1996 Manuel Velazquez SP/CSAR

This is a great, full-size concert instrument built in the classic Velazquez style - lightweight yet sturdy build, with a firm sound that is strongly reminiscent of the "teutonic" style as developed by Hermann Hauser I and carried on by Hermann Hauser II - brilliant, sparkling trebles and steady basses are the standout tonal qualities - fans of Julian Bream's sound will immediately identify with this instrument. The fundamental of every note is crystal clear yet the resonance coming out of the box adds a nice rich fullness to the body of each note. The result is clean, pure tone with razor-sharp separation between all voices. Playability is very easy thanks to the sleek shape and contour of the neck. Materials are stunning including a gorgeous well-aged quartersawn spruce top with plenty of cross-grain silk matched with an elegant set of richly dark CSA rosewood for the back and sides. Condition is excellent with no prior damage or repairs, only some veryvminor wear in the finish. Overall a top example by one of the great iconic makers of the last 7 decades.