Del Pilar Classical Guitar (1980), made in Brooklyn, NY, natural varnish finish, rosewood back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case.
The "Artist of Atlantic Avenue" Guillermo Del Pilar hand crafted very high-grade Spanish-style instruments in the heart of downtown Brooklyn from the 1950's through the 1990's. This is a nice example of his later-period work, a mid-level instrument hand signed on the label and dated to October 5, 1980.
The back and sides are made of nicely grained light colored rosewood. The very even grained spruce top has 6-ply wood binding with a maple outer layer and the bridge is rosewood, as are the headstock face and rear. The colored wood rosette is moderately fancy. There is a small pin inset as a position marker on the side of the fingerboard at the 5th fret; this can be felt as well as seen. We can't say for sure if the maker put it there on request or it was added, but it looks to have been there since the guitar was new.
As with many New York immigrant instrument builders (like his contemporary John D'Angelico) Del Pilar's emphasis was on sound quality more than the sort of obsessive neatness that is seen on modern guitars; this guitar looks and feels handmade in the best way. It is also a lovely sounding guitar; responsive, even, warm and round sounding, with good volume and surprising projection. This would be an excellent instrument for Bossa Nova stylings as well as classical repertoire. These Del Pilar guitars have become prized in recent years and Del Pilar's reputation as one of the finer, if relatively unsung luthiers in postwar America is still growing.
Overall length is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 5/8 in. (651 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.).
Overall this guitar is very nicely preserved showing only very minor play wear; it really appears not much played over the last 45 years. The finish shows light handling wear with some tiny dings,scratches and scuffs; the guitar is entirely free from cracks or repairs and appears completely unaltered since completion. This is a lovely and very warm sounding guitar, a fine player and a very nice example of this well-regarded local maker's work. It includes a period black hard shell case, with some wear to the outer covering in structurally excellent condition. Overall Excellent Condition.
