The phrase "often copied but never equalled" must have been invented with Bernabe guitars in mind. It is so true. Many attempt to approximate the physical and tonal beauty of Paulino's guitars but in the end, there are only real "Bernabe guitars" with all others being relegated to 'Bernabe-like guitars". There is simply nothing in Spain that equals a fine Bernabe. This Royal once again shows why this is so. Paulino begins building each guitar with a huge advantage. His supply of beautiful old aged woods is unparalleled. During my most recent visit to his shop in Madrid I witnessed set after set of gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood, Cedar soundboard, Spruce soundboards, many cut and shaped years ago. So many sets that there is scarcely room for more and thus several very old uncut log sections of Brazilian are simply aging in the corners here and there waiting for their turn to be guided by the maestro's hands and worked into another masterpiece. Few luthiers begin to build a guitar with such a huge advantage in their favor due to the pure quality of their materials. Add to this decades of experience, shared between father and son, side by side, until the guitars of one became years ago indistinguishable from those of the other, and one begins to understand why these instruments are so special.

Paulino reserves his oldest and most beautiful Brazilian for the Royal guitars, a fact quickly confirmed by even a glance at the photo of the back and sides of this lovely guitar. The Cedar top, like the back and sides, is also more than 40 years aged. The woods, artistic details and craftsmanship come together at a level few builders attain and result in the quintessential Spanish guitar of our time. As beautifully traditional as the Royal appears, it belies the fact that it is actually a very contemporary version of the traditional Spanish guitar. The doubled sides and Bernabe designed special modified fan brace system combine such that the modern attributes of volume and response are blended with the heart string pulling emotional character that traditional Spanish guitars are revered for. Rich, warm, basses and clear round trebles create the captivating Bernabe sound that has drawn so many to desire these guitars for so many years. This guitar is in like new condition, beautifully French Polished (Shellac) and with Rodgers tuners, she is everything that anyone who loves Spanish guitars has dreamed of.

Learn more about Bernabe

Copyright 2009 Classic Guitars International - All rights reserved