Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.5mm
String Height(6th):2.5mm

【A Refined Voice of Flamenco — Precision, Elegance, and Clarity】

[Luthier]
Francisco Barba (1939–), born in Seville, Spain, began his career as a carpenter under his father before dedicating himself to guitar making at the age of 17. Entirely self-taught, he rose to become one of the most respected luthiers of his generation, often mentioned alongside Manuel Reyes.

Though still somewhat of a “hidden gem” in Japan, his instruments are highly regarded among flamenco connoisseurs and have been favored by leading players such as Rafael Riqueni and Manolo Franco.

Barba’s guitars are celebrated not only for their tonal excellence and playability, but also for their refined craftsmanship and elegant aesthetic. Today, he continues building instruments in his Seville workshop together with his two sons, maintaining a deeply rooted family tradition.

[Instrument]
This is a 2022 flamenco blanca (white) model by Francisco Barba, offered as a used instrument. It delivers the quick response and clarity essential to flamenco, while also standing out for its refined character and elegance—qualities not always found in traditional Spanish builds. The tone is crisp and focused, with a natural sharpness and a clean, modern voice that sets it apart from more raw and percussive flamenco instruments.

The top features Barba’s distinctive bracing design, combining harmonic bars and internal reinforcements to enhance balance and responsiveness. An 8-fan symmetrical bracing layout in the lower bout clearly separates treble and bass, contributing to its articulate projection. The resonance is set slightly above F#.

After four years of moderate use, the guitar has opened up nicely, offering a mature and responsive sound. There are visible signs of playwear, including surface scratches on the top—especially around the golpeador—as well as light marks on the back, sides, and neck. These are cosmetic only and do not affect performance.

The instrument remains structurally excellent, with no cracks or major repairs. The neck has a comfortable, standard D-shaped profile, and playability is very good with a string height of 2.5mm at the 12th fret (1st and 6th strings). Adequate saddle height remains. It is fitted with Gotoh tuners in good working condition.

Weighing 1.43 kg, this is a highly refined flamenco guitar with clarity, balance, and a distinctive modern character.

〔detail〕