2024 Wolfgang Jellinghaus “La Leona FE 04-T” w/tornavoz SP/CY

Wolfgang Jellinghaus' exploration of the work of Antonio de Torres has led him to build a selection of high-quality, but affordable models based on original Torres instruments of different sizes and eras. This particular guitar is based on one of Torres' most famous instruments - "La Leona" from 1856, numbered FE 04. Attention has been paid to many of the details found on the original, including a 3-piece cypress back, simple rosette of concentric rings, and fitted period-style tuning machines, replicas in themselves. Also for this particular version of the model, it is fitted with a "tornavoz" (a brass cylindrical tube fitted inside the soundhole) which assists in giving the guitar tonal characteristics normally found in older, vintage guitars - with the very haunting old-world "pulsation" effect, felt to the player primarily from the specific movement of the back as the guitar vibrates in every register. It does this primarily by lowering the body resonance giving it a big bottem-end while retaining sparkling trebles and clear middle voices. It is striking just how much the guitar has the look and feel of the original, including an "antiqued" look in the finish meant to represent an aged, played-in looking guitar. Its smaller size and lightweight build is a bit deceptive at first – once you pluck the first note, it has a huge sound, very full and robust with great lyrical charm in the trebles and fat basses - rich in overtones across the entire register. Startlingly easy to play, the comfortable neck shape and fast response make this a true players guitar. Hand-built in Jellinghaus' small facility in China, these are small-production, concert-level instruments made with select and beautiful materials, and entirely French-polished by hand. Overall another very charming replica from this fine workshop. At this price point these are a great value for the serious student or concert player on a limited budget.

Note: Stock photos may be used for this model listing. The exact guitar pictured may no longer be available, and may differ slightly from current inventory. Please contact us with any questions.

Wolfgang Jellinghaus (1951-2024) was born in Dortmund, Germany. His father, Walter Jellinghaus, was himself a guitar maker and naturally introduced the craft to Wolfgang at a young age. In 1978, Wolfgang opened a retail music shop called Musik Jellinghaus GmbH and in 1983, he became involved in manufacturing and so created Martinez Guitars, designing their first line of guitars. In 2003, production of Martinez Guitars was moved to China with Wolfgang's assistance. In 2013, he sold Musik Jellinghaus GmbH, and set up an independent workshop in China, building guitars under the name "Milestones of Music", a small boutique traditional workshop that specialized in making high-quality guitars in the style of such great historical makers as Lacote, Torres, Hauser and Ramirez, among others and later, developed a new line of instruments under his own name.