1971 Ignacio Fleta CD/CY

This 1971 Ignacio Fleta, No. 580, is a classical guitar with a cedar top and Spanish cypress back and sides – one of a small series of five or six made in Barcelona with these woods.

A Rare Cedar and Cypress Fleta from 1971

This instrument from 1971 was built during Fleta's great cedar period (the famous cedar owned by John Williams dates from 1972). It also happens to be one of the most unique Fletas we've seen to date: the back and sides are Spanish cypress. This is not a flamenco – it has the big, warm, resonant sound of the great cedar Fleta guitars, combined with a lightweight feel normally associated with flamencos. The sound is absolutely magical, powerful and rich.

Condition

The condition of the guitar is outstanding. It has no cracks, no repairs and only minor playing wear, mostly superficial scratches on the top. The guitar remains in totally original condition, with the original varnish. Truly rare and exceptional by any standard.

A Letter from Gabriel Fleta

A letter written on April 15, 2010 by Gabriel Fleta and son can be viewed in the image gallery. Translated into English, it reads:

"Pursuant to our discussion about guitar number 580, year 1971, we have confirmed that this number and year refer to a guitar with cedar top and cypress back and sides. This guitar was a very pleasant experience, as this wood imparted a special quality to the instrument.

This guitar was one of a small series of 5 or 6, made with these materials.

Having examined the photographs that you sent us, we have no doubt as to the authenticity of this guitar."

Sincerely,
Gabriel Fleta and son

Ignacio Fleta: Master Guitar Maker of Barcelona

For performers and collectors alike, the name Ignacio Fleta (1897–1977) ranks among the elite handful of 20th-century luthiers. Trained in Barcelona as a maker of violins and cellos, he built mainly bowed instruments from the late 1920s until 1955, when he decided to devote himself to the guitar. Countless scores of the finest players in the world have played his instruments – among them Andrés Segovia, John Williams, Angel Romero, Turibio Santos, Alirio Díaz and Marcelo Kayath.

Ignacio Fleta e Hijos: Three Generations

By the mid-1960s Fleta's sons, Francisco (1925–2003) and Gabriel (1929–2013), had become his partners in the workshop – which is why the labels from then on read "Ignacio Fleta e hijos" (Ignacio Fleta and sons). After Ignacio's death in 1977 the brothers carried on, and today Gabriel's son, Gabriel Fleta Jr., continues the family workshop in its third generation. Many dozens of Fletas have passed through our doors over the years.