Description
Bernabé Sr. (* 2. Juli 1932 in Madrid; † 10. Mai 2007 Madrid) was one of the greatest and most renowned luthiers from Spain. Before he founded his first workshop in 1969, where he worked along with his son Paulino Jr. from the 1980s onwards, Paulino Sr. worked in José Ramirez III’s workshop in the 1950s and 1960s. Bernabe guitars are still played in major venues all around the world today. Thibaut Garcia for instance, the winner of the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) competition, has been playing on a Bernabe for several years.
This superb Torres model guitar is signed on the label by Paulino Bernabé Jr. It is a beautiful tribute to the father of the classical guitar, Don Antonio de Torres, and this highly collectible instrument is a true masterpiece. It is interesting to note that Paulino Bernabé owns two Antonio de Torres guitars, including an 1864 Torres that was a strong inspiration for this model. The latter features the characteristic three-lobed head as well as a slightly narrower body. In addition, this instrument has a 645mm scale, slightly shorter than the standard 650mm, which Antonio de Torres regularly used. Beyond these construction details, this guitar has rich marquetry, with many nods to the master’s guitars, such as the mother-of-pearl inclusions on the bridge and the rosette, and the use of checkerboard mosaic and herringbone. Finally, the Alessi tuning machines are replicas of the original “Jerom” often used by Torres.
The sound of this guitar is spontaneous and playful, very warm, and singing. There is a strong personality in the treble, displaying a very round and Spanish sound. Basses are deep and make a great room for powerful and velvety midrange tones. It is a very easy guitar to play thanks to its slightly shorter scale, and a real delight to the ear for both the guitarist and the audience.
Luthier: | Paulino Bernabé |
Construction year: | 2021 |
Top: | Spruce |
Body and sides: | Brazilian rosewood (CITES-certified) |
Scale: | 645 mm |
Nut: | 51 mm |
Weight: | 1478 gram |
Air resonance frequency: | A |
Tuners: | Alessi |
Strings: | Knobloch 400ADC |
Case: | Hiscox Pro II |
Condition: | New |