This flamenco guitar was built in 1997 by the master luthier Ricardo Sanchis Carpio of Valencia for the renowned guitar shop El Flamenco Vive, under whose label it was originally marketed. Although the instrument bears the label of this prestigious Madrid establishment, it was entirely crafted by Ricardo Sanchis Carpio, one of Spain’s most respected guitar makers of the last few decades. His guitars enjoy an outstanding reputation, particularly in the flamenco world, where they have been played by renowned artists such as Pedro Sierra, Tomatito, and Carlos Piñana, among many others.

This guitar is the 1F model, one of the highest-grade instruments in Ricardo Sanchis Carpio’s catalogue, surpassed only by the exclusive 1F Extra. Contrary to what many might assume, the different model designations referred primarily to the visual selection of the tonewoods rather than to significant differences in their acoustic design. The soundboard is crafted from premium German spruce with a fine, straight, and exceptionally even grain, while the back and sides are made from carefully selected Spanish cypress. The appointments reflect Ricardo Sanchis’ unmistakable style: understated, elegant, and entirely focused on functionality, allowing the exceptional sound and craftsmanship to take centre stage.

Ricardo Sanchis Carpio guitars built during the 1990s hold a very special place among our personal favourites. During this period, Ricardo developed a construction system strongly influenced by the great Madrid-made guitars of the 1970s and 1980s, particularly those built by Hermanos Conde. While every luthier has a unique tonal identity, Sanchis succeeded in capturing the immediate response, unmistakably flamenco character, outstanding projection, and lightning-fast attack that made those legendary instruments the benchmark for generations of guitarists. All of this is combined with exceptional playing comfort and remarkable consistency in craftsmanship.

The guitar offers a comfortable, well-balanced action, carefully adjusted to provide effortless playability and outstanding control in both hands, allowing the guitarist to perform for hours with complete ease.

This flamenco guitar remains in excellent, completely original condition, with no cracks or repairs of any kind.

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