1955 Manuel Velazquez SP/CSAR

This is a beautiful early and full-sized concert guitar built by Manuel Velazquez in 1955. It is really amazing to see just how close even in this period of the mid-1950s Velazquez instruments are to Hauser instruments from the same period, not just in appearance but also in style of sound - great clarity and separation between voices, perfect balance and a natural, beautiful, "woody" quality of tone. It has a lightweight (yet sturdy) build, with a firm sound that is strongly reminiscent of the "teutonic" style as developed by Hermann Hauser I - sparkling trebles and steady basses are the standout tonal qualities. Playability is very easy thanks to the comfortable shape and contour of the neck. Condition-wise it's in great shape for its age - no cracks or repairs of any kind. Overall an extremely beautiful and collectible instrument by arguably the most important and legendary North American maker to date.