Item 75
Price: $15,000
Appraised Value 2016: $12,000
Appraised Value 2021: $15,000
The soundboard is made of two matched pieces of German spruce with grain spacing ranging from 18 per inch at the center joint to 8 per inch at the edges. The rosette has a center pattern band of mother-of-pearl opposed and nested equilateral triangles. This band is bordered with several black and natural-colored circles. The bridge is of dyed wood and its tie-block has a central inset band of mother-of-pearl. The plantilla of the soundboard has a pleasing lower bout which begins to curve immediately below the waist.
Back and sides are quartersawn Brazilian rosewood with maple top and back edging and double purfling on the soundboard. Neck and head are Spanish cedar, and the face of the head is veneered with rosewood with an inlaid mother-of-pearl shield. The fingerboard is made from two pieces of ebony, joined under the A string, with a treble extension for a 20th fret under the high E string. Tuning machine plates are etched blackened brass and the grips are scimitar-shaped bone. The instrument retains its original French polish finish. The label appears to picture the fronts and backs of two medals dated 1882 and 1883, presumably won by Marin for excellence in guitar making. These are the basis for the estimated 1900 building date. Inside back and sides are finished with shellac. Fret condition shows that the guitar has been played considerably, but this rare, beautiful instrument has been well cared for and is in excellent condition with remarkably little playing wear.
The sound is elegant, smooth and balanced. Notes seem to emanate from the strings as well as from the depths of the body and this effect imparts a nice presence to the sound. Sustain and volume are a bit lacking for concert hall playing but the sound is altogether captivating in intimate settings.
Listen to this Guitar
Quality headphones or external speakers are highly recommended for auditioning on this high quality audio track.
Guitar Dimension Key
