2023 Stefan Nitschke "Vicente Arias" SP/CY

German luthier Stefan Nitschke has become known for building quality instruments in the Torres/Hauser tradition, however for this guitar, Stefan decided to make it a tribute to the iconic and elusive Vicente Arias. As with Nitschke's other models, rather than being a literal copy of a specific guitar, this instrument is inspired on several Arias guitars that he has seen, in particular two instruments from 1897 and 1901. Stefan also chose some of his choicest materials for this guitar. The spruce for the soundboard was acquired from a maker who originally bought it in the 1980s in the region of Swiss Jura - the same place where Jose Romanillos bought most of his wood. The back and sides are made of 40-year-old cypress. Like a few other builders (including Jose Romanillos), Stefan likes to give names to each of his instruments, this one has been lovingly nicknamed "La Rocio". Structurally it has a very traditional bracing system under the top - 7 long, thin fans that begin at the lower harmonic bar and continue all the way to the lining. The resulting sound is very lively with a loose, old-world dry & woody quality. Very pure, clean and clear with lyrical trebles and deep basses. Overall a stunning instrument all around.

Orfeo Magazine #22 - Gernot Wagner Pioneer of the double top and the new German generation

Photos of this guitar taken just after completion