Santos Hernandez - 1932 - 66 cm
Santos Hernandez - 1932 - 66 cm
Details
Details
Luthier:
Santos Hernandez
Overview
Overview
Video overview
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Santos Hernandez (Madrid, 1873-1943) started an apprenticeship very early in Valentin Viudes’s workshop and then moved to José Ortega’s Granadinian workshop. After moving to a few other workshops and serving as a soldier for Spain, he eventually took over Enrique Garcia’s position in Manuel Ramirez’s workshop in 1905. His involvement in the building of Andrés Segovia’s famous 1912 Manuel Ramirez sealed his reputation as an extraordinary luthier. He opened his first own workshop in 1921 after having worked for Manuel Ramirez’s widow along with Domingo Esteso.About the guitar
This exceptional guitar is considered one of the luxury models made by Santos Hernández, clearly distinguished by its elaborate decorative elements. Although dated 1932 on its label, clearly reflects the design and craftsmanship typical of Santos Hernández’s work from the 1920s. The materials used—particularly the Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides—are consistent with the wood Santos had access to during his tenure at Viuda de Manuel Ramírez. The rosette features a central motif reminiscent of ancient Greek design, a distinctive detail also commonly seen in his earlier works under Viuda de Manuel Ramírez.Historical Significance & Attribution
According to Gabriele Lodi, who restored this remarkable instrument, it’s crucial to understand the transitional period when Santos Hernández left his role at the Viuda de Manuel Ramírez workshop and established his own. During this early period of independence, he is believed to have entered an exclusive production contract with the firm Romero y Fernández, which helped secure a steady income and guaranteed sales—particularly for the Argentine market. These guitars varied in their level of ornamentation and quality, and some were even delivered without labels. It was possibly during this phase that Santos began marking his guitars with a unique stamp beneath the soundboard as a sign of authenticity and authorship.Construction & Internal Design
Internally, this instrument echoes Santos Hernández’s Torres-inspired construction style, which he developed during his time with Manuel Ramírez. This makes the guitar not only a historically significant example of early 20th-century Spanish luthiery but also a rare document of a master craftsman’s evolution.Sound & Playability
Sonically, the guitar is a marvel. It captures the essence of the “old world” tone—warm, lyrical, and full of nuance—yet remains relevant and inspiring for modern repertoire. The bass response is rich and free due to the low body resonance, while the trebles are sweet, charismatic, and articulate. It is an instrument of great expressive range, equally suited for refined historical interpretation and contemporary concert performance.Condition
This guitar is in very good condition. It has been professionally restored by Gabriele Lodi, one of the most highly respected experts in the restoration of historical instruments. His meticulous work ensures that the guitar retains its original character and acoustic qualities while being structurally secure and visually refined. This restoration enhances both the value and longevity of this exceptional instrument.
Otto Rauch is a German guitar maker from the small town of Obermoschel in Rheinland-Pfalz. With over 35 years of experience as a guitar maker, he is one of the German pioneers of double-top construction. After repairing a Matthias Dammann guitar in the early 1990s, Otto Rauch began building doubel-top guitars. At first, he used cedar struts and then a balsa core, a construction he continued to develop over the years. While helping a friend set up his violin making business, Otto Rauch came across the name of the 18th century Venetian violin maker Domenico Montagnana. His cellos are praised for their dark tone, fantastic sound volume and enigmatic construction. As these three attributes reflect Otto’s construction, he adopted the name, and the Domenico Montagnana model was born.
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Classical Guitar
The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.Look all products of the collection -
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