| Ignacio Fleta was one of the greatest makers of the 20th century, working in Barcelona where he made guitars for many of the finest players of our era including Andres Segovia, and John Williams. This particular example belonged to Jason Waldron who made the transcriptions of Barriosı music later recorded by John Williams. It also was owned by the German collector Siegfried Hogenmuller and the Argentinean concert guitarist Roberto Aussell who played on it extensively. This is the earlier model Fleta identical to the guitar used by John Williams in his first recordings of the Paganini caprices. It has a much more ³Spanish² character than the later model Fletas, and as such, this is an extremely rare model, as at the time of its construction, Fleta was still making violins and other early instrument copies, so very few guitars were being made by him. Wonderfully preserved, there are several top and back hairline cracks which were repaired long ago, and the entire instrument was french polished on top of the original varnish at the time of these repairs. Tonally, it is one of the most interesting and seductive Fletas I have played, being very Spanish in character, with round open basses that are like huge organ pipes in a cathedral. The trebles are sweet and feminine, with a beautiful operatic quality that only comes with 40 plus years of playing experience. You may already have a Fleta in your collection, but this one is different, and of the highest musical caliber. Two cases are included with the sale of this instrument. For more on Fleta, see my article in June 1999 Vintage Guitar magazine. SN 99 |
