Arcangel Fernandez 1964 Flamenco Guitar (ex-Carlos Montoya) w/ OHSC & Provenance – Used
It is a rare and distinct privilege to offer an instrument of such vaunted provenance and lore. This is a world-class 1964 flamenco guitar, built by one of the 20th century's premier luthiers, Arcangel Fernandez, for one of its premier and most influential players, Carlos Montoya. It would be hard to find a guitar of more interest and curiosity that is also a time machine of a world-class instrument.
Arcangel Fernandez was a legendary figure of the Madrid school, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and instruments that were sought after by the world's finest concert artists. This guitar is known to be one of two sister instruments built at the time, and this one has been living a quiet and hidden life for the last 61 years. Its history is impeccable: it was played on tour by Carlos Montoya in 1964 before being purchased directly from him by the renowned luthier Walter Stanul, who acquired it to study and copy. Mr. Stanul himself would go on to become world-renowned, most notably as the creator of the ArchGuitar.
The guitar itself is in exceptional condition. It was played enough to be sonically alive and open, but not nearly enough to have worn out the top; it even still wears its original tap plates (golpeadores). The playability is superb, with a comfortable and fast action suitable for the most demanding flamenco techniques. This instrument comes with extraordinary documentation that solidifies its remarkable history, including an original photograph of Carlos Montoya holding this very guitar, three handwritten letters from Montoya's wife on his stationery, a bank receipt for part of the purchase price, and a wooden business card from Carlos Montoya. The original hard case is fabulous and remains in incredible condition. Recently set up at M.E. Brune.
The fret ends are protruding a bit, we will leave it up to the next owner to decide how they would like them dressed or it can be left as is. A few of the tuning pegs are not original.
Please contact us for more information, photographs, or to arrange a demo.
- **Model:** Arcangel Fernandez Flamenco
- **Year:** 1964
- **Top:** Spruce
- **Back & Sides:** Cypress
- **Neck:** Spanish Cedar
- **Fingerboard:** Ebony
- **Scale Length:** 660mm (Nominal)
- **Nut Width:** 51.6 mm
- **String Spacing (Saddle):** 56.45 mm
- **Action (12th Fret):** 2.5 mm (bass side), 2.3 mm (treble side) (first fret depressed)
- **Saddle Exposure:** Approx. 2 mm
- **Tuners:** Traditional Friction Pegs
- **Tap Plates:** Original Golpeadores
- **Origin:** Madrid, Spain
- **Condition:** Exceptional vintage condition. Structurally sound, showing light, honest playwear consistent with a cherished, historically significant instrument.
- **Included:** Original hardshell case and all documented provenance mentioned above.
