2017 Francisco Barba SP/IN

What one first notices when looking at this negra is how visually stunning it is. It features many unique and lovely details starting with the rosette - which includes a star-shaped mosaic design found in much of the old Moorish tile work in Seville and other neighboring Andalucian towns - indeed this was also a design favored greatly by another of southern Spain's great workshops - that of Miguel Rodriguez in Cordoba. The subtle red and green patterning on either side of the rosette is matched in the top purfling and tie block which compliments the immediately identifiable and bold headshape. Matching green/red inlay work is to be found in the rest of the purfling on the back and sides as well. A very striking look overall.

Tone is fat and balanced with a lot of punch, volume and flamenco edge. In other words - a very powerful and lively Andalusian flamenco guitar by every measure. Playability is a breeze - it has an easy and sleek neck with low flamenco action and just the right amount of "sizzle" which adds to the authentic southern Spanish flamenco sound. This is a top concert instrument for any professional flamenco setting - whether on stage or in studio.