2001 Paulino Bernabe “Imperial”

Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Rosewood
Scale:650mm
Origin: Spain
Price: $11,500

Paulino Sr was a fine builder and good friend, when I visited him in his shop before he passed away we talked about the years we worked together with some fondness. He told me that he made the Imperial and Royal guitars on his bench, and he took great pride in those two ‘models’ representing the finest woods and efforts he had to offer. I always felt that in some ways the Imperial was the best value between the Royal and Imperial, giving you most of what the Royal had to offer, for less money. This example is in fine condition with no cracks or repairs noted. The doubled sides give it the characteristic Bernabe power, and the old aged Spruce top creates a clear, well focused voice with great separation of the voices and an emotional Spanish character. In new new condition with only a very few very light marks on it. Classic Bernabe.