Amalio Burguet Model AB (2006) / Amalio Butguet model 1A (2005)

  

Presented here is the top model of Amalia Burguet,

the so called AB (Amalio Burguet) model. I'm not sure 

wether if every AB model has been equipped with a

so called "Doble Tapa" which means a layer of a softer

wood (spruce) sticked to the back, the way Manuel 

Contreras reintroduced. This one is provided with

this double top (or back). Besides that the sides have

been veneered with a layer of Cypress from the 

inside. Difficult to detect differences between these 

models and a 'normal" guitar but the response of the 

higher notes is beautiful rounded and very even in 

sound and in fact comparable to a Jose Ramirez 1A

which is no surprise as Burguet also built guitars in 

the "Madrid" tradition. Lot's of volume, a bit darker

sounding and a good playability at the same time. 

Scale is 650 mm. Playing action measured on the 

12th fret is 3 mm for the 1rst and 4,5 mm for the 6th

string with about 3 mm of protruding bridgebone to 

even lower the playing action. What is of even more

importance is that the strings are making a steep

angle over the bridgebone so no loss of tone when

altering the height of the strings. List price at this

moment: Around  5900 Euro's for this example 

Now: case included: Price € 2500,-

A question of trust of course but I guarantee a playing action

of 3 mm for the 1rst and 4,5 mm for the 6th string here.

  

The head presented here has the carving "AB" in

the furthermore graceful head design.

A fine grained spruce top with a bracing of its' own.

You can't describe it as a lattice bracing but it is also

far from a traditional fan bracing. More about this

bracing and a slight problem around it further here

The rosette as well as the edges are beautiful executed

regarding inlay work.

Enough bridgebone left to even lower the strings without

sacrificing anything from the tone as the strings are making

a steep angle over the bone.

I've included this picture as you can see a varnish

crack that runs from the bridge to the sound hole

on the left. As a restorer you would like to know

wether it is a crack all through the wood or just

in the top layer of the varnish. Therefore a light

bulb works well, especially with a spruce top as 

this wood shines through. Together with a close

inspection with a mirror the conclusion can be 

drawn: No crack on the inside visible but the 

cause became clear to me:

One of the braces for the soundboard in that area

came loose in the past, thus causing a weak spot in

the soundboard there as a result from the tension

of the strings. Regluing the brace was not a big

problem and strengthening the spot in this way

has been executed. It doesn't' has any influence

on the final sound.

For me a bit of an odd looking type of rosewood though

investigations learned that Burguet uses Madagascar 

rosewood for his premium model guitars.

Great tuners as well and I think we have to be grateful

the older Spanish luthier companies stopped using the 

Fustero tuners as the company no longer exists. They 

made beautiful tuners but mechanically spoken not the 

top. These tuners are the top line of Gotoh 35AR510P.

but also can be found on the internet under "Gotoh

Hauser" tuning keys. (See below)

For more information please click on the picture. These

tuners are far superior to any others I've come across, 

including the Fustero's and other brands.

And with their knobs clinched on the axes.

As can be studied here: No fret wear. In fact a guitar like new!

It comes together with a like new case.

Amalio Burguet Model 1A

Presented here is an Amalio Burguet guitar that has a 
bit of a disturbing label. The Burguet company nowadays
has two comparable models: 1A and the "Amalio" model.
This model has been discontinued as it is already almost
20 years old. What puzzled me were the rather simple 
tuners. Contact with the Burguet company learned that
they never used these tuners so probably a swap from 
one of the former owners. SOLD.

The way the more luxury details are executed on this

guitar is pointing towards a concert worthy instrument.

The inlay of the string tie block and the extra ornamen-

tation of the edges around the soundboard are proof

for that. Moreover, I think that the bridge has been 

made out of Brazilian rosewood. Scale: 647 mm.

Another striking feature is the headform. On the cheaper range

of the Burguet guitars, the headform is more simply executed.

Width of the topnut is 52 mm. Ebony fingerboard.

The way the rosette has been built up can be studied here.

As the Burguet company is stating that there is no

comparable model nowadays we have to point out

the similarities with their present models. One would

conclude it to be comparable with the 1A Cedar model.

These tuners do not belong on this guitar. I've had

contact with them and they stated they never used

these kind of tuners. Anyway, they work sufficiently.

The rather more luxury inlay on the edges of the back

and the central inlays have been finely executed. The 

cedar model 1A which is priced nowadays at € 2590,-

has the same neck inlay as the model presented here. 

The edges around the soundboard are also there and

comparable.

A closer look to the back of the soundbox should be 

convincing. But it is not clear wether if Indian rosewood

has been used for this guitar. Anyway rosewood must

have been used as inspection from the inside proves.

Use of certain lacquers tend to color a guitar a bit

yellowish over time.

On some new models the rosettes are more simple executed.

One could say: "More modern and according to these times".

For people interested in this guitar: The fretwork is still very 

good though it is possible that this instrument has been refretted

in the near past. It has a scale of 647 mm which is remarkable.

Visible here are the two dark vertical inlays in the back

of the neck with in between a layer of wood, possibly

placed in the reversed direction to strengthen the neck

and thus to prevent it from warping.

I've repaired some damages to the soundboard as the bare 

wood was visible and prone to a further collection of

dirt. Though it carries various traces of use, the sound-

board is stable now and has no cracks or whatsoever.

Some pictures of the bridge though the wood used 

has a more orangy appearance in reality.

Also the way the wood "figures" is a bit "Brasilian" like

though it is known that the Burguet company also made

use of the rather similar Madagascar rosewood.

In the right side of this guitar there is a repaired crack.

It is stable now and well done from the inside. However, 

I think the outside could be French polished in a better

way. I will take care of that.

And from another point I photographed this repaired crack.

I dare to guarantee this guitar regarding this issue. But

therefore the price has been lowered of course.