Ignacio Fleta – 1958 No. 118

Description

Ignacio Fleta was a legendary luthier of the 20th century, known for his expertise in crafting not only exquisite guitars but also bowed and ancient instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, vihuelas, and violas de gamba. His legacy continues to live on through his descendants, including his two sons, Gabriel and Francisco Fleta, and later, his grandson Gabriel Fleta Jr. To this day, the waiting time for a new Fleta guitar is estimated to be around 20 years.

This 1958 Ignacio Fleta guitar, numbered 118, is a remarkable piece from one of the most celebrated periods of Fleta’s career. With a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, it boasts a rich, complex, and powerful sound that has earned it a reputation as the ultimate choice among a generation of guitarists. Its pure tone, balanced registers, and charismatic voice have captivated musicians and audiences.

This historic instrument has been carefully preserved, with only one previous owner, a student of Alexandre Lagoya. It has five repaired cracks on the soundboard, most of which were restored by Fleta himself in the 1970s, and two on the back by French luthier Pappalardo in the 1990s fixed. Pappalardo also changed the finish to a nitro varnish, a common practice in France for a more durable finish.

This 1958 Fleta guitar is both a captivating concert instrument and a prized collector’s item, showcasing the finest qualities of Spanish spruce and Ignacio Fleta’s exceptional luthiery.Its sound quality is rich and full, with a complexity that brings out the best in every note. The tone is characterised by its clear and balanced registers, which create a harmonious blend of warmth and sparkle. The projection of the instrument is powerful and assertive, filling the room with its enchanting radiance. Its timbre has a depth and dimensionality that draws the listener in and makes for an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. The guitar has a soft and refined sound with a gentle sweetness that adds a touch of warmth and beauty to every note. It offers a remarkable blend of warmth, clarity and complexity that distinguishes it as one of the finest instruments of its time.

A poem about Ignacio Fleta and guitar No. 118

The Fleta legacy lives on,
A legendary luthier gone.
Expert in crafting with his hand,
Guitars, violins, and instruments grand.

The waiting time, a daunting twenty years,
For a new Fleta guitar, with many cheers.
The 1958 Ignacio Fleta, number 118,
A remarkable piece, with a captivating voice that begins.

Spruce top and Indian rosewood,
A rich and powerful sound, it has imbued.
A reputation as the ultimate choice,
For a generation of guitarists, with a singular voice.

With five repaired cracks on the soundboard,
And two on the back, restored.
A nitro varnish for durability,
French luthier Pappalardo, with a touch of variety.

A captivating concert instrument,
And a prized collector’s item, with a tonal present.
Spanish spruce, and Fleta’s skill,
A masterpiece, that will thrill.

The sound is warm and lyrical,
A complexity that brings out the best, musical.
Balanced registers, a harmonious blend,
Warmth and brightness, that won’t end.

Projection powerful and assertive,
A charming voice, that’s positive.
A depth and dimensionality that draws,
Listeners in, with a joyful applause.

The tone smooth and refined,
A gentle sweetness that’s confined.
A marvel of warmth, clarity, and complexity,
One of the finest instruments, with a unique sound, exquisite beauty.

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