Antonio Raya Pardo Concert Spruce Rosewood 1997

Antonio Raya Pardo built this concert guitar in 1997, displaying the refined craftsmanship that made him a respected name in Granada. The beautiful Indian rosewood combined with a Sitka spruce top and traditional shellac finish make this an instrument that delights both the eyes and ears. A guitar that proudly carries on the Granadan tradition.

The history of Antonio Raya Pardo reads like a classic tale of Spanish guitar making. Born in Huelva in 1950, he moved to Granada at the age of fourteen, the beating heart of Spanish classical guitar making. After a stint as a weaver, he decided to follow his calling and learned the trade with Eduardo Ferrer and later with José Lopez Bellido. In 1973, he opened his own workshop, where he continued his development largely self-taught. As he himself says: "In Granada, no guitar maker stands alone; there are always friends to help you." One of those friends was Antonio Marin Montero, whose valuable advice shaped Raya Pardo into the master he became.

This 1997 concert guitar showcases the signature qualities that have made Raya Pardo stand out. The Indian rosewood back and sides provide a rich, warm tone with beautiful overtones, while the Sitka spruce top offers clarity and projection. The traditional shellac finish on the top allows the wood to resonate optimally, just as the old masters intended. With a 650mm scale and classic fan bracing, this guitar offers the ideal balance between playability and rich tonal richness that both serious students and professional musicians will appreciate.

This concert guitar has clear playwear on the top and lighter playwear on the back and sides of the neck, but still looks good for a 28-year-old guitar. The guitar comes with a TFOA passport and a hardshell case.