2002 Geza Burghardt "Grand Concert - dedicated to JL Romanillos" SP/CSAR

Geza Burghardt is undoubtedly Hungary's top builder of traditional classical guitars. Although his career began in Budapest in the early 1980s, he moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1988 where he eventually set up a shop in the quaint location of Granville Island. In addition to building guitars, Geza also constructs fine instruments from the bowed string family including everything from double-basses to violins. He also manages to fit restoration work and teaching into his schedule!

This guitar, his "Grand Concert", is in excellent condition for its age - no cracks, damage or repairs - only some minor wear in the finish. It is a beautifully made instrument with high-grade materials and elegant design work - most noticeably in the rosette which bears a tip-of-the-hat to the "cumbre" guitar (FE 08) of Torres in the mosaic section - with checkered pattern alternating with mother-of-pearl inlays. This is also unique in that it was built for Jose Romanillos' 70th birthday which Geza attended in Siguenza. Pepe Romero Sr. performed on this guitar at the party, and inside it has on the tongue of the heel, a silver placque engraved by a local silversmith in Vancouver near Geza's workshop. The placque expresses both his admiration for Romanillos' contribution to classical guitar culture, as well as to their long friendship extending back to the 1970s. Sound is lush and smooth, with a loose, relaxed, played-in quality. Trebles are warm, basses are plump - simply a wonderful guitar in every regard. Burghardt guitars rarely appear on the second-hand market so it's a real treat to be able to have this fine guitar on offer, especially with such a touching backstory.