2015 German Vazquez Rubio "1951 Barbero, ex Sabicas" SP/CY

This is a beautiful instrument made by G.V. Rubio, here in California. Materials are very high quality and a pleasure to look at, including a perfectly quarter-sawn spruce top and elegant cypress back and sides. The shellac finish is applied with a level of attention to detail and perfection found in very few makers. Interestingly, this is a copy of the 1951 Marcelo Barbero guitar that was famously played by Sabicas and used to record his album "Flamenco Puro". Rubio's copy here is surprisingly light as a feather - like the original - and is extremely responsive to the touch with a big open sound. It has enormous volume and plenty of character and nuance. The trebles are very clear and easy to work with, and the basses are steady and full. Playability is a dream with very low flamenco action. Planetary pegs look like old-school pegs but are machined for ease of use. Overall, a beautiful-sounding flamenco blanca concert guitar for a great price.