1962 Ignacio Fleta SP/IN (ex Angel Romero)

For performers and collectors alike, the name Ignacio Fleta (1897-1977) ranks among the elite handful of 20th century luthiers. His colorful guitar-making career spanned nearly half a century and his legacy has continued to the present day, with the instruments of his two sons Gabriel and Francisco, and now grandson Gabriel Jr. Countless scores of the finest players in the world have played these instruments. This particular instrument was previously owned by Angel Romero. He recorded the Villa-Lobos concerto with this very guitar (#249) with Jesús López-Cobos conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. To hear it, see the videos below.

In typical Fleta fashion for this period, it is made of spruce for the soundboard and Indian rosewood for the back and sides. It is a modern Fleta in the sense that it already has the 9 fans and double harmonic bars found in the later guitars. The neck and body proportions are a bit more similar to the instruments of the late 1950’s, making it extremely comfortable to play. The condition of the guitar is excellent, with no cracks or repairs of any kind, with original refinish intact. Apart from some very minor, superficial scratches on the top, there is only 1 string blemish behind the bridge from the high e-string. This is one of the strongest, most powerful Fleta’s we have seen and the tone is absolutely magical. An extremely intriguing instrument with great provenance, tone quality and condition – an extremely desirable Fleta by any standard.