This early instrument displays the proportions and definitive measurements of the current guitar.
We can relate it directly to “La Leona (1856)” by Don Antonio de Torres,
the most important and famous guitar in history. Pernas built this instrument five years before the famous “La Leona”. Emilio Pujol
wrote, in 1931, in Almería’s La Independencia newspaper: “Torres was a
true artist: a revolutionary in his art, as is necessarily for all
creators, he felt a passion for the construction of guitars from a young age, and learned this art under the direction of José Pernas in Granada. The best builders up to that time had been Pagés, Benedit, Recio, Altimira and his mentor Pernas”.
Mr. Toscano states: “This instrument is in excellent condition for its 170
years and it is impressive how it still preserves its robust and wonderful sound, suitable for concerts and recordings.
I recently offered concerts at the Alhambra Castle and Carmen de
los Mártires without the need for amplification.”
Domingo Esteso 1928, “The Dog” (Cuenca 1882 – Madrid 1937).
Calle Ministriles 7 – Madrid
Domingo Esteso learned his craft under the tutelage of Manuel Ramirez,
in Madrid, together with figures who later reached maximum
notoriety in the world of guitar construction, like Enrique Garcia,
Modesto Borreguero and Santos Hernandez.
In 1915, Esteso opened his own workshop together with his wife, and
his work stands out for its impeccable finish, aesthetic lightness, and,
above all, as a clean and bright sound, sometimes qualified as old.
“This instrument, from 1928, remains in its totally original state, including varnish. It was partially repaired in 2018 by the great Master Yuris Zeltins (American based in Seville, maximum authority in guitar restorations). During the repair, Yuris jokingly named to this guitar “The Dog” or “Stray Dog”, due to its visible marks of excessive use for decades by Gypsy street flamenco players in Spain ”, says the artist.
Marcelo Barbero is considered one of the greatest luthiers of the 20th century, perhaps the most important and innovative in the construction of flamenco guitars. A fine example of the builder’s best period (1951-1955), this instrument was originally commissioned by the great flamenco guitarist Jose Motos (Salamanca 1930 – Barcelona 1978).
Jose Motos recorded several albums (photo below) as a soloist with this
instrument, and became famous for accompanying great artists such as the genius Sabicas and the famous flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya. This one instrument is in its original state and has been featured on the cover
the album entitled Fantasia Flamenca, in 1956 by Mr. Motos.
“It really is an instrument with extraordinary timbric qualities, perhaps the best guitar I have found in Spain ”, Marcus Toscano states.
The European Guitar Foundation has made a real effort despite the restrictions on public events and will offer us an interesting festival this year. See this link for the programme.
