This flamenco guitar was built in 1935 by the legendary luthier Santos Hernández, the most prominent disciple of Manuel Ramírez, for whom he worked for 23 years. In 1918, he opened his own workshop at 23 Aduana Street in Madrid. Between 1916 and his death in 1943, he is believed to have built around 300 guitars. Many of the greatest performers of the time played his instruments, including Ramón Montoya, Andrés Segovia, Sabicas, Niño Ricardo, and Regino Sainz de la Maza, among others.
This Santos Hernández guitar represents a truly exceptional opportunity in today’s market. Finding an instrument by this maker in such an outstanding state of preservation, approaching 100 years old, is extremely rare. Throughout our experience, we have encountered no more than two or three guitars from this period in comparable condition, highlighting its rarity.
It is a top-tier flamenco model, featuring a sealed top and signed label, and built with woods of the highest quality, characteristics found in the finest instruments of this legendary maker.
The sound is fast, precise, and of a quality that far surpasses that of most guitars one may have tried throughout their life, while maintaining a deeply authentic flamenco character. It stands out for its great projection and immediate response, reminiscent of an outstanding 1950s Barbero guitar we previously had, also in exceptional condition.
In terms of playability, it offers a very balanced and comfortable left-hand action, making it not only a historical piece but also a fully functional instrument for today’s guitarist. Overall, this is a high-level flamenco guitar, extremely responsive and capable of satisfying both demanding performers and connoisseurs.
The original friction pegs were replaced by mechanical tuning pegs by a previous owner. While such modifications are not usually seen on instruments of this category, in this case they provide a practical advantage for professional and daily use. The original pegs are included, allowing the instrument to be restored to its original configuration if desired.
The guitar is in excellent and fully original condition, with only two cracks on the soundboard, professionally repaired using glue only.
In conclusion, this is a historical instrument of exceptional rarity, offering a perfect balance between collector’s value and professional usability, and extremely difficult to find in such condition.
VIDEO RECORDED WITH IPHONE 15 PRO, APOGEE DUET 3 SOUND CARD, AND NEUMANN KM184 MICROPHONE. VIDEO TEST USING ONLY IPHONE 15 PRO (SOUND AND IMAGE). For more details CLICK HERE
Price Inquire - SOLD
| Year | 1935 |
|---|---|
| Top | German spruce |
| Back and sides | Cypress |
| Scale length | 650 mm |
| Finish | French polish |
| Tuners | Mechanical tuning pegs |
| String height 12th fret | 3.1 mm |
| Saddle height | 9.5 mm |
| Nut width | 51 mm |
| Dist. between 1st-6th string at the nut | 41 mm |
| Dist. between 1st-6th string at the saddle | 57 mm |
| Weight | 1160 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 | SOLD |