The spanish guitar has undergone many changes over the last few centuries. Originally developed for a small audience and intimate setting; the structure and stringing was very light and delicate. Today we have a heavier and more robust instrument that is suited to a different context of performance halls with large audiences. The structure and stringing has increased in mass and tension to accommodate this context.
One of the biggest factor in the changes to the Spanish Guitar over the last two centuries is the improvement in string technology. Nylon strings were invented in the early 20th century. It is interesting to think about how builders in the 19th Century were stringing their instruments with all gut strings.
I completed this Baroque guitar in spring of 2017. European spruce top, birdseye maple back and sides. I made this instrument from the measurements of the existing Stradivari instruments. Most of the detail is from the Sabionari model.
