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Ignacio Fleta I



Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish:Shellac
Tuning Machine:RODGERS
String height:1string 3.2mm/6string 3.8mm

[Profile]
The collaboration between Ignacio Fleta I (1897-1977) and his two sons, Francisco and Gabriel, is still one of the most popular guitars of the second half of the 20th century and beyond, not to mention the names of many famous players who use it.
The Fleta family has always been involved in woodworking, including furniture making, and Ignacio was familiar with this from an early age, becoming an apprentice at the age of 13 with his brothers at a musical instrument workshop in Barcelona. He learned to make cellos and other violins at Philippe Le Duc's string workshop in France. Later, the Fleta brothers jointly established a workshop in Barcelona, which was highly regarded as a brand for making all stringed instruments, including guitars, but in 1927, the workshop was closed and Ignacio established his own workshop. Ignacio's cellos, violins, and other stringed instruments were very well received, and his reputation in this field grew as well. At the same time, he began making Torres-type guitars around 1930, but in 1955, he was so impressed by the virtuoso Segovia's playing that he switched to making guitars exclusively. In 1957, he made his first guitar with a completely different conception from the Torres style and presented it to Segovia. Segovia was so pleased with the sound that he used it in his own concerts, and Fleta's guitars quickly gained worldwide fame.
The rich volume, dynamism, and unique, sweet tone that could not be heard on guitars up to that time created a sound that was truly unique to this brand, and it was used by many great players after Segovia, including John Williams and Alberto Ponce. It became one of the most famous instruments of the 20th century.
The first pieces were shipped under the Ignacio Fleta label, and from No. 359, produced in 1965, 'e hijos' was printed on the label (actually 'e hijos' can be seen on pieces produced in 1964). Francisco and Gabriel both passed away in the 2000s, but the 'Ignacio Fleta e hijos' label continued to be used, with Gabriel Fleta, grandson of Fleta I, now taking over the production of the label.

[Description]
Ignacio Fleta I, 1959 No. 156 is now in stock. This guitar is a precious one of Fleta I's 50's, and you can fully appreciate his characteristics. The mid bass to low tones have a great thick sound. The high notes are somewhat delicate sounding but romantic. The contrast between the high notes and the wild bass is wonderful, and the bass seems to push out in the performance, giving it a unique expanse. The responsiveness of Fleta from this period is also notable.
The sound board is distorted on the sound hole side of the bridge, as is often the case with Fretas from this period, and there is a history of crack repair in several places. There are several cracks that have been repaired, and each has been reinforced. The sound board shows signs of having had a golpe board applied to it in the past. It has been repainted and is in good condition for its age, with the back and sides probably in their original painted condition.




〔detail〕
InstrumentIgnacio Fleta I
CategoryImported Classical Guitars 〔Vintage〕
Number/ModelNo.156
Scale length660mm
CountrySpain
Year1959Year
TopSolid Spruce
Side&BackSolid Indian Rosewood
Condition※6
List priceINQUIRE
Price (tax included)Please Inquire
optionwith Hardcase

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