Paulino Bernabé - 2019 Especial

The Paulino Bernabé family is renowned for its craftsmanship in creating world-class guitars. Paulino Bernabé Senior, born in Madrid on July 2, 1932, was a talented classical guitarist who became a master guitar maker. He developed an interest in guitar construction while studying classical guitar with Daniel Fortea and eventually became the head artisan in the famous Ramirez workshop. In 1969, Bernabé left Ramirez and founded his workshop in Madrid, where he began experimenting with innovative techniques to create his unique sound ideals. Over the years, he has used various woods and bracing systems to sculpt the sound capabilities of his instruments, which are widely used by concert and recording artists for their powerful, clear, and sustaining tone.

Bernabé's son, Paulino Bernabé Junior, was born in Madrid on June 9, 1960, and raised in his father's workshop. He learned the secrets of the craft from his father and began working as his apprentice at 17. Paulino worked with his father for 30 years, always seeking to improve their techniques and build the next great guitar. After his father's passing, Paulino has taken on the challenge of continuing the family tradition, hoping to pass down the knowledge to future generations.

The Bernabé family is a crucial part of Spanish history, with their guitars being sought after for their exceptional quality and unique sound. Paulino Bernabé Senior was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Crafts Exhibition in Munich in 1974 and completed a 10-string guitar for Narciso Yepes in 1972. Thibaut Garcia recently won the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) with his Paulino Bernabé Junior guitar. Their legacy of innovation and excellence continues to be recognized and appreciated by musicians and fans worldwide.
The Especial model is one of the most emblematic guitars built by Paulino Bernabé. It is a first-class concert guitar that unites a great instrument's must-have qualities, displaying a brilliant, powerful tone, an exceedingly broad spectrum of sound-color possibilities, a great dynamic range, and fluid playability. This instrument has cypress double sides and a traditional typical Bernabé bracing. The woods were chosen with the outermost strict requirements, and the setup offers ideal left-hand comfort. It is an established model among professional guitarists, and this very guitar shows why P. Bernabé’s guitars are among the best Spanish instruments.
This 2019 Especial model is a second-hand guitar in excellent condition with only minimal playing wear. It features a spruce soundboard and Malaysian blackwood for the back and sides, producing an open, powerful, and colorful sound. Combining these materials results in a guitar that offers a rich and dynamic tonal range, making it an ideal instrument for any guitar enthusiast.

A poem about this guitar

In Madrid's bustling streets, a family name
Is renowned for crafting world-class guitars.
Paulino Bernabé, both father and son,
Have built a legacy that brightly stars.

With Daniel Fortea, the father learned
The classical guitar, then found his calling
In crafting instruments, seeking to earn
A reputation for sound that's enthralling.

At Ramirez, he rose to head artisan
Before leaving to form his own workshop,
Where he innovated to make his sound
More powerful, clear, with sustaining pop.

The son, Paulino Junior, learned the trade
From his father's skilled and experienced hand,
Working with him for thirty fruitful years
To perfect the art that's in such demand.

Their guitars have won gold medals and acclaim,
Favored by musicians across the land.
And this Especial, built in 2019,
Is an exemplar of their master plan.

With cypress sides and Malaysian back,
Spruce soundboard, and a typical bracing,
It offers an open, powerful sound,
With tonal range that's rich and embracing.

For any guitarist, this is a dream,
A treasure trove of beauty, craft, and tone.
And for the Bernabé family, it's clear,
Their legacy of excellence has grown.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.