Enrique Sanfeliu (born 1882) was a Barcelona guitar maker from Valencia whose ornate guitars, in the tradition of Enrique García and Francisco Simplicio, were played by Agustín Barrios Mangoré.
Enrique Sanfeliu at a Glance
- Born: November 24, 1882, Valencia, Spain
- Workshop: Calle Ancha, 30, Barcelona
- Trained: in the workshop of Juan Estruch; friend of Enrique García
- Influences: Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio
- Known for: ornate marquetry, carved headstocks, tornavoz guitars
- Played by: Agustín Barrios Mangoré, Pepe Romero, Marcelo Kayath
- Son: Enrique Sanfeliu Jr. (“Junior” labels)
From Valencia to Barcelona
Sanfeliu was born in Valencia on November 24, 1882, and as a child built small “toy” guitars for his friends – a true sign of a promising future as a guitar maker. After hearing Tárrega play a concert in Valencia, he decided to devote his life to the guitar – not just as a player, but also as a maker. He later moved to Barcelona, where he worked in the workshop of Juan Estruch and befriended Enrique García, who shared his knowledge of lutherie with him. His labels – “Enrique Sanfeliu, Constructor de Guitarras” – give his workshop as Calle Ancha, 30, Barcelona.
Sanfeliu Guitars and Barrios
His instruments show the unmistakable influence of the later guitars of García, as well as those of García’s great protégé Simplicio: ornate marquetry, carved headstocks and a beautiful, old-world sound with lyrical trebles and a dark, haunting and mysterious quality. Some of his guitars are fitted with a “tornavoz”, a conical tube attached to the soundhole that adds boom to the basses and clarity to the trebles, and he also built rare, featherlight flamenco blancas. Perhaps the most famous player of Sanfeliu guitars was Agustín Barrios Mangoré, whose Sanfeliu bore his name in the headstock. His son, Enrique Sanfeliu Jr., also built guitars, with labels marked “Junior”.
Books on Enrique Sanfeliu
Our 1933 Sanfeliu, ex Pepe Romero is one of the guitars in “34 Classical Guitars in Life Size”:
Enrique Sanfeliu Guitars at GSI
Many Enrique Sanfeliu guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Enrique Sanfeliu?
A Spanish guitar maker born in Valencia in 1882 who worked in Barcelona, influenced by Enrique García and Francisco Simplicio.
Which famous guitarist played a Sanfeliu?
Agustín Barrios Mangoré – his Sanfeliu had his name in the headstock.
What is a tornavoz?
A conical tube attached under the soundhole that adds boom to the basses and clarity to the trebles; some Sanfeliu guitars have one.
Who was Enrique Sanfeliu Jr.?
His son, who also built guitars in the workshop; his labels are marked “Junior”.
