This flamenco guitar was made by the legendary guitar maker Marcelo Barbero in Madrid, 1950. 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.
Undoubtedly, this guitar is one of the most precious and important gems of our private collection, and we are proud to be able to offer it for study during the conferences that will take place during the SOLERA ARTISANS SCHOOL guitar construction course, promoting and fostering the creation of new guitar makers with knowledge that is difficult to acquire outside of this course. (SEE NEWS)
This guitar is a true gem. For us, it is a true privilege to purchase and expose it on our web, as, odd as it may sound, it is so much more difficult to find a guitar made by Marcelo Barbero than by Don Antonio de Torres or Santos Hernández.
This guitar is one of the most valuable gems Solera Flamenca has found ever. This is a guitar made by Marcelo Barbero, as a commission for an Egyptian prince, although he did not keep the instrument, finally. After that decision, the Egyptian ambassador did keep the guitar. We have now acquired the instrument directly from the ambassador´s family. The quality of the woods used is simply unparalleled, particularly taking into account the shortage period it was made in.
The top, made of German spruce, has a marked straight grain, with the perfect separation the maestro always sought to find. As a result, we all can see this flexibility effect on the top, resulting, in turn, in such a special timbre and a fascinating rebound touch.
Its sound is absolutely wonderful, and we can only say no words can describe it. You really have to see it, feel it, to believe it. After trying it, no other guitar will ever be the same. A true gem which gathers all the qualitis we could ever dream of , and will crown any collection, no matter how valuable or ambitious it is.
The strings height and adjustment which this guitar allows is simply perfect, this permits an extremely comfortable touch in both hands and an increase in fluidity when playing the instrument.
The condition is absolutely incredible for a guitar of that period. All of its original parts are preserved (varnish, pegbox, bones…). It only has a small crack on the back, perfectly backed up with documentary evidence through the images attached. The upper pickguard is fully detached.