This guitar is no longer available in our inventory. If it interests you, click the ”notify me when available” button to be notified in the event that we re-acquire this guitar for re-sale.
Santos Hernandez is one of the elite makers of the historical pantheon - along with Torres and Hauser I in terms of collectibility and historical importance. Santos became a very established maker early in his career when he became known as the builder of the Manuel Ramirez guitar of 1912 that was owned and played by Andres Segovia. Many others have played his instruments, including Regino Sainz de la Maza (for whom the Concierto de Aranjuez was written), Eduardo Abreu, and the Romero family among others. This particular guitar, built in 1941, is a late guitar from Santos' most mature period and is an extremely elegant example of his best work, with beautiful materials and his usual, precise craftsmanship. The rosette features colorful (especially with the use of reds and greens) diamond and square patterns in the mosaic, matched also in the rosette and top purflings. Condition is excellent for its age - There is one hairline (invisible) crack under the fingerboard (repaired internally with glue only) and another hairline crack on the top in the lower bout (treble-side), cleated internally with 5 small cleats. These repairs were done over 20 years ago by Yuris Zeltins who also refinished the guitar, and in a recent conversation mentioned that he did not take the original finish down to the wood, so the original thicknesses remain, as well as the original, dark patina in the spruce top. Back and sides are crack-free. The sound of this guitar has a rich, natural and very "woody" quality of sound supported by a solid, almost self-assured fundamental at the center of every note. Playability is a breeze with a very comfortable neck shape. Overall a very handsome and charming instrument that captures the essence of this great maker at his best.
