VDA Y SOBRINOS DE DOMINGO ESTESO

1957

THE WORLDS FINEST FLAMENCO GUITARS

Up for sale today is a 1957 flamenco guitar made in Madrid Spain by the master luthiers

Vda Y Sobrinos De

Domingo Esteso

 First a brief history of who made this guitar:

   Early 20th century, for the first time, a breach began to appear in the world of guitar building, and two clearly distinct instruments were taking shape. These instruments evolved into what we today know as the classical and flamenco guitar. Several of the luthiers that worked in the workshop of Manuel Ramírez proved instrumental in the development of these two different instruments. Among them was a man by the name of Domingo Esteso. Domingo Esteso was trained at the workshop of Manuel Ramírez, along with Santos Hernández, Modesto Borreguero, and possibly Enrique Garcia. But in the year 1915 he branched off and established his own workshop at the now famous address of  Gravina 7, in Madrid, Spain. A few years later, two of his nephews began an apprenticeship under him: Faustino and Mariano Conde. In 1937 Domingo Esteso passed away, leaving the workshop to his two nephews. In order to preserve the tradition as well as the prestige of the family name, the guitars built immediately after 1937 bore the label "Viuda y Sobrinos de Esteso" (Esteso's Widow and Nephews). The word "Viuda" (Widow) appeared first as a form of respect to Mrs. Esteso. When she passed away in 1958 the label was modified once more, and this time it read "Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso" (Esteso's Nephews); under this, in small print, was the surname "Conde Hermanos" (Conde Brothers). It is thus that the now famous name appeared in the world of the flamenco guitar for the first time. The reputation of the Conde Brothers steadily grew, and their instruments became highly sought after the world over. Their guitars were used by the likes of Regino Sáinz de la Maza, Melchor de Marchena, Esteban de Sanlúcar, Mario Escudero, Sabicas, Niño Ricardo, Paco de Lucía and Juan Martín. Not only that, but players from other parts of the world used their guitars as well, among them: Al diMeola, John Maclaughlin, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Toquinho, Tonino, and Alirio Díaz.

This Guitars history:

My father graduated from Fresno State in 1957 and after a short stint in the Army, moved to Sevilla in 1961 to learn how to play flamenco guitar. He bought the guitar from his guitar instructor. My dad played nonprofessionally (mainly as a hobby) till we moved back to California in 1979. The guitar has been sitting in its case, unused up till today.

My father and Mother in 1965 about to perform.

My mother danced flamenco while Dad played guitar.

The guitars condition:

The guitar is in great shape but has a small crack on the front. This should be an easy repair to a skilled luthier. It is missing a screw on one of the tuners. the finish is original and quite beautiful. I am not a guitar aficionado so if you have questions about the guitars condition, just ask and I will do my best to answer. If you have any information as to the condition of this guitar or the originality of its components (they are all original as far as my dad remembers) please feel free to inform me so I can revise the listing.

Terms of sale:

This guitar is used, has imperfections and is sold as is!! Please look at the pictures carefully and ask questions before you bid!! if you need more pictures just ask. If you would like to see this guitar in person contact me through eBay. I am in Exeter California, right in the middle of California. make sure you know what you are buying because what you see is what you get. Don't bid unless you are ready to pay. Winning bidder must pay in full within 5 days of end of auction.  Payment is by PayPal only and the fee Pay Pal charges me will be added to the winners total.  If you wish pay in cash and pick the guitar in person, that's ok but do not try to barter with me, you will pay what you bid. I will only ship UPS in the US & USPS out of country. Winner will pay actual shipping cost ( no hidden fees - like "handling" ). Once again, if you have any question about the guitar, its condition or shipping.......ASK FIRST BID LATER!!  Happy bidding and good luck!!