German V Rubio 1998

1998 German V. Rubio is a handcrafted, professional-level classical guitar featuring solid cedar top and solid rosewood back and sides. It has a Spanish cedar neck, ebony fretboard, and a 52 mm nut width. It’s lightweight and responsive. I’m unsure of the exact model of this guitar, but based on the cedar top and rosewood b/s, plus the serial number, I believe this to be either an estudio model or possibly a flamenco negra as there is a golpeador on the soundboard. There are a couple of small dings on the soundboard as indicated in the picturea.

The guitars from this era are recognized for their high-quality construction, often sold through reputable dealers like Guitar Salon International (GSI). 

A 1998 German V. Rubio guitar with a golpeador(tap plate) is not definitely a flamenco guitar.While a golpeador is a signature feature of flamenco guitars used to protect the top from percussive tapping, it can be added to any classical guitar to protect it from wear. Here are the key factors based on G.V. Rubio instruments from that era:

• 1998 G.V. Rubio Model Designation: In 1998, German V. Rubio was already building both high-quality classical and flamenco guitars, often through dealers like Guitar Salon International (GSI). A 1998 G.V. Rubio is frequently found as an "Estudio" or "2A" classical model (cedar top/Indian rosewood or palo escrito back and sides).
• Added Protection: Many players add a clear, stick-on golpeador to classical guitars to protect the cedar or spruce top from nail damage during flamenco-style playing, even if the guitar is constructed like a classical.
• Key Differences to Check:
• • Woods: True 1990s G.V. Rubio flamenco guitars typically used Cypress (or sometimes Sycamore/Palo Escrito) for the back and sides, whereas many of his 1998 instruments were Rosewood-based classicals.
  • Weight/Body: A flamenco guitar is generally lighter and shallower in body depth.
  • Action: A flamenco guitar will have very low string action, often causing some fret buzz. 

If the guitar has a cedar top and rosewood back/sides, it is likely a Classical model with a golpeador added for versatility (a "hybrid" or "negra" setup), rather than a traditional, light-bodied Flamenco Blanca. 

Please judge for yourself as I can’t 100% determine the exact model. I’ve reached out to the Rubio shop in L A in the hopes they can give a definitive answer.