Neck: Cedro
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides): Shellac
Tuning Machines: Fustero
String Height(1st): 2.9 mm
String Height(6th): 4.2 mm

[Luthier Profile] – Arcangel Fernandez
Arcangel Fernandez (b. 1931, Madrid, Spain) is universally recognized as one of the most significant Spanish luthiers of the post-war era. As the sole direct disciple of Marcelo Barbero I (1904–1956), and in turn, the inheritor of the Madrid school lineage originating with Manuel Ramirez and Santos Hernandez, Fernandez’s oeuvre reflects an uncompromising fidelity to traditional Spanish construction ideals, while achieving a degree of refinement and austerity that defines the apex of 20th-century Spanish guitar-making.

Initially engaged in both performing flamenco guitar and acting in films during his youth, Fernandez transitioned to luthiery after a pivotal encounter with Barbero in 1954. Despite a truncated two-year apprenticeship, Fernandez rapidly assimilated Barbero’s techniques and aesthetic principles. Upon Barbero’s death in 1956, Fernandez completed all remaining commissions and, in 1957, established his own workshop on Calle Jesús y María in Madrid.

His instruments from the outset displayed a startling maturity—marked by structural clarity, sonic purity, and a distinctive tonal gravitas. Notably, Fernandez maintained a singular focus in his output, producing only one classical and one flamenco model under his own label. Instruments constructed within his workshop by associates such as Marcelo Barbero II, Manuel Caceres, and Pedro Barbuena bore the 'Para Casa Arcangel Fernandez' label, and while individually signed, adhered strictly to Fernandez’s artisanal and acoustic standards. These instruments, fully handcrafted, remain highly regarded and sought after on the secondary market.

His guitars are known for their uncompromising build quality—precise joinery, elite tonewood selection, and a tonal architecture that requires and rewards high-level technique. Fernandez officially retired from guitar-making in 2011, rendering his instruments increasingly rare and collectible.

[Instrument Description] – Arcangel Fernandez, 1969
This instrument, built in 1969 by the legendary Madrid luthier Arcangel Fernandez, was originally constructed in the flamenco blanca tradition. However, it has since been used extensively as a classical guitar. At some point, the golpeador was removed and the top refinished with French polish (shellac), indicating a shift in its intended function and long-term usage.

There are two repaired cracks on either side of the fingerboard, internally patched for reinforcement. Apart from these, the instrument shows minimal wear, with no significant distortions or structural issues. It remains in excellent overall condition.

Acoustic Character
The guitar exhibits a dry, bright tonal character typical of a flamenco blanca, but with notable depth and density—a signature of Fernandez’s work. The tonal image is tightly focused and retains clarity and sustain from attack to decay. Resonance is set slightly below E, lending the instrument a grounded and stable feel. The tonal balance—from rich, weighty basses to clear, refined trebles—is exceptional. Despite its powerful dynamic range, the sound retains an elegant restraint, encapsulating both austerity and expressive nuance.

Functionally, the guitar responds with the immediacy, separation, and articulation expected from a flamenco instrument. At the same time, its structural and tonal refinement makes it well-suited for classical repertoire as well—particularly works that benefit from a more percussive or transparent voice.

Construction Details
Top bracing: Five fan braces (symmetrical, thick and closely spaced within the bridge width), harmonic bars above and below the soundhole, and two V-shaped closing bars near the lower bout.

Bridge plate: Thin patch beneath the bridge.

Resonance: Tuned slightly below E, consistent with Fernandez's typical flamenco design.

This layout reflects Fernandez’s standard bracing architecture for flamenco models, with minor variations depending on the instrument.

Playability and Setup
The neck is in excellent condition and has a slim, rounded D-profile—compact and comfortable, as is typical for flamenco instruments. The current setup is more aligned with classical playing, with string heights at 2.9 mm (1st string) and 4.0 mm (6th string) at the 12th fret. There is 2.0–3.0 mm of saddle height remaining, making it possible to lower the action to flamenco specifications if desired. The neck angle is appropriate and stable.

Original Fustero tuning machines (Ramirez model) are installed. The harp-shaped heads have been slightly trimmed to fit the headstock dimensions. The 3rd and 4th string tuners have some play, though tuning functionality is unaffected.

Weight: 1.26 kg

Includes: Hard case with Arcangel Fernandez nameplate.