Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso　[ソブリーノス・デ・ドミンゴ・エステソ] Flamenco Blanca

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Polyurethan
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.7mm
String Height(6th):2.6mm

Maker Information

Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso was the original name of the renowned Spanish flamenco guitar maker later known as Conde Hermanos, one of the most influential brands in the second half of the 20th century. The label "Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso" ("Nephews of the late Domingo Esteso") refers to the workshop established by Domingo Esteso (1882–1937) at Gravina 7, Madrid, which was inherited after his death by his three nephews—Faustino, Mariano, and Julio Conde.

Before opening his own workshop in 1919, Domingo Esteso worked under Manuel Ramírez alongside Santos Hernández, becoming one of Madrid's finest master luthiers. His guitars are admired for their natural authenticity, warmth, power, and lyrical expressiveness, and remain highly respected concert instruments today.

Following Esteso's death, guitars were labeled "Viuda y Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso" ("Widow and Nephews of Domingo Esteso"), reflecting the involvement of Esteso's widow, Nicolasa Salamanca, and the Conde brothers. This label remained in use until 1959, after which the workshop adopted the "Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso" label throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.

This transitional period marked the evolution from the traditional Esteso style toward the modern identity of Conde Hermanos. While retaining the warmth and authenticity of classic Madrid guitars, the workshop refined its construction, tonal concept, and visual identity. Later Conde Hermanos guitars became known for their iconic bull-horn headstock, reddish lacquer finish, and brighter, more aggressive sound. By contrast, instruments from the Sobrinos period combine traditional Spanish warmth with the emerging aesthetics of Faustino Conde, producing guitars of exceptional individuality and musicality.

Because the workshop was continuously experimenting during these years, construction details, labels, and tonal character vary considerably from one instrument to another. Although they lack the standardized specifications of later models such as the A26, their individuality has made them highly sought after by collectors and vintage flamenco players.

Instrument Information

This is a 1973 Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso Flamenco Blanca, offered in excellent used condition.

It possesses all the essential qualities of a traditional flamenco guitar: quick attack, strong projection, excellent note separation, and the lively, responsive character required for authentic flamenco performance. Compared with later Conde Hermanos models such as the A26, its voice is less aggressively bright, offering instead a beautifully balanced combination of traditional Spanish warmth, woody texture, and refined clarity.

The guitar delivers a rounded, expressive tone with remarkable nuance rather than excessive brilliance. Its lyrical character makes it equally appealing to players who appreciate both the old Madrid school and the classic Conde sound.

The soundboard employs a traditional bracing design consisting of one reinforcing plate and one harmonic bar above the soundhole, one harmonic bar below, reinforcing plates on both sides of the soundhole, seven symmetrical fan braces, and two V-shaped closing bars. The body resonance is tuned slightly above F#.

Despite being over fifty years old, the guitar remains in excellent structural condition. There are no repaired cracks. The fingerboard was professionally converted to a double fingerboard and completely refretted many years ago, resulting in excellent neck geometry and playability. The slim D-shaped neck offers a comfortable feel, while the string action measures 2.2 mm on both the first and sixth strings at the 12th fret, with approximately 1.5 mm of saddle remaining.

Cosmetically, the instrument shows playing wear around the fingerboard extension and soundhole, particularly near the edges of the golpeador, while the remainder of the guitar displays only light signs of age and careful use. The back, sides, and neck remain remarkably clean for its age. The original tuners have been replaced with Gotoh machines, which operate smoothly and reliably.

A fine example from the highly desirable Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso period, this guitar offers the warmth of the traditional Madrid school together with the unmistakable flamenco character that would later define the Conde Hermanos legacy.