César Vera - 1964
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
César Vera belongs to a particularly fascinating chapter in the history of twentieth century Spanish guitar making. Born in Cuenca in 1939, he moved to Madrid as a teenager and developed his craft within the vibrant environment of the Madrid school, at a time when the city was home to some of the most influential guitar makers and musicians in Spain.
Together with his brother Fernando, César established a workshop that distinguished itself through an unusually broad understanding of instrument making. While firmly rooted in the tradition of the Spanish guitar, the Vera brothers also devoted themselves to the study and reconstruction of historical stringed instruments. Their work included vihuelas, lutes and other early instruments, giving them a remarkable position among the Madrid makers of their generation.
Their historical research brought their instruments into contact with important figures of the early music movement. Musicians such as Jorge Fresno and Rodrigo de Zayas performed and recorded with instruments by the Vera brothers, and de Zayas commissioned an exceptional group of seven vihuelas based on the different tunings described by the Renaissance theorist Juan Bermudo. By 1973, Fernando Vera wrote that the brothers had already produced almost one hundred instruments inspired by Medieval and Renaissance models.
At the same time, César and Fernando continued the tradition of the Spanish guitar. Their instruments emerged from the same rich Madrid environment associated with the great workshops of the period, yet their extensive knowledge of historical construction and fine woodworking gave their work an individual character. Their guitars were produced in comparatively small numbers and are rarely encountered today.
César later continued his work independently, maintaining the combination of traditional guitar making, historical research and craftsmanship that had defined the Vera workshop. Today, his guitars are particularly interesting not only as musical instruments, but also as surviving examples of a distinctive period of Spanish lutherie. They represent the Madrid guitar making tradition of the second half of the twentieth century while reflecting the unusually wide artistic and historical interests of one of its most versatile craftsmen.
About the guitar
Built in 1964, this César Vera concert guitar combines the warmth and elegance of the Spanish tradition with an unexpectedly expansive tonal presence. Its spruce soundboard and CITES-certified Brazilian rosewood back and sides accompany a voice of remarkable depth, volume and resonance. Rather than the delicate, restrained character sometimes associated with historical Spanish guitars, this instrument produces a full, generous sound that carries with considerable authority while retaining the subtlety and tonal complexity of its origins.
The trebles have an exceptionally mellow, rounded quality, rich in overtones yet clearly articulated. Notes emerge with a gentle sweetness and develop into a broad field of resonance without losing their individual definition. Even when several voices sound together, the separation remains remarkably clear, allowing harmonic detail and contrapuntal lines to remain intelligible. The balance across the registers is particularly convincing, with a consistent intensity and an unusually long sustain that extends through both melodic passages and full chords.
One of the instrument's most captivating qualities is the way its sound continues to unfold after the initial attack. Chords linger with a richness that invites the player to allow each harmony its full duration before moving forward. The entire body responds with a palpable resonance, while the sustained tones retain their colour and presence rather than fading abruptly. Despite its generous volume, the guitar never sacrifices elegance or clarity. Its combination of mellow trebles, finely separated voices and lingering harmonic resonance creates an expressive character particularly suited to players who value tonal depth and the subtle development of musical phrases.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition following restoration work. Several cracks in the soundboard have been carefully glued without requiring reinforcing cleats, and the finish on the top has been lightly retouched. The back and sides are free from cracks or damage. The original Fustero tuning machines remain in good condition.
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.