Manuel Reyes I　[マヌエル・レジェス I 世] Flamenco Blanca

Product Description

Neck:Cedoro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):2.8mm
String Height(6th):3.0mm

[Luthier]
Manuel Reyes Maldonado

Manuel Reyes (1934–2014) was born in Paterna (Granada) and later moved to Córdoba, where he spent his life building guitars. Originally a flamenco guitarist, he began making instruments after attempting to repair a worn-out guitar he had received—ultimately leading him to build his own.

He refined his craft with guidance from Joaquín Sánchez Galisteo and began professional work in 1949. A pivotal moment came in 1956 when he met Marcelo Barbero I, whose influence left a lasting impact despite their brief association.

Reyes steadily built his reputation, attracting many players to his workshop. His fame reached its height in the 1980s when leading flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo adopted his instruments. Known for combining traditional construction with exceptional refinement, his guitars are admired for their tonal sensitivity, expressive range, and playability. Today, his legacy continues through his son, Manuel Reyes Jr.

[Instrument]
1987 Manuel Reyes, Flamenco Blanca (Used)

This 1987 flamenco blanca represents a peak period in Reyes’s career, when his technical mastery and artistic vision were fully realized. It is a refined and compelling example of his work.

While grounded in traditional design, Reyes incorporated subtle innovations in his bracing. In this instrument, the structure is executed with remarkable clarity and precision. The top features a harmonic bar above and below the soundhole, with a reinforcing plate surrounding the rosette area. The lower bout uses a symmetrical seven-fan bracing system, complemented by a thin reinforcing plate beneath the bridge. The fan braces gradually decrease in size from the center outward, with slight asymmetry between treble and bass sides. The resonance is set slightly below F#.

Tonally, the guitar displays Reyes’s signature character—sharp, articulate, and refined, with a noble, almost austere elegance. It naturally accommodates flamenco articulation while offering excellent balance, sustain, and dynamic range. The tone is deep yet clear, capable of expressive nuance across a wide musical range.

Visually, the instrument is equally striking, with an elegant head design and a finely detailed rosette featuring traditional color patterns. The shellac finish enhances its refined, handcrafted appearance.

Condition is very good for its age, with no cracks or structural modifications. Some parts such as the nut have been replaced, but the instrument remains largely original. The top shows noticeable playing wear around the fingerboard and soundhole, as well as minor dents and scratches. The sides and back display light wear consistent with use over time.

The neck remains nearly straight, with minimal fret wear in the lower positions. It has a standard D-shaped profile with a slightly wider fingerboard (54 mm), offering a substantial grip. String height is set at 2.8 mm (1st string) and 3.0 mm (6th string) at the 12th fret, with 0.5–1.0 mm of saddle remaining.

Fitted with Fustero tuning machines, functioning properly.
Weight: 1.41 kg.