2012 Marcelino Lopez "1851 Jose Pernas" SP/IN

In addition to building traditional "Torres" style guitars, Marcelino Lopez also built many other historical instruments based on pre-Torres designs including vihuelas, Baroque guitars, Baroque and Renaissance lutes, and even other non-guitar-esque instruments such as viola da gambas, harps, harpsichords, clavichords and various period-styled violins and violas. This guitar, made in 2012, is a meticulously built copy of an 1851 José Pernas guitar - which was in Marcelino's vast collection of historical instruments, so he was able to study the original first-hand when building this replica. Jose Pernas, born in 1804 was a guitar maker living and working in the Andalucian city of Granada, where he allegedly gave early advice to a young Antonio de Torres. Pernas was greatly celebrated for his work in his lifetime, and in 1851 (the same year as this guitar), he was awarded a gold medal by the Sociedad Economica de Amigos del Pais.

The instrument itself is extremely charming - it has a smaller, more compact box with very "flat" bottom, colorful detailing (top purflings include half herringbone flanked by 4 layers of green, yellow, beige and red. The rosette has a multi-colored mosaic with purflings in green, red, yellow and purple!). Although smaller in size than a contemporary "full-sized" guitar, it is very comfortable and easy to play and has surprisingly large volume. The quality of sound is very authentic, with an "antiquey", pre-Torres tonal character, perfect for getting closer to the period sound of the early-mid 19th century music of such composers as Sor, Giuliani, Aguado, Legnani, Diabelli, Carulli, Coste and Legnani, just to name a few! The guitar is in excellent condition with no damage or repairs, only some very mild wear in the finish. It is concert ready for any performance situation. This is a fantastic "period style instrument" by one of Spain's most enduring and experienced legends.

Includes custom hardshell case perfectly fitted to the dimensions of the instrument. This instrument was in Marcelino Lopez's private collection and was only sold after his passing in 2018.

Orfeo Magazine: Marcelino Lopez Nieto

Interview: Marcelino López Nieto

The late Marcelino López Nieto was one of Spain's most respected builders of the 20th century. He was originally a performer of the guitar, and had been a student of Daniel Fortea (who was himself a pupil of Tarrega). His professional background was initially in cabinetmaking, so given his skill set, it was a natural transition to guitar making, a path taken by many builders throughout history. He befriended Mathilde Ruiz (the widow of Santos Hernandez) after the passing of Santos in 1943, and was able to spend time in his workshop before setting up his own shop in 1947. He is also known for having worked with Hernandez y Aguado in the early 1970's and has since built several "Hernandez y Aguado" models over the years. Although a Madrid maker, Marcelino Lopez never allowed himself to fall under the shadow of the the larger, sturdier style of guitar making more typical of the Ramirez school, always preferring to build in the traditional style of Torres, keeping to the smaller body design without the use of double sides, and mostly building spruce tops, with French polish finish.