This classical guitar was made by the legendary guitar maker Marcelo Barbero in Madrid, 1945. This maker is regarded as one of the most important flamenco guitar craftsmen ever. After Santos Hernández’s death, his widow, Matilde Ruiz, ordered Marcelo Barbero the making of Santos’ unfinished guitars before his premature death in 1943, thus employing the workshop and tools located in 23 Aduana Street, Madrid. Thanks to that, Marcelo learned and discovered some little tricks secrets Santos had when making his guitars, becoming his only disciple and apprentice, even if just indirectly. This is why Barbero’s guitars after this time are the most valued by instrument collectors all around the world. This guitars stand out for their light weight and outstanding acoustic response, quick and accurate, but also full of flamenco character.
It is truly surprising to see for ourselves the quality of these woods, as well as the extreme perfection of its making. The German spruce top has a really marked, even and straight grain all along its surface. The back and sides are made of extremely beautiful and high quality Brazilian rosewood. This is a special model for concerts, for which the very best woods were selected, as well as a top-notch pegbox and mother-of-pearl hands.
The sound of this guitar has an incredible scope, only comparable to “La Invencible” by Sir Antonio de Torres. This opinion is shared by every single professional who had the chance to try this gem. The depth of its bass strings and the unmatchable musicality of its trebles, along with the stateliness of its timbre, make it a true work of art. For us, this instrument represents, without any doubt, the concert guitar at the highest level.
It is almost impossible to find guitars made by this craftsman, but it is even more difficult to find them in this superb condition. Only the bridge and some parts of the fileteria are detached, and there is a crack on the back, really common in guitars which have spent most of their life in Madrid´s particularly dry climate. All these little imperfections have been perfectly restored by the master luthier Francisco Sánchez, who managed to leave the guitar in absolutely PERFECT condition. A down-to-detail careful work, almost “surgical”, which requires a careful study, deep knowledge and full-time devotion. A work for the very best craftsmen, indeed. This guitar has always belonged to the same owner. After their passing, the instrument was kept into an attic for more than forty years, thus preventing it from getting in touch with light. Therefore, the varnish has remained in optimal conditions for the preservation of the guitar.