1950s Viuda de Santos Hernandez SP/MP

Built for the Santos Hernandez shop after Santos' passing in 1943, this is a fantastic high-grade concert guitar by any standard. Although the label is not dated, we acquired this guitar from the original family who themselves bought it in the early 1950s in the Aduana shop in Madrid. This guitar does not have the features in it that would identify Marcelo Barbero as its builder (he was at this same time completing some of the unfinished Santos guitars for Mathilde Ruiz - Santos' widow) so it is uncertain as to who exactly made it. Whoever it was, he was a master of the mid-century Spanish style - the guitar is lightweight, ultra-responsive with a singing, lyrical and simply beautiful tone. The craftsmanship is first-class as well although the design itself is simple and understated. Materials are beautiful and this instrument could be used for either flamenco or classical playing - it handles both styles with ease. A great guitar for the price which could be used for any performance situation either live or in studio.