1868 Antonio de Torres SP/CSAR

Built at the very end of the so-called "first epoch" while Torres was still working in Seville, this is a marvelous and extremely rarified example of Torres' most representative work from the period. It is a full-sized instrument, completely "modern" by todays standards in terms of measurements and proportions which incredibly, remain the blueprint for all guitar makers ever since, with little to no modification from this basic design. Condition of the guitar is excellent, particularly given that it was built 150 years ago. All current repairs were expertly done and the guitar is in performance-ready condition. Sound is absolutely majestic. It has a huge voice with a velvety texture, rich in overtones yet retaining great clarity at the core of every note. The body resonance is very deep, partly due to a device Torres used with some regularity - especially in the first epoch (including most famously in such guitars as "La Leona", FE08, FE13 ex Llobet, FE17 ex Tarrega and others) called a "tornavoz" - a conical tube attached to the soundhole, which in this guitar adds a sonic boom to the bottom end and gives the trebles a brilliant, sparkling clarity. The instrument is as beautiful in appearance as in sound, it has a 3-piece CSAR back, ringed rosette with central herringbone motif and matching "thick" purfling on both the back and sides. Tuning machines were replaced with a custom set made by Rodgers of England for functionality however the original Jerome tuning machines as well as a very old (likely original) wooden case remain with the guitar. Another breathtaking example of a well-preserved, elegantly built and simply gorgeous Torres. Highly desirable to the most discriminating collector or performer alike.

Orfeo Magazine #9 - The 200th Anniversary of Antonio de Torres