Flamenco guitar Marcelo Barbero 1953

This flamenco guitar was made by the legendary guitar maker Marcelo Barbero in Madrid,
1953. 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.

The different woods in this flamenco guitar are of the top existing quality. The top are made of german spruce has a totally straight and even grain, which is quite accentuated. The back and sides are made of cypress wood, whose beauty and quality are simply magnificent.

Its sound is simply wonderful; you just have to listen to a single chord to realize you are in front of an instrument with a quality far beyond the rest: The basses are hoarse and deep, with a somewhat “hollow” sound which we curiously find in its trebles, too. This enhances and counterbalances the overall qualities brilliantly, ultimately, a perfect sound that show us the greatness of this master guitar-maker.

The tension is medium, and the height of the strings in saddle and fingerboard is reduced, which provides us with a high degree of comfort for both hands.

The condition of this flamenco guitar is really good. It has a restoration on the lower side, and a small crack on the upper part of the top, being both of them perfectly repaired and backed up with documentary evidence, both on their internal and external side.