Jose Oribe Calidad Suprema Model Classical Guitar (1990), original black hard shell case.

Jose Oribe Calidad Suprema Model Model Classical Guitar (1990), made in Vista, California, natural lacquer body, French polish top finish, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, European spruce top, Honduras mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This 1990 Jose Oribe classical guitar is a nicely aged deluxe "Calidad Suprema" model from this highly regarded luthier. It is built with really stunningly grained Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides with a lovely very tight grained European spruce top. The laminated Honduras mahogany neck has a superb black ebony fingerboard. The body finish is catalyzed varnish and the top is French polish shellac. The elaborately shaped headstock is fitted with high-end Irving Sloane tuning machines. It was completed January 7th 1990 according to the included paperwork.

This instrument carries the legacy of its maker Jose Oribe, who began building in 1962 and is regarded by some one of America's foremost 20th century classical guitar builders. With a very long career marked by superb craftsmanship, Oribe's very traditional guitars are less well known than some flashier contemporaries but have been preferred by some esteemed musicians and instructors over the decades including Aaron Shearer. Jose Oribe is still with us but now over 90 years old; this 35 year old guitar is a testament to his skill and attention to detail, a superb player's instrument with a lovely well-rounded traditional sound.

Overall length is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 7/8 in. (657 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).

This guitar shows only light wear overall, with some finish checking (heaviest on the back) and scattered small dings, scuffs and dents, most notably marks behind the bridge from restringing. The top center seam shows a noticeable repair, with another spruce grain split directly above it. These are neatly sealed with no overfinish, so plainly visible. The guitar is a superb player with a warm sound, recently parted with its original owner still resting in the original deluxe case and cover with the original maker's paperwork and hand-signed COA included. Excellent - Condition.