1966 CONDE HERMANOS CONCERT

Magnificent concert model by Conde Hermanos – Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso, produced in Madrid in 1966, in excellent original and well-preserved condition.

The instrument bears its original label affixed to the inside of the back, which reads: CONDE HERMANOS | Sobrinos de DOMINGO ESTESO | CONSTRUCTORES | Año 1966 | Atocha, 53 MADRID. It was built in the workshop located at 53 Atocha – a space parallel to the workshop opened and formerly occupied by the Madrid master luthier Domingo Esteso. Trained in the workshops of Manuel Ramirez, he belongs, along with Santos Hernández, to the generation of Spanish luthiers who redoubled their efforts in modernizing the instrument based on the precepts established by Antonio de Torres in the previous century.

Domingo Esteso enjoyed particular renown for his refined, almost evanescent, delicate and nuanced guitar-making style, and his instruments are thus particularly sought after to this day. After his passing in 1937, the workshop was run by his widow, joined by two of his nephews—Faustino and Mariano Conde. The former had received his violin-making training directly from Domingo Esteso, which he later passed on to his brother. Finally, the youngest brother, Julio, joined the company, and the three of them established the firm known as Conde Hermanos, or Hermanos Conde. Together, they perpetuated their uncle’s iconic production, fulfilling commissions from the most renowned artists of the time and ensuring the transmission of guitar-making expertise to the present day through their own descendants.

The instrument presented here showcases the full talent of the Conde Hermanos, and features an absolutely sumptuous selection of woods: the soundboard is crafted from high-quality spruce with fine, even grain, reflecting ideal growing conditions that produce optimal woods for lutherie work; the back and sides are made of Brazilian rosewood, an exotic species specially chosen for its aesthetic and sonic qualities; the neck is made of cedro, a species similar to mahogany and used on Spanish guitars due to its lightness; the fingerboard is made of ebony; and the bridge and headstock veneer are made of Rio rosewood. The soundhole is superbly ornamented with alternating dark, light, and red wood purfling around a central zigzag motif adorned with small diamonds.

This guitar remains in excellent condition, complete with its beautiful set of engraved tuners. The soundboard is free of cracks or repairs, and the instrument shows only minor playing wear. A double golpeador has been installed on the soundboard for flamenco playing. We have thoroughly set up this guitar in our workshop, including fret levelling and polishing, action and intonation adjustment at the saddles, tuner oiling, and string installation, to ensure the instrument is in perfect playing condition.

Supplied along with its original hardshell case.
Pre-Convention CITES certificate for the Rio rosewood included.