2016 Felipe Conde Crespo "Negra" SP/AR

This is a great concert "negra" flamenco from Felipe Conde Jr., who along with his sister Maria are the new generation of Conde builders in a family tradition that has just celebrated it's 100th anniversary in 2015. Like the flamenco "negra" guitars of his father, this based on the same dimensions and proportions as the Conde made famous by Paco de Lucia. It has a driving, aggressive quality that makes it the ideal solo instrument for concert settings or the recording studio. Felipe's years of apprenticeship under the watchful eyes of his father guarantee that workmanship is the usual very high standard from this shop, very clean, precise and with a refined aesthetic, not just in the beautiful rosette but also by the classic media luna head shape. Materials are exquisite with an dark, aged spruce soundboard and gorgeous set of African rosewood for the back and sides featuring dramatic grain patterns and no center seam inlays. Sound is big, raspy and piercing, yet very balanced and clear at the same time. As is the case with his father's guitars, this instrument has great power in the tradition of the leading Madrid makers of the last 50 years, and it plays easily with a gracefully shaped neck. Overall a great modern Madrid guitar with a rich and full sound.

Felipe (hijo) and Maria Conde in Vanity Fair magazine

Felipe Conde in Iberia Magazine