Marcelo Barbero I　[マルセロ・バルベロ１世] classical guitar

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):3.0mm
String Height(6th):4.2mm

[Luthier Information]

Founded by Ignacio Fleta I (1897–1977), and later operated in collaboration with his two sons, Francisco Fleta (1925–c.2000s) and Gabriel Fleta (1929–2013), the Ignacio Fleta e Hijos workshop of Barcelona, Spain, remains one of the most celebrated names in the history of classical guitar making. Favored by generations of the world's finest concert artists, the Fleta guitar continues to be regarded as one of the definitive concert instruments of the latter half of the twentieth century, enjoying enduring international acclaim.

The Fleta family originally earned their living as skilled woodworkers and cabinetmakers, and Ignacio grew up immersed in this craft tradition. At the age of thirteen, he and his brothers apprenticed in a musical instrument workshop in Barcelona before Ignacio furthered his studies in France at the workshop of Philippe Le Duc, where he specialized in the construction of bowed string instruments, particularly cellos and violins.

After returning to Spain, the brothers established a workshop in Barcelona producing a wide range of stringed instruments, including guitars, earning an excellent reputation around the period of the First World War. The partnership dissolved in 1927, after which Ignacio opened his own workshop. His violins, violas and cellos became highly respected, establishing his reputation as an exceptional luthier well beyond the guitar world.

Around 1930, he also began building guitars inspired by the traditional Antonio de Torres design. However, after hearing Andrés Segovia perform in 1955, Fleta was profoundly moved by the artistry and power of Segovia's playing, prompting him to devote himself exclusively to guitar making. Inspired by this experience, he developed an entirely new concert guitar concept that departed significantly from the Torres tradition. In 1957, he presented his first guitar of this new design to Segovia, who was so impressed by its remarkable tonal qualities that he immediately adopted it for concert performance. This endorsement propelled Fleta guitars to worldwide recognition.

Offering unprecedented volume, dynamic range, and an unmistakably rich and lyrical tonal character unlike any previous concert guitar, the Fleta became the instrument of choice for many of the world's leading guitarists, including John Williams, Alberto Ponce, and numerous others, securing its place among the most important classical guitars of the twentieth century.

Early instruments bore the label "Ignacio Fleta." Beginning with No.359 (1965), the label was officially changed to "Ignacio Fleta e Hijos" ("and Sons"), although examples from 1964 bearing the updated label are known, suggesting that Ignacio's own recollection may have been slightly inaccurate. Following Ignacio Fleta's passing in 1977, and later the deaths of both Francisco and Gabriel, the Ignacio Fleta e Hijos label has continued uninterrupted. Today, the workshop is carried on by Gabriel Fleta, grandson of Ignacio Fleta I.

[Instrument Information]

This is a 1989 Ignacio Fleta e Hijos No.804, offered in used condition.

Prior to its arrival at AURA, the soundboard underwent a complete French polish refinish in our workshop. At the same time, several small dents and surface blemishes were professionally touched up, leaving the top in excellent cosmetic condition.

The back and sides appear to have been completely refinished in lacquer at some point in the past, likely together with the soundboard. As is common with aged lacquer finishes, the instrument now exhibits weather checking (finish crazing) as well as localized discoloration. While these cosmetic issues somewhat affect its appearance, they have no impact on the instrument's structural integrity or playability.

There are no repaired cracks or structural repairs to the body.

The neck remains in excellent condition, and although the frets show moderate wear between the first and seventh positions, there is no adverse effect on playability. The neck features a medium-depth D-shaped profile, and the current string action measures 3.0 mm (1st string) and 4.0 mm (6th string) at the twelfth fret, with approximately 0.5 mm of saddle remaining.