In the normal course of events of buying and selling guitars, we occasionally come across some that are rare and so special that we wish to keep them for some time. This is therefore our small, permanent collection of instruments that are not currently for sale. We have some early ideas about having some CD recordings made using these instruments and perhaps arranging some recitals featuring them.
Santos Hernandez - Madrid
-
Year:
1929
-
Body:
Brazilian rosewood - with very lovely grain figure and colours.
-
Front:
European spruce with a striking geometric rosette, very similar to those adopted by Marcelo Barbero in later years. The underneath of the front has the maker's full signature and date.
-
Tuners:
Unknown
-
Scale:
644 mm
-
Neck Width:
50mm at the nut
-
Condition:
The front has some cracks, recently repaired by Christopher Dean to return it to handsome and very stable playing condition.
The rest of the guitar; the sides, back, neck and head are in remarkably good and attractive condition. It is in full playing order without any sense of fragility. -
Comments:
Many have said Santos was a guitar-building genius. He seemed to conjour up remarkable-sounding guitars, with varying proportions, made with fairly ordinary materials. This particular guitar is slightly smaller-bodied than many, yet it has remarkable depth and good balance. Obviously an old-world sound with great depth from its low air resonance down near E. Such a joy to have, to hold and to play. (Christopher Dean has recently completed to remarkable replicas of this instrument - see home page list for details.)
Santos Hernandez - Click here to find out more about this maker
- Availability:
