1931 Santos Hernandez SP/CSAR (ex David Gómez Tárrega)

Santos Hernandez is one of the elite makers of the historical pantheon - along with Torres and Hauser I in terms of collectibility and historical importance. Santos became a very established maker early in his career when he became known as the builder of the Manuel Ramirez guitar of 1912 that was owned and played by Andres Segovia. Many others have played his instruments, including Regino Sainz de la Maza (for whom the Concierto de Aranjuez was written), Eduardo Abreu, and the Romero family among others. This particular guitar, built in 1931 was previously owned by the nephew of Francisco Tárrega - David Gómez Tárrega - see below for the translation of a letter from his son, Enrique Gómez Vázquez. This guitar is an extremely elegant example of Santos’ best work, with beautiful materials and his usual, precise craftsmanship. The rosette features Santos' "collapsing waves" in the mosaic, a variation on the rosette found in his iconic 1912 Manuel Ramirez of Segovia. Condition is amazing - apart from one hairline (invisible) crack under the fingerboard (repaired with glue) the guitar is pristine with only some minor finish work done over the course of its life. The sound of this guitar has a rich, deep and almost "pensive" quality of sound supported by a solid, almost self-assured fundamental at the center of every note. It also has a beautiful loose, old-world feel to it. Playability is a breeze with a very comfortable (and visually stunning - flamed mahogany) neck. Overall a very charming instrument that captures the essence of this great maker. Note: This guitar is featured on pages 178-179 of the Orfeo book on Santos Hernandez.

Translation of family letter (included with guitar):

Biographical sketch of Don David Gómez Tárrega and his Santos Hernandez guitar

Belonging to a family that loved music, who played various stringed and percussion instruments, Don David was born in Geldo, a small town in Valencia. His passion led him to study every note and the entire musical range of the great composers. Among which was the great Spanish teacher and composer, known worldwide, Francisco Tárrega, who was his uncle on his mother's side and from whom he also inherited that love for music.
 
Since his youth, Don David sought in his free moments the opportunity to share his music with family and friends. During this time they formed small ensembles during festivities that went from town to town and brought typical serenades to the region's masses. Don David, on one of his pilgrimages, came very young to America. Where after many sacrifices and honest work, he formed a family in the city of Durango, Mexico, with Mrs. Lucia Vazquez Tovar, my mother.
 
Don David's brothers, in Spain, found the opportunity to acquire a Santos Hernandez guitar, so desired by my father, sending it to him at their first opportunity. As expected, the surprise and joy was enormous. Since he had achieved his dream of owning such an invaluable instrument and from that moment on it was his favorite one that he liked to play in his most intimate moments.
 
Don David, after living in the city of Mexico, settled in the city and port of Acapulco. He was a pioneer in the development of this beautiful port, credited with his famous restaurant "Colonial" known internationally and where figures from cinema and politics attended, and where he left his stamp on Spanish food with his traditional Valencian paella.
 
Don David Gómez Tárrega died at the age of 65, on October 4, 1966. Since then the guitar has been kept by his children Lucia and Enrique as an invaluable keepsake.

- Enrique Gómez Vázquez