Arcangel Fernandez　[アルカンヘル・フェルナンデス] Flamenco Blanca

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):2.8mm
String Height(6th):3.8mm

[Profile]
Arcángel Fernández is one of the most important Spanish guitar makers of the second half of the 20th century. He was perhaps the only maker who truly inherited and steadfastly preserved the philosophy of the Madrid school established by Manuel Ramírez and Santos Hernández, pursuing its ideals to an extraordinary degree both in craftsmanship and artistry.

As a boy, Fernández dreamed of becoming a film actor and even appeared in several films. At the age of 13, however, he began working as a cabinetmaker, while also taking up the flamenco guitar. A highly accomplished player, he initially considered pursuing a career as a professional guitarist after completing his military service. In 1954, he became acquainted with Marcelo Barbero I (1904–1956), who was then regarded as one of the principal successors to Santos Hernández (1874–1943). Fernández began visiting Barbero's workshop frequently and, at Barbero's encouragement—and very much in accordance with Barbero's own wishes—became his apprentice and began learning the craft of guitar making.

Fernández developed a profound interest in his master's instruments and, driven by his innate curiosity and spirit of inquiry, rapidly advanced his skills. He soon matured into a remarkably accomplished maker. Tragically, Barbero died in 1956 at only 52 years of age. Having learned from him for just two years, Fernández, his master's sole apprentice, completed all of Barbero's outstanding commissions. In 1957, he established his own workshop on Calle Jesús y María, near Barbero's former workshop, and began producing guitars under his own name.

From the very beginning of his career, Fernández displayed an extraordinary level of mastery. There was none of the immaturity one might expect from a young maker; instead, his instruments already demonstrated an exceptionally clear and disciplined approach to both construction and acoustics.

In the 1960s, Marcelo Barbero Hijo (1943–2005), the son of Marcelo Barbero I, joined the workshop. A system was established in which each maker worked independently within the same workshop. Under his own label, Fernández consistently produced only one model each of classical and flamenco guitar. In addition, instruments were produced under the workshop label “Para Casa Arcangel Fernandez”, with makers including Barbero Hijo, Manuel Cáceres, and Pedro Valbuena contributing to their construction. These workshop instruments were also entirely handmade, with the individual maker's name printed on the label. Their exceptionally high quality has earned them a strong reputation, and they remain highly sought after on today's vintage market.

Fernández's uncompromising approach to craftsmanship, wood selection, and above all acoustics, combined with his distinctive personality, gives his instruments a remarkable sense of individuality. Their extraordinary level of refinement also means that they demand a high degree of technical sophistication from the player. This is precisely what has continued to inspire generations of guitarists and has made the Arcángel Fernández name so exceptional. Fernández retired from guitar making in 2011, and his instruments have become increasingly rare.

[Instrument Information]

We are pleased to offer this 1969 Arcángel Fernández Flamenco Blanca, a remarkable vintage instrument from one of Spain's most prestigious makers.

The neck retains its original lacquer finish, while the rest of the instrument was refinished in shellac at some point in the past. During that restoration, the original golpeador was removed, and the guitar was subsequently used for many years as a classical guitar. There are repaired cracks on the soundboard on both sides of the fingerboard, reinforced internally with patches. Apart from these repairs, the instrument has remarkably few scratches or signs of distortion and is currently in very good overall condition.

The guitar possesses the characteristic bright, dry response of a flamenco blanca, yet it is by no means lightweight in its tonal character. From the initial attack through the full sustain, the sound maintains the remarkable density and substance associated with Arcángel Fernández, while retaining an exceptionally poised and dignified character.

The resonance is tuned unusually low, below E, giving the instrument an exceptionally stable and unwavering tonal center that lends definition and focus to the entire sound. The balance is excellent, extending from a rich and substantial bass to a clear, crystalline treble. The very high sound pressure and projection are impressive while remaining entirely natural and controlled. Beneath its fundamentally austere tonal character lies a surprising degree of lyrical expression—another quality that is distinctly characteristic of Fernández.

As a flamenco instrument, its functionality is equally impressive, with an immediate response, excellent note separation, and a highly articulate melodic character. These qualities also translate extremely well to classical guitar repertoire, allowing the instrument to be used effectively according to the character and expressive demands of different pieces.

[Instrument Information]
The soundboard bracing follows a distinctive structural layout characteristic of Fernández's flamenco models. There is one harmonic bar above and one below the soundhole, on the neck and bridge sides respectively. Five symmetrically arranged fan braces are positioned toward the center of the soundboard, each made relatively thick and substantial and contained within the width of the bridge plate.

Two closing bars are arranged in a V-shaped configuration toward the lower bout, receiving the ends of the fan braces. A thin patch is also applied in the bridge area. The resonance is set below E.

The exact angle formed at the center between the two closing bars varies slightly from instrument to instrument, but this is essentially the fundamental internal construction Fernández employed for his flamenco models.

Playability and Specifications

The neck, frets, and other components related to playability remain in good condition. The neck has a relatively slim, rounded D-shaped profile, providing the compact grip characteristic of a flamenco guitar.

The current action is set to classical specifications at 2.9 mm / 4.0 mm (1st / 6th strings at the 12th fret), with approximately 2.0–3.0 mm of saddle height remaining above the bridge. The neck angle and other geometry are appropriate, so the action can of course be adjusted to a more traditional flamenco setup if desired.

The guitar is fitted with Fustero tuners (Ramírez model), the standard specification used by Arcángel Fernández. The harp-shaped ends of the tuner plates have been slightly trimmed to fit the dimensions of the headstock.

There is some considerable play in the buttons of the 3rd and 4th string tuners. This does not affect tuning itself, although it makes operation somewhat less precise.

Weight: 1.26 kg

The guitar comes with a hard case fitted with an Arcángel Fernández nameplate.