Classical Guitars: 1906 Vicente Arias Castellanos (1833-1914)

Vicente Arias Santa Isabel No. 20, Madrid

$50,000

652 mm Scale, 50 mm Nut. Medium to wide grain Domed Spruce Soundboard and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Ebony Bridge. 7 Fan Braces. French Polish, German Tuners. Separate pieces attaching the top to the sides and a single liner attaching the back to the sides. If you look closely you can see this began its configuration having pegs and later had the tuners added.

Vicente Arias was 73 years of age when he fabricated this instrument.

There are about 50 some guitars by this maker that are known. My colleague, Stefano Grondona, owns one from the same year of 1906. He discusses it in the Vicente Arias book.

This instrument is very lightweight. 1,087 grams= 37.87 ozs. = 2 lbs. 5 7/8 ozs. Just over 2 1/4 lbs.

In the monthly magazine: "El Progreso industrial y mercantil" of December 1907 n.º 130 páge 20 is the advertisement with the same address of the guitar that we have for sale made in 1906.

The label shows the medals won in artisan competitions in Brussels in 1888, Madrid in 1890 as well as in 1907 and Barcelona in 1888.

Tarrega went to Ciudad Real on November 15, 1895 (see the newspaper insertion clips from the magazine: "Ilustración musical hispano-americana": Año 8, No. 188 15 noviembre 1895). It mentions he has arrived to give some concerts, undoubtedly attended by Vicente Arias.) Francisco owned two Arias guitars, one fabricated in Ciudad Real about 1879 and a miniature one to hold under his cape for practice without being seen.

Translation: "In Ciudad Real the most notable guitarist Francisco Tarrega has arrived, who proposes to gives some concerts in the guitar circles in this capital. A curious detail: A distinguished English doctor (Dr. Leckie), of uncommon education, since he speaks 7 languages, of great social position and passionate lover of our instrument, accompanies Mr. Tarrega, very possibly being that in Ciudad Real he will demonstrate his ability, as an advanced disciple, in some private setting."

I encourage you to acquire the 200+ page hardbound book released in May 2021 about this illustrious maker.

In the daily: "El Globo" (Madrid. 1875) Sunday March 15,1908 n.º 11.676 páge 2. In an article: "Exposicion de Industrias Madrileñas", Manuel Ramirez and Vicente Arias were both awarded Gold Medals, The competition took place in 1907 but the handing out of the awards took place on March 15, 1908. Translation:

"The good guitars Vicente Arias, calle Santa Isabel 20, Madrid. The veteran guitarist Vicente Arias presented in an exposition a laud, two bandurrias and four guitars of Palo rosa and Palo Santo (varieties of Rosewood), that were justly praised by those that had the occasion to admire them.

Vicente Arias has acquired universal fame by the sound and precision of the voices that distinguishes on all of the instruments constructed by him and which are the favorites of the intelligent players.

To the many awards obtained in different Expositions, we add this award, which is a Golden Medallion to Mr. Arias by which he has been acknowledged, and we congratulate him."