Antonio Torres FE 19 Style Guitar: Bearclaw Sitka Spruce/Granadillo

...Antonio Torres created his uniquely designed instrument in the modest provincial town of Almeria, which is about as far away as you can get from the musically sophisticated capitals of Europe.

Julian Bream, from Antonio Torres, Guitar Maker, by Jose Romanillos, 1987

I spent part of the morning fine tuning the top bracing on this guitar.

That means dividing the strings, putting my hand through the sound hole with a piece of 220 grit garnet paper taped to the end of my index finger.

The idea is to take just a few swipes on the top of the treble side braces to make the treble strings a little louder and more bell-like. They do sound louder with more separation from the bass strings.

I also sanded the top just behind the bridge to "hot rod" the top, as luthier Tom Blackshear once about that technique.

The guitar is brand new and sounds new. I can't wait to hear it in six months!

I purchased the granadillo back and sides from Hibdon Hardwood.

Jerry Hibdon asked me if he can post photos of this guitar on the gallery page of their website. I said "yes" to that!

It was nice wood to work, I do plan on using this tone wood again.


Here is a YouTube of Cinzia Milani playing one of my favorite pieces!