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

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Polyurethan
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):3.0mm
String Height(6th):3.6mm

### [Luthier]

**Arcangel Fernandez** was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1931.

He was one of the very few makers to genuinely inherit and steadfastly preserve the philosophy of the Madrid school established by **Manuel Ramirez** and **Santos Hernandez**. In both craftsmanship and artistic achievement, he stands among the most important Spanish guitar makers of the second half of the 20th century.

As a young boy, Fernandez aspired to become 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 professional career as a guitarist after completing his military service.

In 1954, he came to know **Marcelo Barbero I (1904–1956)**, who was regarded at the time as the successor to Santos Hernandez (1874–1943). Fernandez began visiting Barbero's workshop regularly and, at Barbero's encouragement—and, in fact, partly at Barbero's own strong wish—became his apprentice and began studying guitar making.

Fernandez developed a profound interest in the guitars made by his master. Driven by an exceptionally inquisitive nature, he rapidly advanced his skills and matured as a craftsman. Tragically, Barbero died in 1956 at the young age of 52.

Drawing on the knowledge he had acquired during those two years, Fernandez, Barbero's sole apprentice, completed all of his master's outstanding orders. In 1957, he established his own workshop on Calle Jesús y María, close to Barbero's former workshop, and began producing guitars under his own name.

From the very beginning of his independent career, Fernandez demonstrated an extraordinary level of maturity as a maker. There was none of the immaturity one might expect from his young age; instead, his instruments displayed a remarkable clarity of purpose, with a refined philosophy evident in every aspect of both construction and acoustics.

In the 1960s, **Marcelo Barbero Hijo (1943–2005)**, the son of Marcelo Barbero I, joined the workshop. They established a system in which each maker produced instruments independently within the same workshop.

Under Fernandez's own label, he consistently produced only one model each in classical and flamenco guitars. In addition, instruments were produced under the workshop label **“Para Casa Arcangel Fernandez”**, with makers including Marcelo Barbero Hijo, Manuel Cáceres, and Pedro Valbuena contributing to their construction.

These workshop instruments were also entirely handmade. The individual maker responsible for each instrument is identified by name on the label, and they are highly regarded for their exceptional quality. They have consequently become sought-after instruments in today's vintage and used-guitar market.

Fernandez's uncompromising approach to construction, wood selection, and above all acoustical performance, combined with his distinctive character, gave his work a uniquely individual quality. His instruments are renowned for their exceptionally high level of refinement and, consequently, demand a highly developed technique from the player.

This demanding character is precisely what has continued to inspire generations of guitarists, making Arcangel Fernandez one of the rare and distinctive names in the history of Spanish guitar making. He retired from guitar making in 2011, and his instruments have become increasingly scarce.

### [Instrument]

This is a **1991 Arcangel Fernandez Classical Guitar**, offered in used condition, with a **650 mm scale length**.

The instrument has a distinctly Spanish voice, with particularly sweet and singing high notes. It produces ample volume, has a crisp and responsive attack, and offers excellent sustain, with a very well-balanced overall response.

Made when Arcangel Fernandez was 60 years old, during a mature period of his career, this instrument represents a particularly fine example of his work and demonstrates the highly refined traditions of the Madrid school.

The guitar has a **polyurethane finish** and is fitted with **Fustero tuning machines**. The action is currently set at approximately **3.0 mm on the first string and 3.6 mm on the sixth string**. The frets are in good condition, and there are no issues affecting playability.

Approximately 33 years have passed since its construction. There are some signs of use, including areas of finish wear where the player's body has naturally come into contact with the instrument. These marks are consistent with normal aging and use for an instrument of this vintage.

The neck remains in good condition, fret wear is not a concern, and the instrument is structurally sound.

These signs of use testify to the guitar's history as a genuinely played instrument and reflect the depth and maturity that can develop through many years of playing. They also speak to the history of an instrument that has been carefully handled and played by musicians capable of meeting the high level of technical refinement demanded by Arcangel Fernandez's guitars.