Manuel Velasquez Classical Preowned 1977

Manuel Velasquez is one of the most revered and celebrated classical guitar makers in American lutherie history - a luthier whose instruments have been played by some of the most distinguished concert guitarists of the twentieth century, and whose reputation for tonal refinement, structural integrity, and supreme playing comfort places his guitars firmly in the company of the finest Spanish and European makers of the same era. Born in Puerto Rico and based for most of his career in New York, Velasquez brought a uniquely personal approach to classical guitar construction that combined traditional Spanish building methods with the sensibility and precision of a maker entirely devoted to the needs of the serious professional concert player. A 1977 Velasquez represents a mature example from the middle of his most celebrated period of production - an instrument built when his methods were fully formed and his tonal vision at its most confident and complete.

The spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides are a tonewood combination of the highest classical pedigree - pre-CITES Brazilian rosewood of the kind now entirely unavailable for new instrument construction, paired with a spruce soundboard that has spent nearly five decades opening up, maturing, and developing the aged tonal character that new instruments simply cannot replicate. The result is everything one would expect from this great maker: exceptional volume, richness, balance, and clarity in all registers, with the ease of playing and musical response that a lifetime of craft produces. At 53mm nut width and 650mm scale length, the Velasquez delivers the traditional classical playing feel in its fullest and most generous expression. 

This 1977-built guitar is in wonderful condition, and sounds phenomenal - simply one of the best-sounding classical guitars we have had the pleasure of hearing. It's in great condition for it's age, with playwear and signs of use commensurate with it's age, but no signs of abuse, cracks or issues. It plays beautifully, and has a rich, warm and inviting tone that makes it hard to put down! Includes hardshell case.

Features

• Spruce top with Brazilian rosewood back and sides - pre-CITES rosewood now unavailable for new instrument construction - delivers a mature, aged tonal voice of exceptional volume, richness, balance, and clarity that nearly five decades of seasoning uniquely provides.
• Built by Manuel Velasquez, one of the most revered classical guitar makers in American lutherie history - an instrument from the middle of his most celebrated period whose tonal refinement, structural integrity, and playing comfort place it in the company of the finest makers of the era.
• The aged tonal character of a 1977 Velasquez - spruce and Brazilian rosewood fully opened up and matured over nearly half a century of acoustic development - is an experience that no newly constructed instrument, however fine, can replicate.
• 53mm nut width and 650mm scale length deliver the traditional classical playing feel in its fullest and most generous expression - a specification calibrated for the serious concert player.
• An extraordinary and increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a fine Velasquez - an instrument whose growing historical significance and tonal maturity make it equally compelling for the serious performer and the discerning collector.

• Maker: Manuel Velasquez
• Year: 1977
• Body: Classical 4/4
• Top: Spruce
• Back & sides: Brazilian rosewood (pre-CITES)
• Scale length: 650mm
• Nut width: 53mm
• Finish: French polish (period typical)
• Strings: Nylon
• Includes: Hardshell case