Description
Modesto Borreguero 1958 classical guitar – a true masterpiece from one of the greatest luthiers of the past century, an instrument that belongs among the holy grails of classical guitars.
Modesto Borreguero was born in 1893 and began his journey as a luthier at the age of 12 as an apprentice in Manuel Ramirez’s legendary workshop on Calle Arlaban, where he worked alongside renowned craftsmen such as Santos Hernandez and Domingo Esteso.
Following Manuel Ramirez’s passing in 1916, Borreguero initially planned to establish his own workshop and even had labels printed. However, at the request of Ramirez’s widow, he remained in the shop, working alongside Hernandez and Esteso to continue its legacy. While Hernandez and Esteso eventually left to start their own workshops, Borreguero stayed on until the shop finally closed in 1923.
Determined to carry forward his craft, he continued to advertise on his labels that he had been an Antiguo oficial de M. Ramirez (former official of Manuel Ramirez). In 1924, he married and opened a workshop on Duque de Fernán Núñez No. 5, but the economic hardships of the time made it difficult to sustain. The Spanish Civil War brought further devastation—he lost his workshop, and his wife passed away, leaving him with two children. Despite these challenges, he persisted, moving his shop several times until, in 1945, he established himself at Zurita 27, where he worked until 1948 and began to gain wider recognition as a master guitar maker.
In 1948, he rented space in the workshop of Hernandez and Aguado, who were still furniture restorers at the time, on Ribera de Curtidores No. 9. Observing Borreguero at work, they found inspiration and soon began building guitars themselves. In 1952, Borreguero relocated to Desengaño No. 4 and began crafting instruments exclusively for Casa Garrido, a prestigious music shop. There, he also took on the training of Vicente Pérez Camacho, who would later become a highly regarded luthier in his own right. Additionally, he mentored a young Felix Manzanero, paving the way for his entry into the esteemed workshop of José Ramirez III.
This exquisite Borreguero guitar from 1958 is a testament to his masterful craftsmanship. It features a spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides, creating a tonal palette rich in warmth and depth. The scale length is 645 mm, and the nut width measures 51 mm, offering a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
The sound is simply breathtaking, possessing all the hallmarks of a truly exceptional classical guitar. It produces a bold, resonant voice, with a tonal complexity that allows the sound to radiate beautifully from the top, back, and sides. The basses are deep and full, while the trebles shine with crystalline clarity, delivering a balanced, dynamic sound that has only improved with age. This guitar stands on equal footing with the legendary instruments of Santos Hernandez, Manuel Ramirez, and Domingo Esteso—an extraordinary instrument in every way.
The guitar has undergone a meticulous restoration, with its French polish carefully refreshed to enhance both its aesthetics and tonal integrity.
Perfectly set up for effortless playability, it boasts a straight neck and low action, ensuring a fluid and enjoyable playing experience. It comes with a non-original hard case for protection.
Mit dem Laden des Videos akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzerklärung von YouTube.
Mehr erfahren
Mit dem Laden des Videos akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzerklärung von YouTube.
Mehr erfahren