This flamenco guitar was made by Javier Castaño in 2024. Javier Castaño was born in Madrid in 1974. Aged 14, he was really skilled, and his playing, really touching. When he was 22, he started his career as a guitar maker, taking several courses with Maestro Rafael López Porras, in Cádiz. In 2008 he completely devoted himself to the Madrid school. It is now when his career as a guitar maker takes a whole new direction, acquiring This guitar was built by luthier José Recio in 1847. José María Recio Beltrán was born in Cádiz on January 15, 1806. His father, José Recio Perini, was a carpenter, and some sources suggest he might have also been a guitar maker, although there is no clear evidence to confirm this. The “Museu de la Música” in Barcelona houses a guitar by José Recio from 1824, which belongs to the collection of guitarist and composer Miguel Llobet. According to the 1841 census, he was listed as a guitar maker, residing at 128 Capuchinos Street. In 1844-1845, he lived at 77 San Leandro Street and had a workshop between 1844-1846 on Torre Street. In 1847, he moved his workshop to Palma de la Viña. From 1850-1855, he returned to have his workshop and residence at 77 San Leandro Street, and finally, in 1856, he was found at Jesús Nazareno Square. He died on January 14, 1867.
This guitar is a true treasure, not only for what it represents and for being an invaluable part of guitar history but also for its remarkably preserved condition, which allows us to appreciate and study the elaborate construction method this genius luthier possessed despite the limitations of tools and wood at the time, as we are talking about almost 200 years of a journey through time to the present day.
The woods that make up this guitar are German spruce for the top and mahogany for the sides and back. The purfling details and wood and mother-of-pearl inlays are authentic works of art.
Its sound is somewhat surreal. Our first impression was, “How is it possible for such a small instrument to produce so much sound?” It is truly surprising, but when you take the time to listen closely, you realize that its greatest virtue is not its power but the quality of its voice: A sweet voice with spatial projection, delicate harmonics that fill the room, and a superior tonal quality that shakes our heads at the theory of the evolution of instruments.
The string heights and setup of this guitar are somewhat different from a modern guitar due to its construction method. The fingerboard has a very low height throughout its length and a slightly higher height at the bridge/saddle. The action is very soft, and just a light touch is enough to bring out its full potential.
The conservation condition is extraordinary for a guitar of this era, retaining the originality of all its parts (varnish, tuning pegs, bones…), with no cracks or repairs of any kind.the knowledge and technique from this school of maestros. In 2014 he began working directly with the firm Conde Hermanos, in Atocha Street, shaping and providing the instrument with Julio Conde´s sound.
The top is made of canadian cedar, with an outlined grain, straight and smooth, that endorse its exceptional quality. The back and sides are made of Pauferro wood, with an outstanding quality and beauty.
This flamenco guitar is the second one we have from master Javier Castaño made of Pauferro wood, and it’s just that we were so fascinated with the result of the previous one that we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to acquire another one again. Its tone is deeply flamenco yet, at the same time, versatile, inviting us to enjoy and venture into any musical style. Its strumming is distinctive and clear, with powerful bass notes and crystalline highs, and with very direct projection.
This guitar has the highly-valued “rebound beating” on the right hand, combined with fantastic softness on the left one, thus accomplishing the “perfect instrument”, should we want to spend hours and hours playing non-stop with a nice feeling of ease.
The condition of this flamenco guitar is brand new.
Price 8,500.00€
Available on backorder
Year | 1847 |
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Top | German spruce |
Back and sides | Caoba |
Scale length | 645 mm |
Finish | French polish |
Tuners | Traditional wooden pegs |
String height 12th fret | 2.1 mm |
Saddle height | 9.6 mm |
Nut width | 51 mm |
Dist. between 1st-6th string at the nut | 43 mm |
Dist. between 1st-6th string at the saddle | 55 mm |
Weight | 1030 gr |
Condition | Excellent – original |
Included case | Original |
Optional case (plus 250€) | Hiscox PRO-II-GCL-L |
Optional case ( plus 650 € ) | BAM Panther 8002XLB Hightech |
Video recorded with strings | Solera Flamenca «Alma» by Vicente Amigo (Nylon) |
Availability | IN STOCK |