1968 Ignacio Fleta CD/IN

This 1968 Ignacio Fleta is a classical guitar with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, built in Barcelona by Ignacio Fleta and his sons and free of any cracks.

A 1968 Fleta Cedar Guitar with a Cello-Like Voice

Built in 1968, in the middle of Fleta's great cedar period, this guitar has a magical sound – rich and powerful, perfectly balanced, and dark, haunting and mysterious in character. Voices stay remarkably distinct even in chordal passages, and one of its most remarkable traits is the superb sustain in virtually every register.

Playing or listening to this instrument, it is apparent that Fleta had a deep background in stringed instrument building. From the late 1920s until 1955 he built mainly instruments of the violin family, and certain Fletas have a rich, textured and deep resonance that is more associated with violas or even cellos – this one has that quality in grand style.

Condition

When we received the guitar it was in completely original condition; however, a large area of the finish had been worn off the soundboard, leaving some wood exposed, so we had Pat Quinn in San Diego do a fantastic refinish of the top. The rest of the guitar still has all its original finish, and it has no cracks or repairs. It is in exceptional playing condition – ready for recording studio or concert stage.

A grand example from one of the greatest luthiers of the 20th century, and a very desirable instrument for both collector and performer.

Ignacio Fleta: Master Guitar Maker of Barcelona

For performers and collectors alike, the name Ignacio Fleta (1897–1977) ranks among the elite handful of 20th-century luthiers. Trained in Barcelona as a maker of violins and cellos, he built mainly bowed instruments from the late 1920s until 1955, when he decided to devote himself to the guitar. Countless scores of the finest players in the world have played his instruments – among them Andrés Segovia, John Williams, Angel Romero, Turibio Santos, Alirio Díaz and Marcelo Kayath.

Ignacio Fleta e Hijos: Three Generations

By the mid-1960s Fleta's sons, Francisco (1925–2003) and Gabriel (1929–2013), had become his partners in the workshop – which is why the labels from then on read "Ignacio Fleta e hijos" (Ignacio Fleta and sons). After Ignacio's death in 1977 the brothers carried on, and today Gabriel's son, Gabriel Fleta Jr., continues the family workshop in its third generation. Many dozens of Fletas have passed through our doors over the years.