1956 Conde Hermanos Domingo Esteso Classical
Previously owned by Regino Sainz de la Maza who is one of the most important guitarists of the 20th century.
$9,500
Tone: If you would like to hear this wonderful instrument in action, click FANTASIA MP3 to hear me play my rendition of a classical tune called "Fantasia" which was written by Weiss and previously recorded by Segovia. Of course, only if you have high end speakers attached to your computer will you be able to hear the guitar's beautiful tone. -
Provenance: The label says SOBRINOS DE DOMINGO ESTESO construction de guitarras Gravina MADRID, and is signed Conde Hermanos and dated 1956, nice long scale 665-670 mm, neck 54mm, I purchased it from a person who purchased it in 1971 from Regino Sainz de la Maza who is one of the most important guitarists of the 20th century.
It has plastic coated paperwork providing the provenance with an old picture of Joaquin Rodrigo and Regino Sainz de la Maza. It also has a very expensive Travelite case. The guitar has the most gorgeous rare Brazilian Rosewood you have ever seen, and is in excellent original condition with a couple of repaired cracks. I think it weighs about 3 lbs. It's light as a feather and resonates like you wouldnt believe. Full rich balanced tone
History: Domingo Esteso was trained at the workshop of Manuel Ramírez, the year 1915 he branched off and established his own workshop at the now famous address of Gravina 7, in Madrid, Spain, In 1937 Domingo Esteso passed away, leaving the workshop to his two nephews. In order to preserve the tradition as well as the prestige of the family name, the guitars built immediately after 1937 bore the label “Viuda y Sobrinos de Esteso” (Esteso’s Widow and Nephews). The word “Viuda” (Widow) appeared first as a form of respect to Mrs. Esteso. When she passed away in 1958 the label was modified once more, and this time it read “Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso” (Esteso’s Nephews); under this, in small print, was the surname “Conde Hermanos” (Conde Brothers). It is thus that the now famous name appeared in the world of the flamenco guitar for the first time. The reputation of the Conde Brothers steadily grew, and their instruments became highly sought after the world over. Their guitars were used by the likes of Regino Sáinz de la Maza, Melchor de Marchena, Esteban de Sanlúcar, Mario Escudero, Sabicas, Niño Ricardo, Paco de Lucía and Juan Martín. Not only that, but players from other parts of the world used their guitars as well, among them: Al diMeola, John Maclaughlin, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Toquinho, Tonino, and Alirio Díaz.
