Santos Hernandez - 1932
Santos Hernandez - 1932
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
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.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.