1876 Francisco Gonzalez
Classicals
The Classical Guitar
A Complete History
Edited by John Morrish:
The complete story
of the classical guitar
is explored through
the history of the
players and makers
from the earliest
roots to the modern-
day. Features guitars
in the Russell
Cleveland Collection.
Item #2857 $29.95
4 Order online at www.guitarsalon.com or call 310 399-2181
Spruce Soundboard/Maple Back & Sides
Now in the Russell Cleveland Collection
Francisco Gonzalez (1820-1879), contemporary of Antonio de
Torres, is considered by many to be the founder of the
“Madrid school” of guitar making. Gonzalez gave rise to the
Ramírez dynasty, when in about 1870 he became maestro to
the young José Ramírez I, who worked for Gonzalez as a
guitar maker and polisher. In Gonzalez’s work, we see the
older concepts of stiffly braced, highly-domed soundboards,
and deep bodies with a smaller plantilla, which are evidenced
in this particular instrument from 1876. The back bracing is
much more elaborate than a typical Torres design, and
aesthetically, there are notable differences, particularly in the
use of a larger rosette, the highly figured carving in the bridge
and the exaggerated size of the lower bout.
There are only a handful of known Gonzalez guitars which
survive today, so this instrument represents one of the rarest
of finds we have come across. It is in original condition,
having never been sanded or even re-finished on the top.
Having no cracks, this may be the most important Gonzalez
guitar in existence, due to its condition, overall quality and
excellent tone.
Item #3241 Price: Inquire
Book: A Collection of Fine Guitars from
Torres to the Present
Sheldon Urlik:
With stunning color
photography and
painstaking detail,
this book presents
one of the world’s
most important and
complete collections
of fine Classical and
Flamenco Guitars.
Item #420 $119.50
1914 Manuel Ramírez
Spruce Soundboard/Maple Back & Sides
The heir to Torres, Manuel Ramírez made this guitar for
Regino Sainz de la Maza for whom the Concierto de Aranjuez
was written. The guitar is in superb condition with only one
repair on the side (following an accident). It appears to be all
original with a near perfect top and original finish throughout.
The sound of this guitar can only be compared to a Torres or
to a Santos (who probably made it). It is elegant in every
respect including aesthetics of sound and appearance. It is
hard to imagine an easier or more rewarding guitar to play.
Item #3092 Price: Inquire
Masterpieces of Guitar Making (with CD)
Stefano Grondon & Luca Waldner:
A rich photographic anthology of
the history of the guitar from the
late eighteenth century to the
middle of the twentieth century. It
features more than fifty of the most
representative instruments built by
the greatest makers. Many of these
guitars were also owned by
legendary performers such as
Francisco Tárrega, Miguel Llobet and Andrés Segovia.
Included is a compact disc featuring recordings by Stefano
Grondona playing the instruments contained in the book.
Item #2905 $99.95
1941 Santos Hernandez
Spruce Soundboard/ Indian Rosewood Back & Sides
Originally employed at the workshop of Manuel Ramírez in
the early 1900s, Santos Hernandez became one of the best
known builders in the Ramírez shop. Today, he is regarded as
one of the greatest luthiers of the 20th century. He is also the
luthier who built Andrés Segovia’s famous 1912 concert
guitar, which is now in the Metropolitan Museum in New
York. This instrument is in outstanding condition with no
cracks or repairs. It is gorgeous, with a very colorful and
exquisite rosette. It has deep, full bases and silky trebles.
Very collectible and in fine performing condition as well.
Item #3142 Price: Inquire
Audio samples of indicated items available online at www.guitarsalon.com 5