This remarkable instrument turns 100 this year, and is in surprisingly beautiful condition. Domingo Esteso, of course, was one of the celebrated luthiers from the original Ramirez workshop who, along with Santos Hernandez, ventured out to start his own business and in the process defined the mid-century Spanish guitar, and started the dynasty of the Conde Hermanos, Sobrinos de Esteso. He built both rosewood and cypress instruments, and his flamencos were played by the most famous names of the era, including Ramon Montoya and Niño Ricardo. When this guitar was built, Argentina was the world’s 7th largest economy – larger than Spain’s – and the cultural and musical capital of South America. Many Spanish makers sent their best instruments to the booming Buenos Aires guitar market, and this was one of them. The materials, especially the extraordinarily fine grained top, are marvelous.
Condition is excellent, especially for the vintage, with 3 small repaired cracks in the back, and one in the side. The soundboard is clean and crack-free. The finish and thicknesses are original, as are the very eye-catching maple tap plates on the top. The neck is straight and playability is perfect. The sound is beautiful and complex, with plenty of power for any contemporary concert or recording setting. It sounds amazing as a flamenco or a classical – one of those old, magical guitars that’s versatile enough to satisfy any style of playing. This beauty was one of the last guitars to leave the Russell Cleveland collection, now ready to be part of yours.
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