Hernandez y Aguado　[エルナンデス・イ・アグアド] No.224

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:RODGERS
String Height(1st):3.2mm
String Height(6th):4.5mm

[Profile]
Hernández y Aguado is one of Spain’s most celebrated classical guitar brands, founded by Santiago Manuel Hernández (1895–1975) and Victoriano Aguado Rodríguez (1897–1972). In this partnership, Hernández focused on crafting the guitar bodies while Aguado handled finishing, headstock detailing, and overall supervision.

Their collaboration began in Madrid, where both trained in piano and instrument workshops, and they quickly developed a distinctive approach to guitar making. The brand gained fame in the mid-20th century for its elegant design, beautifully balanced body lines, and—most importantly—its extraordinary sound. Hernández y Aguado guitars are renowned for their warm, expressive, and voice-like tone, capable of subtle nuance and powerful projection alike. Legendary guitarists such as Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, and Yupanqui have played their instruments, securing the brand’s place in classical guitar history as one of the finest of the 20th century.

[Description]
We are pleased to offer a 1962 Hernández y Aguado, No.224 (Vintage). This example comes from the highly regarded early 1960s production, a period noted for both popularity and exceptional quality. The guitar features quarter-sawn Brazilian rosewood back and sides, the brand’s characteristic elegant headstock, and a gracefully proportioned body full of refined presence.

Sonically, it embodies the signature Aguado warmth and generosity, with a gentle, refined tonal texture that sings naturally. It responds expressively to nuanced playing, with subtle dynamic shifts, vocal-like phrasing, and a touch of percussive brilliance. While requiring skilled touch—as is common with instruments of this caliber—the rewards for alignment between player and guitar are extraordinary.

The internal bracing reflects Aguado’s characteristic approach, varying slightly from instrument to instrument. This guitar features one harmonic bar above and below the soundhole, seven fan braces at the lower body, two diagonal closing bars forming an inverted “V,” and a patch plate under the bridge roughly the size of the bridge plate, with fan braces passing over it. Resonance is tuned slightly above G.

Cosmetic condition is very good for a 60-year-old instrument. There are minor playing marks around the fingerboard and soundhole, as well as some wear under the bridge and on the back where it contacts the chest. The neck is straight, frets 1–7 show slight wear but remain fully playable. The neck has a relatively thin D-shape, strings are moderately tensioned, and the original Fustero tuners function perfectly. The soundhole label and signature on the treble side of the soundboard are intact.

This guitar has been carefully played and shows potential for further resonance development. It represents one of Spain’s finest brands, offering both excellent condition and exceptional tonal quality—a true collector’s and performer’s instrument.