Enrico Bottelli, 2005
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: Excellent
Price: $20,000
Andrea Tacchi "Coclea", 1999
Spruce top, rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent
Price: $21,000
Dominique Field, 1992
Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back
Condition: All original, no cracks or repairs
Price: $18,000
Ignacio Fleta, 1962 No.266
Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back
Condition: The finish is not original.
Price: $38,000
Robert Bouchet, 1965
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent
Price: $95,000
Hernández y Aguado, 1964
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: original, near mint
Price: inquire
Hermann Hauser II, 1963
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: original
Price: $65,000
José Luís Romanillos, 1979
Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back
la Catorce Nº 573, Rodgers machines
Condition: excellent, original
Price: inquire
Domingo Esteso, 1929
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: concert ready.
Price: $25,000
Manuel de la Chica, 1968
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back.
Condition: excellent
Price: $10,000
José Ramírez M.T., 1967
Cedar top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: one short hairline repair on the top, nearly invisible
Price: $11,000
Ignacio Fleta, 1985
Cedar top, Indian rosewood sides and back
“ex. Marcelo Kayath”
Condition: mint, original
Price: $35,000
Marcelo Barbero, 1934
Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back
Condition: There are three invisible repairs but, the guitar is in remarkable condition
Price: $20,000
Andrea Tacchi "Coclea", 2007
Spruce top, Brazilian sides and back
Condition: excellent, original, no repairs
SOLD
Hermann Hauser, m.p. 1948
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: mint, original
SOLD
Miguel Rodríguez, 1991
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back, 650 scale
Condition: mint
SOLD
John Weissenrieder, 2008
Spruce top, Satinwood sides and back
“Alessi machines.”
Condition: Condition is excellent, there are no repairs and it is completely original
SOLD
Hermann Hauser, 1962
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent: all original, no cracks, no repairs.
SOLD
Hermann Hauser I, 1937
Bear claw spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent+
SOLD
Hermann Hauser II, 1956
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: original, near mint
SOLD
Ignacio Fleta, 1959
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: very good condition
SOLD
José Luís Romanillos, 1983 No.611
Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides and back
Condition: near mint
SOLD
Andrea Tacchi “Simplicio”, 2003
Spruce top, satinwood sides and back
“Rodgers machines”
Condition: mint, like new
SOLD
Domingo Esteso, 1933
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and fondo
Condition: There are several repairs on the top but, most of the varnish is original
SOLD
Hernández y Aguado, 1973
Cedar top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: near mint, original
SOLD
Andrea Tacchi “Simplicio”, 2005
Spruce top, satinwood sides and back
“Rodgers machines”
Condition: mint
SOLD
Price: $20,000
Enrico Bottelli, 2011
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Rodgers machines
Condition: mint
SOLD
Andrea Tacchi “Bouchet”, 2013
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
“Rodgers machines”
Condition: original condition
SOLD
Ignacio Fleta e hijos, 1972
Cedar top, Indian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent, no cracks or repairs, original French polish
SOLD
Simon Ambridge, 2002
bear claw spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent
SOLD
Antonio de Torres, 1883 - SE49
“ex Francisco Tarrega”
Spruce top, four piece flame maple sides and back
SOLD to GSI $400000
Antonio de Torres, 1864 - FE17
“ex Francisco Tárrega”
Spruce top, maple sides and back
Condition: heavily “restored”
SOLD
Antonio de Torres, 1884 - SE69
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent
SOLD
Francisco Simplicio, 1924
Spruce top, Cuban quilted mahogany sides and back with tornavoz
Condition: near mint
SOLD
Manuel Reyes, 1971
Spruce top, Cypress sides and back
“ex Manolo Franco”
Description | |
Condition: excellent | |
SOLD |
Jeff Elliott, 2004
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Rodgers machines
Condition: mint
SOLD
Hernández y Aguado, 1963
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: original, one repair on the top, minimal playing wear
SOLD
José Luís Romanillos, 1976
Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back
Condition: excellent, original, two repaired hairline cracks on the back
SOLD
Maker | Year | Top | Back and sides | Style | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aram, Kevin | 1990 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Aram, Kevin | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Arias, Vicente | 1889 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Barbero, Marcelo | 1953 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Barbero, Marcelo | 1970 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2002 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2004 | Details | Cedar | Cypress | Flamenco |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2006 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2006 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2008 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernabé, Paulino | 2013 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bernaert, Daniel | 2012 | Details | Spruce | India Rosewood | Classical |
Bottelli, Enrico | 2004 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bottelli, Enrico | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bottelli, Enrico | 2011 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bouchet, Robert | 1961 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bouchet, Robert | 1962 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bouchet, Robert | 1966 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Bouchet, Robert | 1977 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Devoe, Lester | 2018 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Flamenco |
Delarue, Dominique | 2010 | Details | Cedar | Rosewood | Classical |
Elliott, Jeffrey | 1991 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Elliott, Jeffrey | 1994 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fernández, Arcángel | 1958 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Fernández, Arcángel | 1961 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fernández, Arcángel | 1979 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Esteso, Domingo | 1926 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Esteso, Domingo | 1928 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Esteso, Domingo | 1935 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Fanton d'Andon, Olivier | 2005 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1960 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1961 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1963 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1965 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1965 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1965 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1966 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1967 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1967 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1968 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1969 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1969 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1970 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1970 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1970 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1972 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1972 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1972 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1972 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1973 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1974 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1974 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1976 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1977 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1981 