand to building classical guitars. Right from
the start, Professor Tom Patterson, who heads the guitar program at the
University of Arizona, bought one of his first instruments, and promoted
them to his students. This was in 2001. Brian now has a waiting list of
over three years. Although this is Brian Dunn third guitar, this
instrument is a first rate concert classical guitar. It is a Hauser
copy, and has the character one associates with Hauser guitars. Guitar
making is something of a religion for Brian. He approaches the work, armed with years of study,
experience, and exacting levels of craftsmanship. German spruce top is perfectly
quarter sawn. The Indian rosewood likewise is master grade. He used rare
straight grained Honduran mahogany for the neck. Brian takes special
pride in his setups. The intonation is perfect and playability is excellent.
This handmade concert guitar is in excellent condition with only a few very light nail marks visible on
the top.
2001 Brian Dunn Concert Classical
Hauser Model played by
Federico Reggiardo
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2001 Paulino Bernabe Model 5 Classical Guitar.
Braced the same way as his
higher end models, like all of Bernabe's guitars, this instrument is not
only beautifully made, but has Bernabe's signature tone: powerful, with
great sustain and impact, wonderful separation, well balanced with
evenness of notes throughout all registers.
2001 Paulino Bernabé model 5 played by
Randall Avers
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2001 Paulino Bernabe Model 10 Classical Guitar.
Braced the same way as his
higher end models, like all of Bernabe's guitars, this instrument is not
only beautifully made, but has Bernabe's signature tone: powerful, with
great sustain and impact, wonderful clarity and separation, well balanced
with evenness of notes throughout all registers.
2001
Paulino Bernabé model 10 played by
Randall Avers
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2001 Paulino Bernabe Model 20 Classical Guitar.
Braced the same way as his
higher end models, like all of Bernabe's guitars, this instrument is not
only beautifully made, but has Bernabe's signature tone: powerful, with
great sustain and impact, wonderful clarity and separation, well balanced
with evenness of notes throughout all registers.
Bernabé
model 20 played by
Randall Avers
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2001 Rene Baarslag Concert Classical Guitar.
René Baarslag guitars are
inspired by those of Antonio Marin, with whom he apprenticed. Like Antonio
Marin, his guitars are Although not a copy, Marin's guitars, they
incorporate elements of his design, such as bracing using the Marin-Bouchet
system. The result is a guitar a very immediate response, great clarity of tone,
firm woody basses, concentrated trebles. It has superb balance, separation, and
volume.
Randall Avers
MP3 Sound Sample
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2001 Sakurai Kohno Model Special
Concert Classical Guitar.
From Japan's most
recognized luthier, this instrument is a first rate concert classical guitar. The rosewood from Brazil
back and sides are stunning and the German spruce top is perfectly
quarter sawn with plenty of silk. Playability is excellent. Tone is
lovely with very, very good volume. This handmade instrument is a step up from
the Professional J in detailing (especially in the purflings and
rosette), and choice of materials. It has thick back and sides, and a
double-ebony reinforced neck with makes this a very stable instrument
for travel.
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2001 Vicente Carrillo 1a Concert Classical Guitar.
The workmanship this
instrument is impeccable. The guitar is very nicely balanced, very clear,
Madrid style tone, responsive, the set up is ideal, and intonation true.
It is not only a handsome guitar, it is a joy to play. Given the prime
quality materials used, craftsmanship, and tone, this guitar is truly an
exceptional value.
Vicente Carrillo 1a played by
Randall Avers
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2001
Vicente Carrillo 1a Concert Flamenca Negra Guitar.
Vicente
Carrillo Casas is one of the fast rising stars among Spanish luthiers.
World class flamenco players are now using his guitars. His new model of
flamenco negra is not only one of the best buys in the market in terms
of workmanship and quality of materials used, but it is a guitar that I
predict will storm the flamenco world. It has the bark and growl that
one expects from a flamenco guitar but doesn't buy its soulful rasp at
the expense of tone.
Randall
Avers
MP3 Sound Sample
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2001 Antonio Marin Montero Concert Classical Guitar.
Antonio Marin’s reputation as a guitar builder certainly speaks for itself, and
his guitars are constantly in high demand. He is one of the most acclaimed
builders in Spain today, and is considered by many to be the founding father of
the Granada school of guitar building. Marin’s guitars represent the
quintessential Spanish sound to many players, with an emotional content that is
truly heart warming. This guitar is an excellent example of the master’s work,
with clear, full, romantic trebles perfectly blended with lush yet full basses.
Recently repolished by expert luthier German Vazquez Rubio, this instrument is
in absolutely mint condition, just awaiting a new home with a serious and worthy
player. At current exchange rates, the cost of a new 2006 model (if you can find
one) is about $8,850.
