Another string to our bow

We’ve recently added one or two new makes and models to our catalogue here at GFS, in our quest to offer you an ever-more comprehensive collection of instruments and accessories. Amongst these are Abraham Luthier from the island of Tenerife (makers of the Canarian Timple and Venezuelan Cuatro), Saenz de la Rosa (handcrafted guitars and artisan traditional capos) and a vibrant selection of original Paco López guitar straps made by the man himself in what can only be described as a labour of love.

1966: It was a very good year

And then there are four new models by luthier Amalio Burguet, a veritable master of his trade: the 2F flamenco guitar and three classical models, the Amalio Burguet Vanessa, the Amalio Burguet 1A and the best-selling Amalio Burguet 2M classical guitar. Something of a prodigy, Burguet made his first guitar in 1966 at the tender age of 15. If the 1960s was the Big Bang of pop culture, something similar must have been happening over on the Mediterranean coast of Spain in the microcosm of guitar making: teenager Amalio Burguet built that first guitar just one hour’s drive from (and one year later than) the location of Alhambra Guitars founding workshop in Muro del Alcoy; it was an even closer 20 minutes drive from the Raimundo workshop in Paterna, and only two years after the fact. In a blow to guitar lovers everywhere of course, Raimundo closed their doors at the end of last year.

Boutique Burguet

Between 1966 and 1984, when Burguet was ready to open his own studio in his birthplace of Catarroja, he was in effect serving a long and exhaustive apprenticeship. His whole purpose in life was to establish a family workshop and build the finest of handmade guitars. Nothing was – and is – of too little concern: years of musical training at the conservatory, an in-depth study of tone woods and treatments and a profound knowledge of the construction process. But above all, Burguet possesses something no amount of training alone can teach you: the ability to transform timber into a work of art.

The blockbuster: Amalio Burguet 2M Classical Guitar

One of the original Amalio Burguet models, this advanced studio guitar is made 100% by hand, like every other instrument that comes out of the Burguet workshop. It’s their bestselling model for good reason – the quality price ratio is difficult to best. The minimum drying time of the woods is 20 years, and every other component, including glues to varnishes is unbeatable. With a solid red cedar or spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, this exquisite instrument produces a pure, balanced sound, a rich dynamic range and a crystal clear projection. They will also customise your order to left-handed/cutaway/different scale length, on request.

The powerhouse: Amalio Burguet 2F flamenco guitar

With a low neck profile, the 2F studio guitar is very comfortable and easy to play. Be that as it may, this flamenco model is a truly mighty instrument. The magnificent sonority and commanding projection, together with the rich basses and lively and percussive sound are, simply put, the sound of Spain; the crisp and distinct notes are in keeping with the energetic pace of the flamenco art form. Also available as a flamenca negra, with solid Indian rosewood back and sides.

The performer: Amalio Burguet 1A classical guitar

This is one of Burguet’s most popular concert-level models. The Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to an exquisite look and sweeping tonal range; the strong basses speak to the crowd with an easy playability; the notes hold the spell with breathtaking sustain. And all this comes out of an instrument that is surprisingly light. Handmade in solid wood, like every Burguet, the 1A classical guitar well deserves its stellar reputation.

The heir: Amalio Burguet Vanessa classical guitar

Then there’s the Amalio Burguet Vanessa classical guitar. And doesn’t she he have it all: the looks, the sound, the playability. Light and responsive, this sublime instrument has a mellow voice, great action, and a focused tone. The materials, of course, are second to none: solid spruce or cedar top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, cedar neck and natural bone nut and saddle. Built and assembled by hand, this model can also be customized as left-handed, cutaway, or special size. A highly recommendable studio instrument that upstages many a more pricy instrument.

Every one’s a winner:

All in all, we are pleased to offer you a selection of four great new instruments. And a very warm welcome to the growing GFS family, Amalio Burguet.