Antonio Raya Ferrer　[アントニオ・ラジャ・フェレール] No.174

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):2.8mm
String Height(6th):3.4mm

【A Granada lineage masterpiece with exceptional balance and clarity】

[Luthier]
Antonio Raya Ferrer was born in 1980 in Granada, Spain, where he continues to build today. He is the son of Antonio Raya Pardo, a highly respected figure of the Granada school, and through his mother, the grandson of Eduardo Ferrer, one of its most influential makers.

Surrounded by guitar making from an early age, he began working in his father’s workshop at 14 and started building under his own label at 17. While deeply respectful of his father’s legacy and the Granada tradition, Raya Ferrer has developed a refined and personal style, characterized by balance, precision, and a natural musical response. Today, he is regarded as one of the leading mid-generation luthiers carrying the Granada tradition forward with quiet sophistication.

[Instrument]
This 2014 No.174 classical model is a fine example of his work—youthful yet controlled, combining clarity and power with a gentle, lyrical character. One of the defining qualities of his guitars is the natural transition from attack to tone: the string’s energy is firmly received by the body and translated into sound with remarkable efficiency and minimal excess. This results in a clean, responsive feel under the fingers and a sense of effortless projection.

The tonal balance sits beautifully in the middle register, avoiding excessive weight in the bass or sharpness in the treble. The response is quick and articulate, giving the instrument a natural sense of drive while maintaining a fresh, musical transparency. Notes connect organically, forming a cohesive and elegant sound image with a subtle sheen. While not overly flashy, the guitar reveals a wide range of tonal colors and expressive nuance depending on touch, making it particularly suited to classical repertoire.

Structurally, this instrument features an interesting asymmetrical fan bracing pattern, differing from his current designs. The layout subtly favors the treble side in the bracing, while reinforcement elements near the bridge lean toward the bass side—an uncommon but effective configuration that contributes to its balanced yet characterful response. The resonance is set between G# and A.

Condition remains good overall with original shellac finish. There are visible playing marks on the top, particularly around the fingerboard edges and soundhole (treble side), as well as minor wear below the bridge from string changes. A small repaired crack is present at the fingerboard/top joint on both sides. Back and sides are clean with only light surface wear. The neck shows a slight forward relief within normal range, and frets remain in proper condition. The neck profile is a slim D-shape, offering a compact and comfortable grip. String height is set at 2.8mm (1st) / 3.4mm (6th) at the 12th fret, with minimal saddle remaining on the treble side and approximately 1.0mm on the bass side.

Fitted with high-quality Fustero “Fleta” model tuners, functioning well. Weight: 1.57 kg.

A sincere and musically versatile guitar that reflects both the heritage and individuality of its maker.