Neck: Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides): Shellac
Tuning Machines: Fustero
String Height(1st): 2.6mm
String Height(6th): 3.4mm

[Luthier Information]
Born in Madrid, Spain in 1931. In 1954, he became acquainted with the renowned master Marcelo Barbero I, who was considered the successor to Santos Hernández at the time. He frequently visited Barbero’s workshop and began learning the art of guitar making. After Barbero I passed away just two years later at the young age of 52, he established his own workshop, drawing upon the knowledge he had gained during that short but invaluable period. In later years, his teacher’s son, Marcelo Barbero Hijo, joined his workshop, and they continued building guitars together.

His uncompromising approach to craftsmanship—whether in construction, material selection, or above all, tone—combined with his personal character, gave his work a uniquely solitary and refined quality. Due to their exceptionally high level of completion, his instruments demand a high degree of technical refinement from the player. For this reason, they have continued to inspire many guitarists. He retired from guitar making in 2011, and today his instruments are increasingly rare and highly regarded.

[Instrument Information]
This is a classical model built in 1992, with a string length of 650 mm.

It features a distinctive duality: a light and brilliant attack paired with a rich, weighty resonance. The instrument responds exceptionally well to muting techniques, making it easy to control tone color and harmony. While the overall volume is moderate, the response is excellent, with outstanding sustain and a very well-balanced tonal character. Its subtle elasticity in articulation, clarity of single notes, balance of chords, and wide expressive range make it a truly rare instrument that fully responds to the player’s technique.

Finished in shellac (French polish), it is fitted with Fustero tuning machines. The neck is slightly thicker than standard, yet remains comfortable and highly playable. There is minimal fret wear, and the string height is set at 2.6 mm on the 1st string and 3.4 mm on the 6th string. The string tension feels soft, allowing a wide margin of control in touch, making it very easy to play.

Now 32 years since its construction, the instrument remains in very good condition for its age. There are some playing marks near the soundhole on the top, as well as minor scratches scattered across the body, all consistent with normal use and not detracting significantly from its appearance. The finish remains in good condition, and there is no history of crack repairs. A hard case is included.

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