1910 Vicente Arias Flamenco Guitar
1910 Vicente Arias Flamenco Guitar
Make: Vicente Arias
Model: Flamenco Guitar
Model Year: 1910
Top: German Spruce
Back & Sides: Spanish cypress
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale: 625mm
Nut: 50 mm
Finish: French Polish
Tuners: Original
Upper bout: 240mm
Waist: 195mm
Lower bout: 325mm
Body length: 447mm
Depth at neck: 82mm
Depth at tail: 87mm
Sound hole: 82mm
Weight: 835 gm
Country of origin: Spain
Condition: Used - Restored
Location: Tucson
Notes: Available worldwide.
Vicente Arias (1833-1914) stands as a singular figure in the 19th century luthiery world, with instruments that rivaled the elegance and constructional prowess of the renowned Antonio de Torres. Born in Alcazar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Arias commenced his journey into guitar-making around 1860. An intriguing anecdote from 1878-1879, recounted by Emilio Pujol, unveils his collaboration with Francisco Tárrega. Tárrega commissioned Arias to create a discreet, compact guitar that could be surreptitiously concealed beneath his cape, allowing the maestro to strengthen his fingers away from public eyes. Arias dedicated himself to crafting these exquisite instruments until his passing.
Arias's legacy is further enriched by his travels through different workshops. Historical records place him in Ciudad Real, where he honed his craft until at least 1900. Later, he made the significant move to Madrid, initially setting up his workshop at Alamo 3. Subsequent years saw him operating from different addresses, including Huertas No. 29 (dupdo) in 1904 and Calle Santa Isabel, No. 20, between 1908-09. His return to Alamo 3 in 1910 and the final location at Alamo 10 in 1912 marked the culmination of his esteemed career.
This particular guitar, a testament to Arias's artistry, underwent meticulous restoration by the skilled hands of Aaron Garcia Ruiz in Granada. Aaron, not only a proficient luthier but also a musicology professor specializing in museum-quality restorations, expertly revitalized this instrument. Its impeccable structural condition not only preserves its historical significance but also ensures that it remains a truly exceptional and playable piece of musical artistry, capturing the essence of Arias's masterful craftsmanship.