Salvador Ibanez Classical Guitar 1890’s / 1900’s

Salvador Ibáñez, born in Valencia, Spain in 1854, is one of the most iconic luthiers in the history of Spanish classical guitar making. He began his apprenticeship at the age of 11 in a stringed instrument workshop in Valencia, which at the time was a major hub of guitar craftsmanship. In 1870, at just 16 years old, he opened his own guitar workshop and quickly became renowned for the quality and innovation of his instruments. During the 1890s and into the early 20th century, the Salvador Ibáñez workshop experienced remarkable growth. In 1896, he founded the company Salvador Ibáñez e Hijos with his sons Vicente and Salvador Jr., marking the beginning of a more structured production and growing international reputation. The company stood out for its use of rich tonewoods, elegant ornamentation, and bold technical innovations such as double-neck guitars and models inspired by Torres. At the time, Ibáñez guitars were regarded as high-end instruments, highly sought after by both classical and flamenco musicians. They were widely exported to South America, Mexico, the Philippines, and even Japan. Among the artists who played Salvador Ibáñez guitars were Tárrega (at least indirectly, as many of his students used these instruments), as well as flamenco and popular Spanish guitarists of the early 20th century. Salvador Ibáñez’s influence extended well beyond his lifetime: after his death in 1920, his name and legacy inspired the founding of the now-famous Japanese brand Ibanez (Hoshino Gakki), which began importing and later manufacturing guitars under the name "Ibanez Salvador" in 1929, as a tribute to the Spanish master. Thus, this classical guitar by Salvador Ibáñez from the 1890s / early 1900s represents not only an exceptional instrument, but also a living piece of history—testament to the pinnacle of Spanish lutherie at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and to the lasting influence of the Valencia school on modern guitar making. Technical specifications: Top: Spruce Back: Rosewood Sides: Rosewood Neck: Mahogany with fir heel Fingerboard: Rosewood Nut width: 45 mm Fingerboard radius: Flat Frets: 18 Scale length: 624 mm Neck profile: D Country of manufacture: Spain, Madrid Year: 1890s / early 1900s Finish: Natural Decorations: Purfling along the top, back, and soundhole / Rosette inlaid with white mother-of-pearl Condition: Normal signs of wear and use consistent with its age / Excellent playing and cosmetic condition / Delivered in a modern semi-rigid case As with all our instruments, this guitar has been carefully restored and professionally set up. It offers excellent playing comfort. The tone of this classical guitar is exceptionally rich—both gentle and vibrant—with deep bass, silky mids, and crystalline highs. It offers superb resonance, perfect tonal balance, and elegant projection. Its warm, refined, expressive, and luminous voice immediately captivates, offering a perfect blend of subtlety, depth, power, and clarity.