Juan Hernandez Torres No.4

Product Description

Neck: Cedro
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides): Shellac
Tuning Machines: Schaller
String Height(1st): 3.1mm
String Height(6th): 3.6mm

[Profile]
Born in Valencia, Spain, in 1948, he began working as a craftsman at Esteve Guitars (Francisco Esteve), a workshop in his hometown of Valencia, at the age of 15. He became recognized as one of the best craftsmen in the workshop, and was eventually given a separate section within the workshop to develop his own line of models under his own label. His workshop consists of less than five craftsmen, including his son, and has earned a reputation for constantly shipping high-quality, fully Spanish-made guitars domestically and internationally. He offers a wide range of models, from student models to professional models for concert guitarists, 19th century models, multi-string models, and modern types such as lattice construction.

Instrument Details:
This is a 2011 Limited Edition “Torres” model by Joan Hernández, now available used. While the Torres model remains the flagship in Hernández’s current catalog, this particular guitar differs from the modern standard. It is based on the early 2000s Europe-only Torres model, further upgraded and made exclusively for the Japanese market. The body shape is likely inspired by the 1869 FE17 Torres guitar once favored by Francisco Tárrega, carefully preserving the aesthetic and tonal qualities reminiscent of Torres. The craftsmanship reflects the high skill of Hernández’s workshop, resulting in an exceptional instrument.

The body is crafted thin and finished with delicate shellac, weighing just 1.4 kg. While it does not match the grandeur of the original FE17, its understated vintage look is accentuated by a Torres-inspired rosette and simple red-and-black purfling. The tonal character is refined and mature, with a surprisingly resonant sound despite the relatively small body. It offers a pleasing attack, a warm and balanced tone, and ample volume, making it a highly playable and stress-free instrument.

Internal Structure:
The bracing layout features two harmonic bars above the soundhole, one below, and five symmetrical fan braces whose ends are anchored by two closing bars at the bottom. Though not identical to the original FE17, it retains the typical Torres-style bracing. The resonance is set slightly high, around G♯–A.

Playability:
With a 640mm scale length, a slightly smaller body, a thin D-shaped neck, and a nut width of 49mm, this guitar offers a comfortable, compact feel—suitable even for female players. Its rich wooden tone is well-suited for South American music, jazz, bossa nova, and other styles.

The guitar shows light play wear consistent with its age, including minor scratches, scuffs, and subtle natural variations in the finish, all of which do not detract from its appearance. The neck remains almost perfectly straight, frets are in good condition, and there are no repairs or cracks.

This Torres model, made by skilled Spanish artisans, is a high-quality instrument with both historical inspiration and refined modern playability.