1935 Santos Hernandez - Not Only a Musical Treasure But Also a Collector’s Dream

Few instruments in the world of classical guitar command the quiet reverence of a Santos Hernández guitar. Crafted in early 20th-century Spain, these guitars helped define the voice of the modern classical tradition, warm, and unmistakably expressive.

This particular 1935 Santos Hernández stands as one of the most exceptional examples of his work. Built in the same year as the legendary “La Inédita” particularly made for Andrés Segovia which was recently sold in auction for USD 160,000. Moreover, this 1935 Hernandez features the fancy rosette even more stunning than the one of "La Inédita", which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs ever created by Hernández. Its visual elegance is matched by its tonal depth, offering a rare combination of clarity, warmth, and sensitivity to the player’s touch.

What makes this guitar truly extraordinary is its remarkable mint condition. Preserved with the utmost care for decades, it remains free of cracks and repairs, only minimal fret adjustment over its lifetime, which is a rare state for an instrument of this age. Finding a Hernández guitar in the same age of such beauty and integrity is exceptionally difficult.

Its importance is further affirmed by its inclusion in two major reference works on classical guitars. It is fully documented in <Santos Hernández Maestro Guitarrero> by Alberto Martínez, where detailed full-body photographs and a life-size guitar plan are presented. In addition, a full-scale color image of this instrument appears in <Classical Guitars in Life Size>, another landmark publication by Martínez dedicated to the finest guitars ever made.

More than an instrument, this 1935 Santos Hernández is a rare historical artifact, an embodiment of artistry, tradition, and timeless beauty. It represents a golden moment in guitar making, preserved in a condition that allows its voice and visual elegance to continue inspiring generations.