1942 Enrique Sanfeliu SP/CY

This 1942 Enrique Sanfeliu is a rare spruce and cypress peghead flamenco blanca from Barcelona, with no cracks or repairs.

A Rare Barcelona Blanca

The influence of García and Simplicio shows most clearly in Sanfeliu’s classical guitars; this peghead blanca is a rarer side of his work. The label from Calle Ancha, 30, Barcelona, is signed and dated 1942.

Sound and Condition

It has a beautiful, old-world sound – extremely powerful, with a biting, raspy response. It was by far the most featherlight instrument in our stock when we had it, in the same category of sound and feel as Santos Hernández, Esteso, Marcelo Barbero or any of the great mid-century flamencos. Condition is excellent – no cracks, no repairs, only 70+ years of respectful and regular playing wear. Juanito Pascual plays a Soleá on it in the video above. This is a very fine, rare, collectible and playable instrument by one of the great Barcelona masters of the twentieth century.

Enrique Sanfeliu: From Valencia to Barcelona

Enrique Sanfeliu was born in 1882 in Valencia, Spain, 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 own workshop was at Calle Ancha, 30.

García, Simplicio and the Barcelona School

Sanfeliu’s instruments show the unmistakable influence of the later guitars of Enrique García, as well as those of García’s great protégé Francisco Simplicio – ornate marquetry, carved headstocks and a beautiful, old-world sound. Perhaps the most famous player of Sanfeliu guitars was Agustín Barrios Mangoré, whose famous Sanfeliu bore his name in the headstock. His son, Enrique Sanfeliu Jr., also built guitars in the workshop, with labels marked “Junior”.