Francisco Esteve Concert Model: Labelled "Francisco"

Definately a Francisco Esteve Concert guitar that has

been built by Manuel Adalid but with a rather disturbing

label as this guitar was made for the Spanish Guitar Centre

in Newcastle upon Tyne in Great Britain and thus bears

their label. Superior craftsmanship as can be admired

in the shaping of the rosette but also inner woodwork.

SOLD

The round label looks a lot like the Tatay labels of that 

time. Probably no coincidence as Esteve worked for the 

Tatay company. Built in 1973 it is their 75th guitar

that year. Most likely numner 75 in this range.

At the bottom right the same rounded label can be seen

that is presented in this guitar. As was common these com-

panies often worked for Music shops and even other makers.

A beautiful back (and sides) this model is provided with.

It could even be Brasilian rosewood but we're not sure yet.

The upper picture has been taken after intensive French

polishing work that was needed to put it back in its'

old glory again. And thereby: It is a keeper.

A nice executed Rozette completes this furthermore

flawlessly built instrument. Inner woodwork is simply

of top quality. The golden Spanish Guitar Centre

label is sticked at the bottom. The soundboard is

strengthened with a traditional fan bracing and the

sound is as can be expected from a Valencian maker:

"Woody"  and with a kind of springyness and lots

of volume and tone colour.

The bridge has been provided with a 12 hole construction.

More easily to put on new strings but moreover, a better

angle over the bridge bone.

Hardly any traces of play wear though there is a slight

craquelé visible at close inspection. In fact normal 

regarding the age of this guitar.

Not any damges to the head that often occur when

placed against a wall.

The back and heel from another angle.

The tuners that work well.

The frets that are in a great condition and placed

in an ebony fingerboard.

The proof that this guitar was imported by the Spanish guitar 

center in England and for that reason got another label.

I did some investigations at first as I was blown away by its' 

sound qualities and already suspected it to be built by an

experienced luthier. I'll include the result of my E-mail

contact with the Francisco Esteve company here beyond.

You can click on it to enlarge this picture but the translation

has been placed here beyond for your convenience.

Good afternoon Noud,

 

I was quite certain but I wanted to verify with Manuel Adalid about this instrument.

“This guitar is how you can see a concert instrument, the best thing that I was doing 

in Esteve's workshop at the time. It's a concert guitar because of the constructive 

details that you correctly pointed out. These were made for the English house, the

Spanish Guitar Center”. We believe that all of it is finished in shellac, top and body.

 

It is possible that the overhead is from Palosanto de Río as well. It's a guitar on which

more than one luthier intervened and in which D. Manuel Adalid father (and the eldest)

did part of the work on it. It is artisan and entirely by hand. Today it would resemble a

60th Anniversary model, the most elaborate thing we do of concert models but with a

soundboard with a classic traditional system. 

 

The recommended retail price of the model new 60th Anniversary is about 6000 euros 

depending on the place due to taxes and rates of each country. You have a wonderful 

instrument and we hope you enjoy it. It seems to be in good condition.

 

Regarding the Elec model, it is a model that we continue to manufacture today and is 

the highest of range of electro-acoustic guitars with cut-away.

 

I hope it has helped you

 

Take good care of yourself and kind regards

 

Sergio Camargo