Neck：Cedro
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:unknown
String Height(1st):1.2mm
String Height(6th):1.4mm

[Profile]
Born in San Clemente, Cuenca, Spain, Esteso trained in Manuel Ramírez’s Madrid workshop, becoming one of the foremost luthiers of his generation, alongside Santos Hernández. In 1919, he established his own workshop, which was later continued by his nephews under the label ‘Viuda y Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso,’ eventually evolving into the renowned flamenco guitar brand Conde Hermanos. Esteso’s instruments, often made from cypress, are celebrated for their rich, powerful tone and expressive voice, captivating flamenco and classical guitarists alike.

[Description]
This is a 1934 Laud by Domingo Esteso, a very rare and exceptional instrument seldom seen on the market. The Laud is a traditional Spanish string instrument, commonly used in rondalla ensembles alongside bandurrias and guitars, primarily for Spanish folk music and social dance settings. Also referred to as the Spanish Lute, it is slightly smaller than a guitar, with a string length of approximately 470–500 mm. This particular instrument has six courses (12 strings), traditionally tuned in unison fourths from low to high: G♯, C♯, F♯, B, E, A. Modern alternative tunings, such as D, F♯, B, E, A, D, can also be used. A plectrum is employed for playing, similar to a mandolin.

Esteso’s Laud exhibits meticulous craftsmanship. The string length is slightly longer than typical for this type at 519 mm. The neck remains almost perfectly straight, rare for a steel-string instrument of this age. Frets 1–4 show some wear but are fully playable. There are repair traces under the bridge on both the treble and bass sides of the top, and minor finish wear on the back of the neck from handling, left unaltered. The instrument comes with a dedicated hard case.