Here's a couple of emails I have received throwing a little further light on the guitar. Return to Main Juan Hermandez Page

Subject: Re: Juan Hermandez Guitar
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2004 01:24:15 -0700

I don't have any information on this maker. He doesn't show up in any of the dictionaries of luthiers that I have. The guitar is a bit of an odd ball. It is not built in the Spanish tradition, but appears more French in inspiration. The ladder bracing is consistent with this as well. The bridge does not appear to be original, despite the origins of the shell, the rosette seems consistent with the rest of the guitar, and probably is original. The label says "fabrica de guitarras" that is "guitar factory" suggesting that this was a production instrument, rather than the work of an individual luthier.

Best regard,

Dr. James B. Greenberg
Zavaleta's La Casa de Guitarras.
http://www.zavaletas-guitarras.com

Subject: Re: Juan Hermandez Guitar
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 19:13:24

Don't you just love it when someone tells you that they were GIVEN a guitar....???? I need to get out more..or be in the right place at the right time.. But seriously - nice axe - it looks like it would sound great. Being the feckless busybody I sometimes can be, I immediately checked my at hand source material (some American Guitar books) only to realise that "made in spain" probably disqualifies it from inclusion.

Nevertheless, it bears a striking similarity to a Martin from 1929 (body shape, bridge, inlay, machine heads, headstock etc) that I'd say the date of manufacture was spot on. (Actually, that particular style seems to have enjoyed some longevity - there's an earlier NY manufactured guitar from 1864 which has all the key hallmarks as well.) http://www.gruhn.com/features/00-45,1921/AB6754.html

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