Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Lacquer
Finish(Back & Sides):Lacquer
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):3.6mm
String Height(6th):4.0mm

[Profile]
Born in Seville, Spain in 1939, Francisco Barba initially worked with his father as a carpenter. At the age of 17, he decided to dedicate himself to guitar making and taught himself the craft. In Spain, he is regarded alongside contemporaries such as Manuel Reyes as a master luthier, though in Japan his instruments remain a “hidden gem” cherished by discerning flamenco enthusiasts.

Many renowned flamenco guitarists—including Pedro Peña, Niño de Pura, Kike Paredes, Manuel Molina, Rafael Riqueni, and Manolo Franco—have owned and praised his guitars for their tonal quality and playability. His instruments are also admired for their exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design. Francisco continues to craft guitars in his Seville workshop alongside his sons Juan and José, maintaining the high standards he set from the very beginning of his career.

[Description]
This is a 1986 Flamenco “White Model” by Francisco Barba. The guitar demonstrates excellent projection, sustain, and tonal nuance, with clear separation in both single notes and chords. Internally, it features nine fan braces arranged asymmetrically for optimal resonance.

The instrument shows signs of extensive use and has undergone repairs and adjustments. There are restored cracks from the soundhole to the lower bout, cracks along both sides of the fingerboard, and another repair near the bottom of the body, some of which have been reinforced from the inside. Additional dents and playing marks on the soundboard have been addressed, and the entire top has been refinished with a matte lacquer.

The neck remains straight, though the neck-to-body angle is slightly deeper, resulting in somewhat higher string action. The tuning machines have been replaced with Gotoh 35G1600 units. Despite its age and repairs, this guitar retains the full character, responsiveness, and dynamic range that define a fine Barba flamenco instrument.