Carlos Juan Busquiel - 2023 "La Leona" No. 159
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Carlos Juan Busquiel is a Spanish guitar maker whose work is deeply rooted in the traditions of the nineteenth century Spanish guitar. Based in Petrer, near Alicante, he approaches lutherie with a particular sensitivity to historical construction methods, lightweight instruments, and the expressive qualities of traditional Spanish sound. His path into instrument making began with the violin, before an encounter with the guitar maker Rafael López Porras in Cádiz inspired him to dedicate himself to the classical guitar. A particularly important influence came from José Luis Romanillos, whose guidance helped him develop a deeper understanding of the work of Antonio de Torres and the principles that shaped the modern Spanish guitar. Through the study of historical instruments and their construction, Busquiel has developed a personal approach that values acoustic responsiveness, refined craftsmanship, and the close relationship between the player and the instrument. His guitars reflect a dedication to preserving the musical qualities of the Spanish tradition while bringing them to life for contemporary guitarists.
About the guitar
This remarkable 2023 La Leona by Carlos Juan Busquiel, bearing number 159, pays homage to one of the most important instruments in the history of the classical guitar. Built by Antonio de Torres in 1856, the original La Leona became a landmark in the development of the modern Spanish guitar, admired for its extraordinary resonance and expressive possibilities. Busquiel's interpretation follows the spirit of this historical masterpiece, combining a spruce soundboard with cypress back and sides, a remarkably lightweight construction, and the characteristic tornavoz, a resonating device fitted beneath the soundhole. This historical feature plays an important role in shaping the instrument's acoustic character, particularly its unusually deep body resonance.
The result is a guitar with an astonishing sense of depth and a beautifully rounded, lyrical voice. Its basses reach into a particularly low register, producing a broad, resonant foundation that feels remarkable for an instrument of such delicate construction. This impressive depth reflects the careful implementation of the tornavoz, allowing the guitar to develop a rich bass presence while retaining the immediacy and transparency of a traditional Spanish instrument. The response is exceptionally lively, with notes emerging effortlessly from the slightest touch and developing into a warm, overtone rich sound. Sustain is generous, melodic lines flow naturally, and the balance between registers gives the player considerable freedom to shape individual phrases. There is an appealing softness to the trebles, complemented by a wealth of harmonic colour and a beautifully open resonance. Above all, this La Leona combines the intimacy of a historical Spanish guitar with a surprising breadth of sound, offering an instrument of remarkable musical sensitivity and character.
Condition
This 2023 Carlos Juan Busquiel La Leona is presented in excellent condition, showing only minimal signs of wear consistent with careful playing and storage. The instrument has been well preserved and retains its elegant appearance and original French polish finish.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars
How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?
Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.
What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.
Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?
Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.
What payment methods and financing options do you offer?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.
How do I properly care for my classical guitar?
A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.