Description
P. 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. Bernabé 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 Bernabé for several years.
This impressive guitar was built by Paulino Bernabé Sr. when he was still working alone in his workshop. It is a gorgeous piece and a fascinating overall work of art. The condition of the guitar is remarkable, as it shows only minor signs of use in the varnish. Back and sides are made of splendid Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified) and display sophisticated parallel orange-black veins.
The instrument was built in 1977 and the top features the elaborate Bernabé bracing pattern inside with a fan of three bars, two V-braces and an oblique bar on the treble side. In addition, Paulino Bernabé Sr. added a reinforcement under the bridge, which is hand-signed by the maestro on this instrument. Cedar and Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified) is a classic combination that Paulino Bernabé has masterfully executed. The result is a guitar that combines warmth, power and sustain and is a timeless masterpiece of Spanish guitar making.
Luthier: | Paulino Bernabe Sr. |
Construction year: | 1977 |
Top: | Cedar |
Back and sides: | Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified) |
Scale: | 660 mm |
Nut: | 53 mm |
Weight: | 1735 grams |
Air resonance frequency: | G |
Tuners: | Fustero |
Strings: | Knobloch ADC400 |
Case: | Hiscox STD used |
Condition: | Very good |