1970 CONDE HERMANOS FLAMENCA

Splendid flamenco guitar by Conde Hermanos – Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso, produced in Madrid in 1970, 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 1970 | Gravina, 7 – Atocha, 53 MADRID. It was built in the workshop opened and formerly occupied by Madrid master-luthier Domingo Esteso. Trained in the workshops of Manuel Ramirez, he belonged, along with Santos Hernández, to the generation of Spanish luthiers who redoubled their efforts to modernize 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 style of guitar making, so delicate and full of nuance, and his instruments are thus particularly sought after to this day. After his death in 1937, the workshop was run by his widow, joined by two of his nephews—Faustino and Mariano Conde. The former had received his luthier training directly from Domingo Esteso, which he passed on to his brother. Together, they perpetuated their uncle’s iconic production, fulfilling commissions from the most advanced artists of the time and ensuring the transmission of guitar building know-how to the present day through their own descendants.

The instrument presented here showcases the full talent of the Conde Hermanos, and features an absolutely stunning selection of woods: the soundboard is crafted from high-quality spruce with a fine, even grain, reflecting ideal growing conditions that produce optimal woods for lutherie work; the back and sides are made from cypress, the species traditionally used in Spain for the construction of flamenca models; the neck is made from cedro, a species similar to mahogany and used on Spanish guitars due to its lightness; the fingerboard is ebony; and the bridge and headstock veneer are rosewood. The soundhole is superbly crafted with alternating dark, light, and red wood purfling around a central diamond- and crenellated motif.

This guitar remains, fifty-five years after its construction, in excellent condition. The soundboard is free of cracks or repairs, and the instrument shows only minor playing wear. A double golpeador was 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 nut and bridge saddle, tuning pegs greased and fitted, and string st up, to ensure the perfect playing condition of the instrument.

Supplied in its original fitted case.