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Another of the great master builders from
NYC, Manouk Papazian moved to his own facility in NY around 1956, where
he commenced building his master level
instruments. This particular guitar, built in 1959, using the finest materials available
to him, is a gem in terms of sound and
playability. The records indicate that he only used the best of
materials available to him at all times. He was most definitely an
"old world" artisan, demanding the best of everything and of himself,
whether he was building lutes, vihuelas, violins or classical guitars.
I can always and easily respect this dedication to one's art and it
shows in his guitars.
I need to discuss the guitar specifically now: -
There was (is) a long crack in the sound board (clearly seen in the
accompanying photos). This has been stabilized with a long
inner cleat, glued, where the entire top has been re-finished with
amber shellac. - The
top also evidences some spottiness in the original staining. I
felt it best to leave them alone, where any slight string dings have
been filled and again, the top is completely refinished. -
The back and sides were in remarkably good condition. A bit of
sanding and leveling and then French polish has left her in
excellent condition. -
I have kept the original saddle and nut, available in the case, but
I have cut a new nut and saddle, perfectly intonated. -
I have also kept the original case, which is beat up like all get
out. I will include a new
Guardian Vintage HSC
with this purchase, where I will also send the original case, for
the sake of the guitar's vintage state. -
The tuning machines are also original and left on the guitar.
They are old but more than functional. I will also include a
set of Premium Gotohs with the guitar. I can put them on for
you or let you deal with it. She is deep sounding,
beautifully balanced, with clear trebles that sing. The neck is
perfect, where the frets have been polished and dressed. It really doesn't get much better
than this in an aged and mature instrument built by one of the great
masters. |
