Introducing the “Antonio de Torres,” hailed as the Stradivarius of classical guitars.Born in 1817—the late Edo period in Japan—Antonio de Torres is considered the progenitor of the classical guitar as we know it today. It is no exaggeration to say that without him, the modern classical guitar would not exist.He learned woodworking knowledge and fundamentals in his youth, began guitar making in Granada in southern Spain, and later opened a workshop in Seville. Although he temporarily halted guitar making due to financial difficulties, he continued crafting instruments until his death in 1892.

Masahiro Masuda’s primary guitar maker, José Luis Románilhos, is also a Torres scholar. Drawing on Torres’s methods, he has produced numerous masterpieces.

The Torres-made guitar to be played live at the November 14th concert was crafted in 1882. It was personally owned by the legendary guitarist J. Sagreras (composer of “María Luisa” featured in method books), active in the late 19th century. A brass tube called a tornabos is fitted into its soundhole to enhance volume.

Year: 1882 Top: Spruce Back and Sides: Jacaranda Scale Length: 650mm

Look forward to hearing the unique sound produced by this instrument, arguably the original classical guitar made nearly 150 years ago!