José Rubio - 1965 No. 61
José Rubio - 1965 No. 61
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
David Rubio (1934–2000), born David Joseph Spink in London, stands as one of the most significant figures in modern British lutherie. After leaving medical school in Dublin, he moved to Spain in the 1950s, where he worked as a flamenco guitarist and adopted the professional name “José Rubio.” His transition into lutherie began during his time in the United States, where he studied under Miguel Company in Miami before building his first guitars in New York in the early 1960s, guided largely by memory. Rubio’s work quickly gained attention, particularly from Julian Bream, who had lost his beloved Bouchet and was seeking a replacement. With Bream’s support, Rubio crafted instruments first in the Bouchet tradition and later drawing from Santos Hernández and Enrique García. His guitars became a mainstay of Bream’s performances and recordings from the mid-1960s onward. Rubio’s influence helped define what is now recognised as the English school of classical guitar making.
About the guitar
Built in 1965, this guitar is from the same pivotal year as Julian Bream’s famed Rubio No. 31, and shares the tonal architecture that marked the beginning of Rubio’s mature style. Featuring a spruce soundboard and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, it represents Rubio’s synthesis of French and Spanish influences, guided by Bouchet’s tonal clarity and Santos’s structural elegance. The internal layout and air resonance, tuned to G sharp, offer a firm foundation for a voice that is luminous, balanced, and precise. The guitar excels in separation and sustain, supporting a nuanced touch with a distinctly “pianistic” clarity, while retaining the warmth and intimacy characteristic of traditional concert instruments. Projection is focused and controlled, ideal for expressive phrasing across a wide dynamic range. Its distinctive response and refined musicality position this instrument firmly within the early peak of Rubio’s concert guitar output.
Condition
The guitar is in good condition, with two repaired cracks typical of age and climate stress near the fingerboard, stabilized with three internal cleats. The finish and structure remain stable, and the instrument is fully functional.
While this one is sold, these are ready for you
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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.
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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.