Arcángel Fernández

Arcángel Fernández – Casa Fernández Guitar (Late 1970s)

This beautiful guitar comes from the workshop of the legendary Madrid luthier Arcángel Fernández, dating from the late 1970s. It is in very good condition and represents a wonderful opportunity to own a guitar connected to one of Spain’s most respected flamenco guitar makers.

The instrument features a cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides, a combination that was quite unique for flamenco guitars during this period. The top is French polished, giving the guitar a refined look and helping it resonate freely. The result is an instrument that is very responsive, easy to play, and full of character, with a rich, expressive sound.

Because of its tonal balance and responsiveness, this guitar works beautifully for both flamenco and classical music. It has the clarity and attack needed for flamenco, while still offering the warmth and sustain appreciated by classical players.

The label reads “Casa Arcángel Fernández – Madrid.” This indicates that the guitar was produced as a student model from his workshop. Fully handmade guitars by Arcángel Fernández himself are extremely rare today and can cost many times the price of this instrument. However, this guitar still shows features strongly associated with his workshop, especially in the distinctive top bracing, which appears very characteristic of Arcángel’s design. It is quite possible that the soundboard work was done or supervised within the workshop itself.

During this period in Madrid, it was common for master luthiers to build or voice the tops in their workshops—the most important part of the instrument for tone—and then have the rest of the guitar completed in small specialized workshops according to their specifications. Details such as the headstock design, neck profile, and construction standards would still follow the luthier’s style.

Whatever its exact story, one thing is certain: this guitar sounds exceptional and represents an incredible value for the quality and history it carries.

If you are curious, I don’t expect this guitar to stay in the shop for long. Instruments with this sound and character at such an accessible price are rare.

Come and try it for yourself and become the owner of a wonderful piece of Spanish guitar history. 🇪🇸🎸