A
Mp3 of a previously sold
Antonio Marin.
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2002
Santos Bayón Ruiz Santos
Hernandez Model Concert Classical. German
Spruce top. Rosewood from Brazil back and sides. Santos is
the grand nephew of Santos Hernandez whose shop he inherited from his
father, Feliciano Bayón, a talented luthier in his own right. He has
obviously studied his great uncle's guitars very closely, and his Santos
Hernandez model is a superb instrument that lives up to its name. I
believe that Santos is among the finest makers currently working in Spain.
This instrument truly sings-- great trebles, crisp basses, full bodied tone,
responsive.
Santos Hernandez model played by
Maya Rafajlovic |
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2002 Ricardo Sanchis Carpio 1a-F Extra Flamenco Guitar German
spruce top, Spanish cypress back and sides, ebony fingerboard. Premium
material throughout. Beautifully made. This is Ricardo Sanchis top of the
line flamenco guitar. A powerful, lively, flamenco guitar with the kind of
bark and edge that flamenco players love.
Ricardo Sanchis Carpio 1a-F extra
played by
Gaetano
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2002 Ricardo Sanchis Carpio 2AF Flamenco Guitar Recently, Ricardo's sons,
David and Herman, have joined the firm. Although their production line
guitars are still made under their father's supervision, they are now
marketed as "Guitarras Hermanos Sanchis Lopez," and the "Ricardo
Sanchis Carpio" label is reserved for their concert models. The quality of
materials, workmanship, and attention to detail on these instruments is
outstanding. Like Domingo Esteso and Faustino and Mariano Conde guitars they
have firm basses, lyrical trebles, and a true flamenco snarl. The set up on
them is incredible, close to 2mm at 12th fret, and without a lot of buzzing.
Ricardo Sanchis Carpio 2AF
played by
Gaetano
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2002
Vicente Carrillo Professional Flamenco Guitar Model F11.
Vicente
Carrillo Casas is one of the fast rising stars among Spanish luthiers.
World class flamenco players are now using his guitars. His model 11 is
one of the best buys in the market in terms of workmanship and quality
of materials used, but it has the bark and growl that one expects from a
flamenco guitar but doesn't buy its soulful rasp at the expense of tone.
Its set up is perfect, making it a real joy to play.
2002 Vicente Carrillo
Flamenca Blanca played by
Gaetano
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2002 Manuel Reyes Jr. Concert Flamenco Guitar.
This
Manuel Reyes Jr. is among the finest flamenco guitars we have
had come through our hands. Manuel Jr. is certainly carrying on the
proud tradition established by his father-- of making great flamenco
instruments.
Manuel Reyes Jr. Concert Flamenco played by
Gaetano
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2002 Ignacio M. Rozas
1a-Especial Concert Classical Guitar.
This is a true concert
guitar that has highly refined classical tone. Its deep and resonant basses
are nicely balanced against polished and focused trebles. The set up is
ideal-- effortless even in the highest registers. We are proud to again be
able to offer Ignacio's work. On this especial model, he carves his
special headstock, and adds other decorative touches that show off the
luthier's art as only a master luthier can.
Ignacio M. Rozas 1a Especial played by
Maya Rafajlovic
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2002 Antonio
Lopez Classical Guitar - Model Clasico.
This
classical guitar from Paulino Bernabe's workshop is not only beautifully made, but
this particular instrument would be an exceptional guitar at any price.
Its tone is powerful, has great sustain, and impact. It is well
balanced, has wonderful separation, with evenness throughout all
registers.
Randall
Avers
MP3 Sound Sample |
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2002 Felix Manzanero 1a Concert Classical Guitar.
All the woods
employed in building this guitar have been aged at least 25 years. The 32
year old German spruce top is outstanding, and Indian rosewood is
superb. Felix is among the finest makers in Spain, and his guitars not
only have the power one expects in a concert instrument, but a noble rich,
complex, refined, and balanced tone. This is an absolute gems of the
luthier's art.
Manzanero
Concert Classical
played by
Randall Avers
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2002 Angel Benito Aguado Concert Classical Guitar.
We are proud to be
able to offer Angel's work. Although his guitars are not are inspired by
those of Antonio Torres (1817-1892), they are not copies. Although he has
drunk deeply from the work of Torres and other Madrid school makers,
he has developed his own unique bracing system. Aside from exquisite
workmanship, his guitars are wonderfully playable, and possess a rich,
refined tone. They are true concert guitar instruments. This guitar is no
exception. It possess wonderful, deep and resonant basses that are nicely
balanced against bright and focused trebles. The set up is ideal--
effortless even in the highest registers.
Angel Benito Aguado
played by Maya Rafajlovic
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2002 Manuel
Romero Macias Concert Classical Guitar.
