Enrique Sanfeliù 1926

Enrique Sanfeliu 1926 Guitar

There are instruments that speak, and then there are instruments that whisper the history of music itself. This exquisite guitar, crafted in 1926 by the legendary Enrique Sanfeliu, is one such voice — a rare and poetic relic from a golden age of Spanish lutherie.

Born in Valencia in 1882, Sanfeliu began his journey as a child, carving small “toy” guitars for his friends. A single concert by Francisco Tárrega forever changed his destiny. From that moment on, he devoted his life to the guitar — not only as a musician but as a creator of instruments that transcend time.

He refined his craft in the workshop of Juan Estruch and was profoundly influenced by Enrique García, whose artistic vision and techniques shaped his style. The influence of García — and of his protégé Francisco Simplicio — lives on in every detail: the ornate marquetry, the elegantly carved headstock, and the luminous, old-world tone that flows from this instrument.

Perhaps the most celebrated player to favor Sanfeliu’s work was Agustín Barrios Mangoré, whose famous Sanfeliu guitar was nearly identical to this one — with the exact same rosette and the same side ornamentation. That historic guitar now resides in the Perguay Museum in South America, a testament to the maker’s enduring legacy. This makes the instrument offered here a rare find, a true museum piece in remarkable playing condition.

The sound is nothing short of extraordinary — powerful, direct, and full of color. For those who have ever held and played a Antonio de Torres guitar, a Santos Hernández guitar, or a Hermann Hauser I guitar, this Sanfeliu stands proudly among them. It has the same nobility, the same refinement, and the same ability to stir the soul.

Once part of an important private collection that included Torres, Fleta, Arias, Simplicio, García, and more, this guitar has been preserved with great care. Aside from a few delicate and well-executed repairs, it remains in beautiful, original condition. A rare opportunity to own a historic, concert-level instrument from one of Barcelona’s great luthiers of the twentieth century.

Specifications

Nut Width: 49 mm

Scale Length: 640 mm

Finish: French Polish

Tuners: Original Machine Heads

Top: Spruce

Back and Sides: Maple