1965 Hernandez y Aguado SP/IN

Manuel Hernandez (1895-1975) and Victoriano Aguado (1897-1972) met and became friends while working together in a piano factory. They eventually formed a partnership and set up their own piano (and furniture) repair shop in Madrid. As legend has it, their great interest in the art of guitar making was secured sometime in the 1940’s when they leased out some space in their shop to Modesto Borreguero (one of the famed Manuel Ramirez workers) and became intrigued with his guitar making skills. Their instruments remain unique in the canon of great makers in both appearance (they have an almost pear-like shape - or as we say, the plantilla is "pregnant at the hips") and sound. The initial attack of the note is crisp and "snappy", almost like a snare-drum, while the body of the note, which follows, is fat and warm, filling out the surrounding sonic space. These qualities allow for the player to achieve a high level of clarity and precision especially when playing quick, busy music while at the same time, it is very expressive and lyrical when performing slower music. This is a particularly interesting example from this shop. In place of the standard signature on the label, it is signed (in the same handwriting as normal) "Construida por nuestro oficial" which roughly means "built by our foreman". So although this is a Hernandez y Aguado in sound, aesthetic, feel, and place of origin, it appears that the final assembly was done likely by their foreman of the time. Of course he would have used all Hernandez y Aguado parts and tools, having built it in their shop under the supervision of the two Maestros to their specs. Hernandez y Aguado instruments have been played throughout the decades by such greats as Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Julian Bream, and in recent years by Graham Anthony Devine. This guitar is in great condition with no cracks however it has been refinished, and a replacement bridge has been installed (with the original mosaic in the tie-block), which is reflected in the price. The old tuners must have worn out as it was replaced with a beautiful set of Rodgers. So this is a excellent value for someone looking for a great playing and sounding "HyA" at a far more affordable price than they typically sell for.