Jose Rubio - 1966 from Russel Cleveland Collection

David „José” Rubio is one of the most famous English guitar makers. After having moved to Sevilla and then to Madrid, to learn flamenco guitar performance, he developed a strong interest for guitar making. It is in New York, USA that he opened his first own workshop in 1963. His first meeting with Julian Bream happened a few month later and is the starting point of a close friendship. Julian Bream played several of Rubio’s guitar, noticeably a very similar guitar to this one: a 1966 instrument on which he recorded “Julian Bream and his Friends” (1968). From 1967 on, D. J. Rubio moved back to England. He stayed until 1969 in Julian Bream’s house in Semley before opening a workshop near Oxford in 1969. Not only did he build guitars, but also lutes (played by Julian Bream), vihuela, theorboes, harpsichords, violas da gamba, baroque guitars, etc. He eventually moved his workshop to Cambridge in the 1980s

This remarkable instrument from David "Jose" Rubio, crafted during his pivotal New York period in the 1960s, is a significant piece of classical guitar history. Renowned for his collaboration with Julian Bream, Rubio's guitars from this era, including those Bream played in 1965 and 1966, are highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike. This particular guitar embodies the bold sound characteristic of Rubio's craftsmanship, comparable in power and intensity to the renowned Fleta or Rodriguez guitars from the same period. Known for its evenness and balance across all registers, this Rubio guitar also encapsulates the beauty and lyricism for which the luthier is celebrated. The instrument has a well-repaired split along the center seam on the top and some finish touch-up in that area, but these restorations do not detract from its exceptional sound quality. The original tuners have been replaced with a set of Sloanes, yet the guitar remains largely in its original condition, preserving its historical authenticity.

Despite its larger neck and long scale, this Rubio guitar offers a beautifully smooth and elegant playing experience. The meticulously crafted neck shape significantly contributes to its playability, allowing for comfort and ease even in more complex pieces. This guitar is not just an instrument but a testament to Rubio's masterful design and construction techniques. Its presence in the book "The Classical Guitar - A Complete History," featured on pages 52-54, further cements its status as a noteworthy example of top-quality craftsmanship. Having passed through our doors, this Rubio guitar represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of classical guitar heritage, offering both a rich, resonant sound and a connection to the legacy of one of the great luthiers of the twentieth century.