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1981 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1986 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 1991 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fleta, Ignacio | 2003 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1971 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1971 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1973 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1978 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1985 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1984 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1986 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1988 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1990 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1990 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1992 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1993 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 1997 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Friederich, Daniel | 2009 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Frignani, Lorenzo | 1990 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Fernández, Gerundino | 1990 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Giussani, Gioachino | 1993 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Humphrey, Thomas | 1994 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Humphrey, Thomas | 1996 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Humphrey, Thomas | 1998 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Papazian, Manouk | 1967 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Ramírez, José | 1962 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Ramírez, José | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Ramírez, José | 1969 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Reyes, Manuel | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Flamenco |
Reyes, Manuel | 1965 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Reyes, Manuel | 1984 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Reyes, Manuel | 1997 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1973 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1974 | Details | Cedar | Cypress | Flamenco |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1978 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1976 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1980 | Details | Spruce | Honduran rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1981 | Details | Cedar | Cypress | Flamenco |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1986 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1994 | Details | Spruce | Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1995 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Rodríguez, Miguel | 1996 | Details | Cedar | Honduran Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1954 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Hernández y Aguado | 1961 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1962 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Flamenco |
Hernández y Aguado | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1965 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1966 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1966 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1969 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández y Aguado | 1970 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández, Santos | 1921 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández, Santos | 1930 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández, Santos | 1930 | Details | Spruce | Maple | Classical |
Hernández, Santos | 1939 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hernández, Santos | 1941 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Simplicio, Francisco | 1924 | Details | Spruce | Mahogany | Classical |
Simplicio, Francisco | 1927 | Details | Spruce | Mahogany | Classical |
Simplicio, Francisco | 1929 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1973 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1973 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1975 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1977 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1977 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1978 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1980 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1982 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1984 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1987 | Details | Spruce | Maple | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1986 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1986 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1986 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1986 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1986 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1989 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1993 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1995 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1997 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 1998 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Romanillos, José Luís | 2003 | Details | Spruce | Honduran Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1936 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1936 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1938 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1938 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1941 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1952 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1952 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1957 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1959 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1961 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1964 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1966 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1968 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1971 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1975 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1981 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1995 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 1999 | Details | Spruce | Maple | Classical |
Hauser, Hermann | 2005 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Hallgren, Per | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Howell, Richard | 2002 | Details | Cedar | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Kohno, Masaru | 1990 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Oribe, José | 2002 | Details | Cedar | Maple | Classical |
Ruck, Robert | 1972 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Ruck, Robert | 1974 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Ruck, Robert | 1981 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Ruck, Robert | 1984 | Details | Cedar | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Torres, Antonio de | 1861 | Details | Spruce | Cypress | Classical |
Torres, Antonio de | 1862 | Details | Spruce | Maple | Classical |
Torres, Antonio de | 1888 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 1999 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2002 | Details | Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2003 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2004 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2004 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2005 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2006 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2007 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2010 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Velázquez, Manuel | 1954 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Velazquez, Manuel | 1957 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2010 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
Tacchi, Andrea | 2008 | Details | Spruce | Brazilian Rosewood | Classical |
I will send guitars on approval. Shipping and insurance costs are paid by the prospective buyer. I also require a check covering the cost of the guitar which will be returned if the customer decides against purchase.
