Antonio Mateu Ramis Classical Guitar (1960), made in Barcelona, serial # 225, natural varnish finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, brown tolex hard shell case.
The name Antonio Mateu Ramis is not particularly well-known today, but he built a limited number of very fine traditional Spanish guitars in Barcelona from around 1950 until 1965. Unfortunately surviving biographical details are slim, but the fairly rare high-grade classical and flamenco guitars from his workshop at 40 Calle Rossello epitomize the traditions of the Barcelona school of luthiers. If less widely appreciated than the instruments by Ramirez, Fleta, or Simplicio, Mateu's guitars have a reputation among discerning players for their outstanding sound and authentic Spanish character.
This lovely 1960 concert Classical is a truly excellent example, astoundingly well preserved for its age. The guitar features traditional Spanish construction throughout, an extremely lightweight build with finely grained Indian rosewood for the back and sides and a superbly even-grained, delicately fan-braced spruce top. All trim is wood, with very neat marquetry on the rosette and bridge top. The mahogany neck has the traditional wide "U" profile and a very thick dense ebony fingerboard. The label is signed by the luthier and marked as serial number 225, among a documented sequence of Mateu instruments built in 1960; the slipper foot inside bears his personal stamp.
The sound of this guitar is very powerful and expressive, rich without ever getting too dense or muddy. Alexandre Lagoya in particularly spoke highly of the guitars made by Antonio Mateu Ramis; this is the first one we have had, and it is a really lovely instrument in the best Spanish tradition.
Overall length is 38 3/8 in. (97.5 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
Especially for being 66 years old this is a superbly clean and fine playing guitar, showing only light handling wear with minor scuffing and tiny dinks overall. There is no notable damage or repair; the only alteration is two small position dots painted on the side of the fingerboard at the 5th and 7th fret positions, which could be removed if desired. This likely indicates it was owned by a non-classical player and really the guitar looks very little used through the decades. This is a very fine traditional Spanish instrument with a strong rich but articulate sound and would make an excellent concert performance or studio instrument, complete in a solid if slightly oversized HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.
