Santos Hernandez – 1925

About the luthier

Santos Hernndez was born in Madrid in 1873 and began his apprenticeship at an early age in the workshop of Valentn Viudes before continuing his training in Jos Ortegas Granadinian workshop. After periods spent in several workshops and compulsory military service, he assumed Enrique Garcas position at Manuel Ramrezs workshop in 1905. His contribution to the construction of Andrs Segovias celebrated 1912 Manuel Ramrez guitar established his reputation as one of the most important Spanish guitar makers of his generation.

Following Manuel Ramrezs death, Hernndez continued working for his widow alongside Domingo Esteso. In 1921, he opened his own workshop, marking the beginning of an independent period that would produce some of the most sought after Spanish guitars of the early twentieth century. His work is characterised by a Torres influenced structural approach, refined craftsmanship and a tonal ideal that has remained a reference point for generations of makers.

About the guitar

This guitar was built in 1925 and represents a mature example of Santos Hernndezs independent work. Constructed with a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, it is exceptionally light in weight, a characteristic closely associated with Hernndezs most responsive instruments from this period.

The tonal character is distinctly vintage and immediately recognisable. The basses are not only deep but notably singing, supported by a very low body resonance that gives the instrument a sense of depth and openness. Despite this resonance, the sound remains controlled, with clear separation between notes and a focused core to each pitch. The overall colour is slightly dark and smooth rather than bright, yet never blurred.

Across the registers, the guitar offers strong balance and a refined sense of space between notes, allowing inner voices and phrasing details to emerge naturally. The response encourages expressive playing and rewards subtle articulation, making the instrument particularly compelling for players seeking an authentic early twentieth century Spanish voice.

Condition

The guitar has been professionally repaired and is structurally stable. It carries an additional internal seal reading Reparada por Casa Estrada, Calle Ancha 30 y 32, Barcelona, indicating historical restoration work carried out by Casa Estruch.

Several cracks are present on the top, including two running from below the bridge to the lower edge, one to the right of the rosette, cracks on both sides of the fingerboard, and a possible short crack in front of the bridge. A small crack is also present on the side near the lower bout. All cracks have been professionally repaired without the use of cleats, which is considered a positive aspect in historical restoration.

On the back, a crack runs close to the right bout from the upper to the lower section. Additionally, a section of the back has been replaced with a well matched piece of wood, with possibly a single cleat near the tip of the replaced area. The tuners are original.

The finish consists of a combination of nitrocellulose and shellac applied across the instrument.