Description
Enrique Garcia was born in Madrid in 1868 and began an apprenticeship with José Ramirez I and possibly also with Manuel Ramirez at the young age of 15. He won the first prize at the Chicago World Fair in 1893. Enrique Garcia is seen as the founder of the Barcelona school of guitar making as he strongly influenced many other guitar makers from Barcelona as Francisco Simplicio, Enrique Sanfeliù, Ignacio Fleta and many more. He was the most important and thought after guitar maker at the beginning of the 20th century and his guitars were played by the most recognized guitarists such as Domingo Prat and Francisco Tarrega.
This stupendous instrument was built in 1905 and bears the number 66 on the label. The guitar was owned by Maria C. Palanca, who played it all her life. After her passing away the guitar remained in the possession of the Palanca family until today. During cultural encounters, the Palanca family became acquainted with Francisco Tárrega, who recommended the guitar maker Enrique Garcia. The guitar is accompanied by a letter from a member of the family describing the history of the guitar and making it conceivable that Tárrega could have had this guitar on his lap at some point. Legend has it that pictures of Tarrega with this guitar exist, but they have not been found yet.
A dark and rich antique Brazilian rosewood in combination with a wonderfully matured spruce top give this guitar not only a breathtaking appearance but also a delightfully sweet sound. Looking at the guitar you will notice that it has been lovingly treated and cared for, as it is in a very nice condition for its 115 years. There is only a small crack on the back and on the top you can see a total of four repaired cracks, as well as a repair at the heel. While playing, one involuntarily notices that one is playing on a piece of history. The trebles are mesmerizing with excellent clarity and the basses are energetic with a lot of air resonance due to the use of a tornavoz. The guitar is perfectly set up and ready to be played and loved.
Luthier: | Enrique Garcia |
Construction year: | 1905 |
Top: | Spruce |
Back and sides: | Brazilian Rosewood – Pre Cites |
Scale: | 645 mm |
Nut: | 50 mm |