Salvador Castillo Spruce & Rosewood 2007

2007 Salvador Castillo Spruce/Indian Rosewood

History: I commissioned this instrument when I was studying classical guitar at university. I preferred to play flamenco in my free time and needed an instrument that would pull double duty. It had to both satisfy the discerning and refined tastes of the classical crowd and still retain the attack and growl of a flamenco guitar. Salvador nailed that balance perfectly! He is a master builder who hails from Paracho Mexico. His guitars are a testament to his proud family lineage of luthiers who produce instruments of exceptional quality. This guitar was made based off of his old original designs and predates the style you'll find being made today.

Player's notes: The right hand feel is taught and responsive, great for fast picado, free stroke, and arpeggios. The neck is medium thin and very flat on the back, made for speed and comfort during longer sessions. The tone speaks perfectly for classic repertoire like Brazilian choros, Leo Brouwer, and the Spanish works of the late 1800's. Flamenco players will find that the guitar resembles a Conde Hermanos in it's voicing; perfect for playing Paco de Lucia tunes.

The guitar comes with three bone saddles of different heights. You can choose which to use based on the environmental conditions or playing style and the action will adjust accordingly. 

• Tall saddle raises the action to classical height and imparts a more rounded tone. 
• Medium saddle is a good compromise between classical and flamenco action, perfect for modern flamenco players who like to dig in but don't want to sacrifice speed
  
• Short Saddle gives the lowest action for classic flamenco tone and feel

Specs

• European Spruce top, french polish
• Indian Rosewood back and sides, lacquer
• Carbon fiber reinforced spanish cedar neck
• Ebony fingerboard
• Golpeador (tap plate)
• 3 custom fit bone saddles to alter string height
• Protective scratch plate behind string tie block
• Subtle red, yellow, green top purfling 
• Stunning good looks!

Cosmetic notes: The european spruce top is finished in a hand rubbed french polish, the indian rosewood back and sides are lacquered. The fretboard, of course, is ebony. Neck is carbon fiber reinforced Spanish Cedar.

I've installed a golpeador on the lower waist to accommodate various guitar supports and leg wrests. A scar is visible from the latex rubber suction cups of a previous support which was used prior to the tap plate installation. There are various signs of wear on the back and sides that are the norm for an 8 year old guitar used daily. The top has two areas of wear; the finish on either side of the sound hole by the golpeador is marred (in pictures). This does not affect the structure or integrity of the guitar and could be easily repaired with a french polish touch up.