2019 Francisco Munoz Alba "Homenaje" SP/IN

Born in the Albaicin in Granada, Francisco Munoz Alba has grown up in a city of guitar makers, learning from many of the best over the course of several decades. Over the years, Francisco has honed his skills to such a high level, that he took the FIRST prize in the 2nd International "Antonio Marin Montero" Guitar Building Competition in Granada, Spain. This guitar (our first classical from him) is based exactly on the specs of winning guitar (the only difference being the materials for back and sides). One immediately notices the virtuosic and precise detailing in the instrument - the mosaic in the rosette uses a "fleur de lis" as its primary element which provides the motif that informs the rest of the inlay work - the graceful curves (rather than straight lines) are found not just in the purfling at the edges, but also in the center seam inlays on the back, and shape of the bridge. The broken purfling at the edges of the mosaic area in the rosette are also tastefully found in the tie-block and inner top purflings giving the guitar a tastefully unified aesthetic. Sound is as lovely as the appearance - bold, firm basses with crisp and clear trebles, giving it a powerful sound with great projection, and balanced across all registers. Overally this is a classy instrument in every regard and we look forward to many more of these to come. Congratulations to Francisco Munoz Alba for a tremendous instrument all around.