Description
Santos Hernandez 1916 classical guitar – made under the label of Viuda de Manuel Ramirez 3 month after the death of Manuel Ramirez. This is a cypress model that is well-suited for flamenco playing too. Santos Hernandez gained acclaim for crafting a guitar in 1912 for Andres Segovia, making this particular instrument a remarkable counterpart.
This Santos Hernandez 1916 classical guitar represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after creations by this legendary luthier – truly regarded as the holy grail of Spanish guitars!
Santos Hernandez ranks among the elite luthiers in the historical canon of guitar making, alongside legends like Torres and Hauser I, in terms of both collectibility and historical significance. He gained recognition early in his career as the builder of the famed Manuel Ramirez guitar from 1912, which was played by the legendary Andres Segovia. His instruments have also been favored by notable musicians such as Regino Sainz de la Maza (for whom the “Concierto de Aranjuez” was composed), Eduardo Abreu, and the Romero family, among others.
This particular Santos Hernandez 1916 classical guitar exemplifies Santos’ exquisite workmanship, featuring beautiful materials and his signature precision. Known for being introspective yet proud, his guitars reflect this personality, and this model possesses a rich, deep sound with an almost “thoughtful” quality. The notes resonate with a solid, assured fundamental tone at their core, enhanced by a delightful old-world character. It’s an enchanting instrument that embodies the spirit of this remarkable maker.
With a scale length of 51 mm and a nut width of 655 mm, the guitar boasts a spruce top with cypress back and sides. The action is comfortably low at 3.2 mm E and 2.6 mm e at the 12th fret. The saddle of the bridge has enoug room left to go lower in the future.
This Santos Hernandez 1916 classical guitar is in great condition, considering its age. It has been sourced from a prestigious collection. The guitar is also featured in a prestigious book about guitars (see pictures), highlighting its significance and enhancing its allure as a collectible piece. It underwent restoration by the renowned Jose Ramirez in 1929, and our skilled luthier has meticulously inspected the instrument to guarantee that it is in optimal playing condition and ready for your enjoyment.
Included with the guitar is the original antique case, adding to its charm and historical value.






















