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1967 Francisco Barba Blanca
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Arroyo 18 label: signed, stamped and dated by the maker
Body size at lower bout: 370mm (14 1/2") Scale length: 655mm (25 3/4") Nut: 52mm (2") String spacing at bridge: 59mm (2 3/8") Weight: 1.24 kg (2lb. 12oz)
Finish: French polish
Materials: Bookmatched quartersawn Alpine spruce top; solid bookmatched cypress back and sides; one-piece mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; deluxe multi-ply binding; solid bone nut and saddle; Brazilian rosewood bridge, headplate and binding; bone saddles and nut; original hand engraved tuners, clear scratchplate.
Notes: At the very pinnacle of flamenco luthiery, Franciso Barba of Seville has been building instruments of world renown for some half a century. Played by a roster of top performers including Manolo Franco, Pepe Justicia, Mariano Martín, Manuel Molina, Pedro Pena, Nino de Pura, Quique Paredes, José Manuel Roldán, Riqueni and others, Barba's instruments have become legendary for their power, consistency and playability.
This handsome blanca from 1967 is one of his earliest creations, and demonstrates the clean lines and immaculate workmanship for which he's internationally celebrated. The instrument features a finely grained bookmatched quartersawn Alpine spruce soundboard, interleaved with bearclaw crossgrain. The solid cypress body shows exceptional clarity, and the mahogany neck has a gentle C profile, solid yet easy in the hand. At a mere 1.24kg, the instrument is phenomenally light in weight, and deeply resonant. With remarkable projection and brilliance, the voice has an appealing musicality and detail: clear and even across the entire range.
From a fine private collection, the instrument has been lovingly maintained, without cracks, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows only a few incidental nicks in the feather-light French polish finish. Even the original faux leopard skin hardshell case has been preserved in excellent condition. A Barba of this vintage is an exceptional find, and new examples can now require a wait of over three years.
An exceptional opportunity for the performer and collector, and a true piece of flamenco history. Call now.
Case: Original fitted hardshell case.
