Paulino Bernabe 1987

1B Brazilian/Spruce

Top Spruce
Back and Sides Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard Ebony
Width at Nut 52.5mm
Scale Length 65cm

An excellent condition instrument by a world-class luthier. Paulino Bernabe was born in 1932 and worked at the Ramirez workshop for some time, starting as an apprentice in the 1950s and eventually becoming the foreman there. He became an independent maker in 1969. He taught lutherie to his son, also called Paulino, who started working together with him at their own workshop in Madrid.

This is a lovely guitar with a powerful sound, a singing treble and a sweet warm tone. There are a few playing marks on the top, as one would expect in an instrument of this age, but no cracks or repairs at all, and negligible fret wear. The back and sides are handsome and completely sound. Tuners are Fustero. A superb player's instrument at a very reasonable price.