Unfortunately, it is my policy not to comment nor place values on instruments I haven't personally examined. I suggest you contact an expert to have the instrument evaluated in person, this can't be done through photos alone. Labels in instruments are often the least reliable piece of information in an instrument.
Oh this is wild. I had a chance to see this guitar on one of my visits out to the Chicago area. Its a loud little beast. I had brought the first classical guitar I ever built with me , so it was double treat to hear Richard play that one too. It sounded better than i ever could make it sound lol. Oh yeah, If he says its a Torres you can bet your ass it's a Torres. I learned a ton on that trip. Thanks Richard !!!
A remarkable find, Richard - and wonderful playing as well. Any chance you might come up with the old videotape of your instrument collection so that we can all enjoy it? If not, why not produce a new and updated one? Or how about the local cable TV profile about you produced many, many years ago?
Thanks again for building me a truly great guitar - old number 385 sounds better every day...
It is important to remember that like everyone else, Torres had to earn a living. The vast majority of his guitars, therefore, were quickly and simply made and sold to working musicians with very limited means. For every rosewood guitar built for a Tarrega or Llobet, dozens of cheap instruments must have been made for poor working musicians.
If Mr. Brune says it is a Torres, it is - his scholarship often surpasses that of Romanillos. The sheer ignorance of thesticks123 is truly astounding...
Those who think the authentication of instruments such as this are based on the label are mistaken. I published an article on this instrument in the May 2008 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine. Hint: read the acknowledgments. As for values, I base my opinions on over 40 years experience buying, selling restoring and authenticating instruments such as this. Those who think my values are too high are welcome to take their Torres' to any of the anonymous YouTube "experts."
I'm intrigued by the bridge, no saddle yet the sound is 'brilliant'. I guess the saddle makes it possible to adjust the set-up rather than being 'fixed' like this guitar, but I never imagined the strings would sound so good without a saddle. stunned.
I am shocked that anyone would think that this is a Torres. No fan struts, the headstock, the overall look and sound, it doesn't add up. I would like to have Romanillos' opinion. If this guitar is a Torres then my uncle was Robert Bouchet.
What is wrong with the sound (as far as you can tell from a poor recording on yourtube)
There are other Torres' using the horned headstock. Have at least read Romanillos' book before? Have you checked Brune's photos of the interior of this guitar? They are on the internet and if you'd know a bit about Torres' methods you would have to admit there is at least nothing suspicious about it.
Were it not for the Torres label.Richard would possibly dismiss this guitar as a piece of shit.I stand to be corrected but my point is that names and labels often have a psychological effect .I may be wrong Richard ,just a theory.
Richard,please accept my apologies for my nasty remark earlier.You actually play authentic flamenco very nicely,I was just feeling jealous of your fine collection of guitars.Sincerely sorry.
Come to think of it, I think Torres late period was actually later, around 1870 or so, so this guitar would in fact be an early Torres. Incidentally, you can see and hear on YouTube, someone playing Villa Lobos on Torres' famous "La Leona" guitar.
The reason it seems cheaply made is that it was in fact cheaply made. Torres constructed his guitars in two distinct eras, early and late. The early ones were his great guitars. Then he gave it up altogether. But years later, he would make a few just for friends or for the fun of it, but those guitars, the late era, were made with fairly cheap materials, and he sort of slapped them together. A late Torres is not worth anything near and early Torres. This guitar is a late Torres.
Unfortunately, it is my policy not to comment nor place values on instruments I haven't personally examined. I suggest you contact an expert to have the instrument evaluated in person, this can't be done through photos alone. Labels in instruments are often the least reliable piece of information in an instrument.
rebruneluthier 1 month ago
Oh this is wild. I had a chance to see this guitar on one of my visits out to the Chicago area. Its a loud little beast. I had brought the first classical guitar I ever built with me , so it was double treat to hear Richard play that one too. It sounded better than i ever could make it sound lol. Oh yeah, If he says its a Torres you can bet your ass it's a Torres. I learned a ton on that trip. Thanks Richard !!!
NJDoomtrooper 1 year ago
Aside from speaker issue, the guitar sounds very good. It's explosive.
mimbster1972 1 year ago
Too bad the sound tears the speaker. Very interesting video.
EarlLedden 1 year ago
Ahhh why not use a good microphone......
mrlaa1 1 year ago 3
Feel free to send a good microphone; I'll be happy to accept.
TonyMorris 1 year ago 9
amazing sound out that guitar, totally unexpected.
duendesoul 1 year ago
Regardless of who made this guitar (Torres, First Act, whoever), it really sings!!
smoothie66 1 year ago
A remarkable find, Richard - and wonderful playing as well. Any chance you might come up with the old videotape of your instrument collection so that we can all enjoy it? If not, why not produce a new and updated one? Or how about the local cable TV profile about you produced many, many years ago?