Manuel Romero Macias guitars
fall into a special category. They are true hand made instruments, built
by an old-school luthier using the finest materials. They possess a
wonderful sound, and are very affordable. To do this, however, Manuel
builds them fairly quickly, and spends no extra efforts on making, for
example, the inside of the guitar look pretty. If sound is more
important than looks, then Manuel's guitars are great bargains--a
Champaign sound for those of you on a beer budget.
mp3 sample provide by
present owner. |
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2002 Amalio Burguet ABF Professional Flamenco Guitar.
This model is personally made by Amalio
Burguet and is entirely handcrafted. Each ABF guitar is dated, numbered,
and signed. Amalio uses the finest woods available for this model. Amalio
Burguet's flamenco guitars have a truly flamenco tone and bite. Their
set-up is low, fast, and they are a joy to play.
Amalio
Burguet played by Paco de N.
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2002 Santos Bayón Ruiz, Santos Hernandez Model,
Concert Classical Guitar.
Santos Bayon is the grand
nephew of Santos Hernandez and continues to work in Santos Hernandez
actual workshop which he inherited from his father, Feliciano Bayón, a
talented luthier in his own right. I believe that Santos is among the
finest guitar makers currently working in Spain. This handmade classical
guitar is a faithful copy of
a Santos Hernandez, built in Santo's own forms. The rosette, with its
mother-of-pearl inlays, is also one that Santos employed in some of his
guitars. I have a number of original Santos Hernandez guitars in my
own collection, and Bayon's Santos Hernandez
model compares well with them. It is a superb instrument that whose tone
is instantly recognized as that of Santos Hernandez. The trebles are
concentrated, intense, and possess a crystalline clarity. The mid-range is
likewise vibrant and full bodied. The basses are firm, resonant, and
crisp. The guitar has concert volume, great presence and projects even
when played softly.
Santos
Bayon Ruiz - Santos
Hernandez model played by
Gonzalo Andrés Molano |
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2002 Lester Devoe Concert
Flamenca Negra Guitar.
Lester DeVoe began taking classical and flamenco guitar lessons in the early
1970s, with aspirations of becoming a professional player. Inspired by his
teacher's 1924 Santos Hernández, he began building, patterned after those Santos
Hernández. As he tried new ideas of construction: more accurate fret placement,
string compensation, top arching, stress-free assembly, internal bracing
structure and neck reinforcements he has kept pattern, sound and feel of the
Santos Hernández in mind." DeVoe flamenco guitars have been played by the great
performers of the flamenco world, including the late Sabicas, Paco de Lucia and,
Vicente Amigo. Although there are some slight nail marks in the finish, there
are no real scratches, nicks, dings, or string burns. The neck is straight, and
the saddle is high enough to lower the action should this ever be required.
2002 Lester Devoe Concert
Flamenca Negra played by owner.
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2003 José Lopez Bellido Concert Flamenco
Guitar. This is simply a
great flamenco guitar from José Lopez Bellido, one of Granada's
leading guitar makers. It is one I picked up personally on my last trip to
Spain in October, 2004. Not only is workmanship is outstanding, but it possess firm but
profound basses, a vibrant mid-range and concentrated trebles that still sing
at the 19th fret. It has the punch, rasp, and power one expects from a great
flamenco guitar.
2003
José Lopez Bellido Concert Flamenco
played by
Gaetano
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2003
Manuel Reyes, Model 6-36 Flamenco Guitar
This
model is made to Manuel Reyes specifications, and the final set up work
and finishing touches are done in his shop. These are without a doubt
the finest production guitars I have seen, and rival many instruments that
sell for hundreds more. The set up is simply perfection, making this
guitar just a joy to play.
Reyes flamenco model 6-36
played by
Gaetano
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2003 Marcelino Lopez Nieto, Hernandez y Aguado Model
Classical Guitar
This is a very faithful copy of a Hernandez y Aguado guitar built by one
of Spain's most respected luthiers, who has been building guitars since
1947. This is number 926. Interestingly, Marcelino comes to this model
honestly, he made instruments for Hernandez y Aguado for a time between 1971and
1975. This guitar has Indian rosewood back and sides and a German spruce
top, aged more than 30 years. As Marcelino is in his 70s, he is
building fewer instruments, only 5 or 6 per year.
Marcelino
Lopez Nieto played by
Gonzalo Andrés Molano
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2003 Antonio
Lopez Professional Model Classical Guitar.
These guitars are handmade
in Paulino Bernabe's shop under his supervision. The quality of materials,
workmanship, and attention to detail on these guitars is outstanding. They
are concert quality instruments that are responsive and have impeccable
balance and a firm, clear, classical tone, with great separation and
sustain.
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