Through Denis’ Eyes: 9 Unique and Rare Guitars We’ve Encountered at Siccas Guitars
In the world of classical guitars, some instruments stand out not just for their craftsmanship but for the stories and history they carry. Denis, our Guitar Acquisition Manager at Siccas Guitars, has selected nine guitars that have left a deep impression on him over the years. With his vast knowledge of classical guitar history and luthiery, Denis brings a unique perspective to these instruments. Here's his personal selection of guitars that have stuck with him and why they're truly exceptional.
- Hernandez y Aguado – 1961 (Ex Sainz de la Maza) Played by Regino Sainz de la Maza, the guitarist who premiered Concierto de Aranjuez, this guitar is a key piece of Spanish guitar history. Built in 1961, the instrument is a product of two of Spain's finest luthiers, Hernandez y Aguado. The guitar features a cedar top and beautiful Brazilian rosewood back and sides, resulting in a unique warmth and projection. Sainz de la Maza's connection to this instrument further cements its status as a truly historical piece.
- Hermann Hauser I – 1914 This guitar, built by Hermann Hauser I, is the first Hauser to feature Brazilian rosewood. Crafted in 1914, the guitar laid the groundwork for Hauser's legacy of world-class instruments. Known for its clarity and depth, this guitar combines the traditional techniques of Spanish luthiery with Hauser's German precision, creating a bridge between two great schools of guitar-making. The rich sound and historical importance make this instrument a true gem.
- Ignacio Fleta – 1977 (Ex Maria Luisa Anido) Crafted by Ignacio Fleta in 1977 and previously owned by Maria Luisa Anido, an influential South American guitarist, this guitar carries both technical brilliance and rich historical significance. Fleta, known for his meticulous craftsmanship, used a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides to create an instrument with exceptional tonal complexity and depth. Anido's legacy as a pioneering female guitarist in South America only adds to the allure of this already remarkable instrument.
- Robert Bouchet – 1977 This is the only cedar-top guitar ever built by Robert Bouchet, one of the most revered luthiers of the 20th century. Bouchet, known for his detailed and careful approach to luthiery, typically worked with spruce, but this particular instrument, with its cedar soundboard, has a warmer, fuller tonal range. The guitar features Indian rosewood back and sides and embodies Bouchet's signature sound qualities: balance, clarity, and projection. It stands out not only for its rarity but also for its breathtaking tonal richness.
- Daniel Friederich – 2013 This guitar, one of the last ever made by the legendary Daniel Friederich, represents the culmination of decades of luthiery experience. Built in 2013, the guitar features a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, offering an ideal balance of brightness, depth, and power. Known for his precise craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, Friederich's instruments are considered some of the best in the world. This particular guitar is a testament to his legacy and is regarded as one of his finest works.
- Matthias Dammann Doubletop – 1990 This 1990 Matthias Dammann Doubletop is one of the earliest examples of his revolutionary doubletop construction, featuring a spruce-balsa combination. The guitar delivers incredible power and tonal variety, making it a standout instrument for concert players. Dammann's innovation in doubletop design has transformed the sound capabilities of classical guitars, and this early model showcases the beginning of that evolution, offering exceptional volume and a wide palette of tonal colors.
- Manuel Ramirez – 1910 A sister guitar to the legendary 1912 Ex-Segovia housed at the MET, this 1910 Manuel Ramirez is one of the rarest and most historically significant guitars in existence. With a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, this guitar delivers a beautiful balance of brightness and warmth. Its intricate craftsmanship and connection to one of the most respected luthiers of the early 20th century make it a standout piece.
- Vicente Arias – 1913 This 1913 Vicente Arias guitar is one of the last instruments made by the Spanish luthier before his death in 1914. The guitar is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and rich, warm sound. Arias was known for his attention to detail, and this guitar, with its beautiful decorative elements and maple body, exemplifies his artistry. It stands as a testament to one of Spain's finest luthiers.
- Santos Hernandez – 1924 This 1924 Santos Hernandez guitar stands out for its rare flamed maple back and sides—an unusual feature for Hernandez's guitars. The spruce top is in excellent condition with minimal repairs, and the original tuning machines are still intact. Known for its deep bass resonance and clear, brilliant trebles, this guitar offers a balanced and expressive sound. For Denis, this instrument holds personal significance as the guitar that moved him the most emotionally, serving as a reference for depth, richness, and expression.
Each of these guitars holds a special place in Denis' heart and reflects the deep history and craftsmanship of the classical guitar world. This selection offers just a glimpse into the incredible variety and quality of the instruments we encounter at Siccas Guitars, each with its own story and legacy.
