1972 Paulino Bernabe CD/IN

Built in the famous original Bernabe workshop at Cuchilleros in the center of Madrid, this is a classic, older guitar in incredibly good condition. Bernabes of this vintage infrequently appear on the market so this is a rare treat. It is a great sounding and playing concert guitar by every standard. It's VERY lightly braced with only 3 fans and a bridge patch. Most Bernabes we've seen tended to have a heavier build but this one is unusually on the lighter side which gives it a really big, punchy and full sound. Sound is very "cedary" - Bernabe really understood this wood and knew how to exploit its natural character - by releasing a lush and rich overtone content which gives it a dark, mysterious, very "Spanish" character. Because of its quick and immedate responsivenss, it is also very balanced and clear. The guitar plays and sounds fantastic, and although there is one repair to the top (with cleats internally - very well done by Nathaniel Rich just a few a years ago), it otherwise has only very minimal playing wear in the finish. Tuners were also recently upgraded to Alessi. To date, this guitar has had only one owner, who decided to buy it after visiting Bernabe in 1972.