Thanks again for building me a truly great guitar - old number 385 sounds better every day...
sjh
1944scooter1 1 year ago
It is important to remember that like everyone else, Torres had to earn a living. The vast majority of his guitars, therefore, were quickly and simply made and sold to working musicians with very limited means. For every rosewood guitar built for a Tarrega or Llobet, dozens of cheap instruments must have been made for poor working musicians.
If Mr. Brune says it is a Torres, it is - his scholarship often surpasses that of Romanillos. The sheer ignorance of thesticks123 is truly astounding...
1944scooter1 1 year ago
Very nice playing, Richard. Don't let the peanut gallery get you down! I'd love to hear a higher quality recording of it.
wbajzek 2 years ago
that bridge needs ball end strings for correct intonation.
fatbeats101 2 years ago
@fatbeats101 if u dont know what you're talking about maybe you shouldn't post
percey 1 year ago
@percey Look at La Leona if you actually want to know what your attacking be about.
So maybe you shouldn't post anymore.
fatbeats101 1 year ago
im interested to know why it took 4 years to repair an insturment that took a few days to assemble. it must have been in pretty bad condition
lsakdhforefljcle 2 years ago
Those who think the authentication of instruments such as this are based on the label are mistaken. I published an article on this instrument in the May 2008 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine. Hint: read the acknowledgments. As for values, I base my opinions on over 40 years experience buying, selling restoring and authenticating instruments such as this. Those who think my values are too high are welcome to take their Torres' to any of the anonymous YouTube "experts."
rebruneluthier 2 years ago 12
@rebruneluthier I have a old german guitar labeled inside Theodore wettingell.is that any good value.?
kaptainbastard 2 months ago
I'm intrigued by the bridge, no saddle yet the sound is 'brilliant'. I guess the saddle makes it possible to adjust the set-up rather than being 'fixed' like this guitar, but I never imagined the strings would sound so good without a saddle. stunned.
refpo 2 years ago
I am shocked that anyone would think that this is a Torres. No fan struts, the headstock, the overall look and sound, it doesn't add up. I would like to have Romanillos' opinion. If this guitar is a Torres then my uncle was Robert Bouchet.
thesticks123 2 years ago
What is wrong with the sound (as far as you can tell from a poor recording on yourtube)
There are other Torres' using the horned headstock. Have at least read Romanillos' book before? Have you checked Brune's photos of the interior of this guitar? They are on the internet and if you'd know a bit about Torres' methods you would have to admit there is at least nothing suspicious about it.
AlexM1979 2 years ago
Were it not for the Torres label.Richard would possibly dismiss this guitar as a piece of shit.I stand to be corrected but my point is that names and labels often have a psychological effect .I may be wrong Richard ,just a theory.
poupee58 2 years ago
you are very right to be suspicious of this guitar. it is not a Torres
thesticks123 2 years ago
Torres understood that a guitar does not have to be fancy ,complicated nor astronomically expensive to sound good so cut the mystique.
poupee58 2 years ago 6
i prefer this traditional Guitar to some of the new lattice,sandwich,salt beef sandwich tops etc.
poupee58 2 years ago
Richard dear,it's just a guitar although I am sure you will disagree.
poupee58 2 years ago
$100,000 ? Don't be silly.
poupee58 2 years ago
Not an amazing guitar but amazing that one so small,light and old can sound so well.Nice playing Richard and nice tremolo too.
poupee58 2 years ago
Richard,please accept my apologies for my nasty remark earlier.You actually play authentic flamenco very nicely,I was just feeling jealous of your fine collection of guitars.Sincerely sorry.
poupee58 2 years ago
perfect RH position...
ravner1976 2 years ago
Come to think of it, I think Torres late period was actually later, around 1870 or so, so this guitar would in fact be an early Torres. Incidentally, you can see and hear on YouTube, someone playing Villa Lobos on Torres' famous "La Leona" guitar.
aurelioselles 2 years ago
The reason it seems cheaply made is that it was in fact cheaply made. Torres constructed his guitars in two distinct eras, early and late. The early ones were his great guitars. Then he gave it up altogether. But years later, he would make a few just for friends or for the fun of it, but those guitars, the late era, were made with fairly cheap materials, and he sort of slapped them together. A late Torres is not worth anything near and early Torres. This guitar is a late Torres.
aurelioselles 2 years ago
Great work Richard. Thanks for sharing the story.
DominelliGuitars 2 years ago
coolllll thanks bro. this is incredible Richard Brune on a Torres, out of site man. thanks
opidacul 2 years ago
Very cool!!!
Thanks and bravoo!!!
Cesar Amaro
6cuerdas6 2 years ago
wow. cool! I'm shocked at the sound
niftycool 2 years ago
Hi Richard, im still loving my Model 30-F Thanks for your great artistry.
Guitarwizard 2 years ago
Wow, amazing sound out of that little guitar!
trevjr 2 years ago
Interesting!
guitaristdotcom 2 years ago