Under certain circumstances returns will not be accepted.
If you are interested in a guitar, please call or email me. I prefer a call because I like to get to know the people who buy guitars from me. It is a big decision and I make it a point to satisfy my clients.
If you are looking for something I don't have, let me know and I will do my best to find it.
Bruce Banister
Fine and Rare Guitars Inc.
(515) 386 - 8863
guitars@netins.net
Fine and Rare Guitars is dedicated to bringing the finest classical and flamenco guitars to players and collectors. Every instrument, including the student models, is selected by me.
My priorities are quality of sound, playability and condition.
Having lived for twenty-six years in Europe, I have had the great fortune of experiencing a vast number of guitars from makers the world over. I have procured guitars for important collections such as that of Sheldon Urlik. In addition, some well-known players have benefited as a result of a purchase from me.
My many connections can also help me find a specific guitar for you that may not be in my inventory at the present time. If you would like to sell an instrument, contact me with full details.
It is important to me that my clients are satisfied. Buying a fine guitar is an important and personal decision. Whether you are a novice or a professional, I will do all I can to make sure your guitar purchased from me is the right one.
Bruce Banister
Fine and Rare Guitars Inc.
(515) 386 - 8863
guitars@netins.net
In 1971 I traveled to Spain to study guitar. I spoke no Spanish and knew no one. Within two days I had met the famous guitar maker Paulino Bernabé, who became a close friend. I asked his advice about who was the best teacher in Madrid and he said without hesitation, Regino Sainz de la Maza. Paulino called him and arranged an audition. My playing was quite poor, but somehow Don Regino accepted me as a pupil. I studied with him for seven years. It was a great privilege to have had his guidance.
I got to know most of the guitar makers in Madrid; Bernabé, Hernández y Aguado, Arcángel Fernández, Ramírez, to name a few. I spent a great deal of time in Bernabé's shop at Cuchilleros 8 in Madrid watching him build quality guitars. The education and insight has proven invaluable.
"Bajo la palmera"
- Duo Llobet -
Bruce's CD made with Thomas Königs is available for $15.00 which includes S&H in the US.
In 1979 I went on a short trip to Germany and was offered a teaching position at a city music school in Wasserburg am Inn. I did a lot of teaching and performing. Through a friend I met a very fine guitarist, Thomas Königs, who became my duo partner. We worked exceptionally well together and in addition to performing concerts we recorded a CD of Spanish music for Aurophone.
It was during my sojourn in Germany that I began dealing in fine guitars, a business that I continue to expand. My experience as a player and dealer leads me to seek out the finest guitars for the money I can find. I consider myself a caretaker of these wonderful instruments. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
Finally, in the fall of 1998 I returned to Iowa, where I grew up. The move was rather traumatic, but we have adjusted and have met some wonderful people. Who knows where the future will take us? One thing is sure - I will always have a few fine guitars around.
Bruce Banister
Fine and Rare Guitars Inc.
(515) 386 - 8863
guitars@netins.net
“Flame maple sides and back This is one of the finest Romanillos I have played and it is in mint, original condition. The basses are deep and warm, the trebles are vibrant and clear. Very lightly built, it weighs only 1260 grams. Vintage Romanillos (made by Jose) are very difficult to find, I consider them to be among the finest classical guitars ever made. Jose built very few in maple, this is the only one I have ever seen. The rosette and inlays on the back are exceptional. Very rare, very beautiful, it is simply a great guitar.”
Fine and Rare Guitars Inc.