Domingo Esteso - 1930

Domingo Esteso - 1930

Overview

Domingo Esteso Lopez was born in San Clemente in 1882. He was one of the most important luthiers of the early 20th century. In the 1890′s, he began his apprenticeship at the workshop of Manuel Ramirez in Madrid. There, he worked along with Modesto Borreguero, Santos Hernandez, etc. In the year after the death of Manuel Ramirez (1864 – 1916) he worked for the widow of M. Ramirez. In 1917, Domingo Esteso opened his own workshop in the Calle Gravina in Madrid. In 1926, his nephew Faustino Conde joined the workshop, followed three years later by his brother Mariano Conde and eventually Julio Conde. When Domingo Esteso died in 1937, the three brothers kept building under the name „Vda y Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso“.

At the age of 48, Domingo Esteso built this wonderful guitar in 1930, at the height of his career. It is a rare model with Rio rosewood back and sides, featuring Esteso's famous purist design with simple and very appealing lines and inlays. The French-style rosette is of the utmost elegance, and the headstock is the most elaborate of Esteso's models, reminiscent of the most precious models from the workshop of Manuel Ramirez. This guitar was beautifully restored by the renowned Italian luthier Gabriele Lodi in Carpi. The bridge has been replaced and the cracks have been expertly repaired with very thin spruce patches. The restoration is a masterly work, which succeeded in preserving the fantastic and authentic sound of this Domingo Esteso as well as its phenomenal response.

This instrument is so alive, playful, and rich in sound colours that it seems rather hard to believe that it will soon be a whole century old. The head is fitted with machine heads from the period of origin but may originally have been a peg head that was altered soon after construction. It is altogether a masterpiece of craftsmanship and tonally certainly one of the best Domingo Esteso we have ever had the pleasure of playing, in a word, the quintessence of Spanish sound at the beginning of the 20th century.

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

Luthier: Domingo Esteso
Construction year: 1930
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood (pre-CITES)
Scale: 660 mm
Nut: 49 mm
Weight: 1140 grams
Air body frequency: E/F
Tuners: Epoch tuners
Strings: Knobloch EDC 34.0
Case: Hiscox Pro II "Siccas Guitars" Edition
Condition: Very good
View full details

Video overview

Domingo Estesto – 1930 Classical Guitar review
INCREDIBLE GUITAR review | The Weekly Guitar Meeting #27 | Esteso, Lijoi, Rousu | Siccas Guitars

While this one is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitar

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
    Look all products of the collection
  • Luthier: Elvis Pajares
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Double Top
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1415
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: José Luis Romanillos
    Construction Year: 1979
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1410
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Elvis Pajares
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1365
    Tuner: Kris Barnett
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Giovanni Tacchi
    Construction Year: 2023
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: E / F
    Weight (g): 1300
    Tuner: Alessi
    Condition: Mint
  • Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1605
    Tuner: Perona
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Otto Vowinkel
    Construction Year: 2019
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1590
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Hermann Hauser II
    Construction Year: 1956
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1440
    Tuner: Landstorfer
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Fritz Ober
    Construction Year: 2019
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: C sharp / D
    Weight (g): 1345
    Tuner: Klaus Scheller
    Condition: Excellent
  • Construction Year: 2006
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1495
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Paul Fischer
    Construction Year: 1982
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood (Pre-CITES)
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1655
    Tuner: Rodgers
    Condition: Excellent

Related guitars

Emphasizing Exclusive Offers and Insights

Stay in tune with exclusive updates and offers from Siccas Guitars! Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to hear about new arrivals, special promotions, and expert insights into guitar craftsmanship. Enter your email below to join our community.