Rafael Galan - 1923
Rafael Galan - 1923
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
Delivery times are typically reliable and most instruments arrive within the estimated timeframe.
Should any unexpected delay occur, our team will keep you informed and provide support at every step. For all shipping details and exceptions, please see our Shipping Policy.
Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Rafael Galán was born in Málaga and later worked for many years in Buenos Aires where he established his own workshop. Although fewer instruments by him have survived compared to makers of larger schools, his work occupies a meaningful place within the early twentieth century tradition of Spanish inspired guitar building. His instruments often show a clear and confident understanding of the Torres lineage and they reveal a maker with a sensitive ear for resonance and a refined sense of proportion. Surviving examples demonstrate a lyrical and intimate voice that reflects the aesthetics of the period and the warm character associated with guitars built in Spain and in South America during those years.
About the guitar
This guitar from 1923 is a remarkable witness of its time. It is built in the traditional manner with a spruce top and walnut back and sides, all finished with French polish. The instrument weighs only 1335 grams which gives it an immediate sense of lightness and openness. The antique tuning machines function well and contribute to the historic charm of the guitar. The overall workmanship reveals a builder with great attention to musicality and with a desire to create an instrument that breathes freely.
The sound is soft, calm and deeply resonant. The guitar responds with an airy and warm presence that feels comforting and expressive at the same time. The resonance unfolds with a gentle bloom and the sustain is surprisingly long for an instrument of this age. The guitar feels alive under the hands and reveals a mature character shaped by more than a century of natural ageing. The balance is steady and the instrument speaks easily in every register. It invites the player to explore colours, phrasing and a flowing cantabile line. This is not only a historical object but a musical partner that conveys the atmosphere and poetry of its era.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition considering its age. There is a small glued crack on the side which is stable and does not require cleats. The instrument shows signs of careful use and the wear on the lower bout from the right arm is visible but fully functional. There are no structural issues that affect playability or sound.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.