Three-piece backs

One of the characteristics of the early Granada School was the way they used darts, inserts and in general multiple pieces for their backs.  Some still do it today but it is not so much a signature of Granada.  Here are some photos, mostly from “Un siglo de la guitarra granadina” by Manuel Cano, a sixteen page supplement from 1975.  One must assume that these backs were composite for economic reasons especially given the hard times in Andalucia back then but many of them are so nicely laid out that a lay-person would surely never consider that possibility.

Antonio Llorente 1835

Antonio Llorente 1835

Agustín Caro 1820

Agustín Caro 1820

pernas1844

José Pernas 1859

José Pernas 1859

José Pernas 1865

José Pernas 1865

ortega1880

Benito Ferrer 1891

Benito Ferrer 1891