2018 German Vazquez Rubio "Concert 635" SP/CSAR

This is a beautiful concert instrument featuring several unique and striking design elements. Materials are very high quality and a pleasure to look at, including a perfectly quarter-sawn spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides. Rosewood is also used in the binding, back center strip and tie block, framing the guitar beautifully with its contrasting maple purflings. The meticulously layered headstock is in 4 pieces of maple and 3 pieces of walnut (with rosewood front veneer), which "opens" elegantly into the neck, when viewed from behind. The top has an inner layer of half-herringbone purfling around the entire perimeter as well as in the inner and outer extremities of the rosette. To top it all off, there is a subtle use of blue in the rosette, barely noticeable with the naked eye, but definitely contributing to the unique look and feel of this instrument. The shellac finish is applied with a level of attention to detail and perfection found in very few makers. The sound is extremely responsive and open, with plenty of volume and character. The trebles are very clear and full, and the basses are deep with a nice bouncy response. Playability is a dream with very low action and shorter scale length. It is also fitted with a 20th fret for repertoire requiring a high c natural. Although used, it is in excellent condition with only very mild playing wear. Overall, a beautiful-sounding and intricately made concert guitar for a great price.