Ignacio Fleta, 1965
Spruce / CSA Rosewood
Overview
This 1965 Ignacio Fleta is one glorious sounding guitar, and a particularly special one within the Fleta canon. We have had the great fortune of getting to know many exceptional Fletas recently, but this is the first spruce-top Fleta to come through our showroom in quite some time. It does not disappoint.
The sound is unmistakably Fleta, yet with a character that only a fully opened, mature spruce top can offer. The basses are orchestral in scale, sustaining seemingly forever, with depth and authority that fill the room effortlessly. Trust me when I say this spruce has truly opened.
The trebles speak exactly as the finest spruce guitars should. Clear, shimmering, and alive, with each note carrying a luminous presence. As expected from a great Fleta, the dynamic range is exceptional, rewarding both the lightest touch and a more assertive right hand with equal elegance.
The Brazilian rosewood used for the back and sides is extraordinary. It is so old, straight-grained, and uniform that at first glance it could easily be mistaken for Indian rosewood. This is the ultra-rare, old-growth Brazilian that modern luthiers simply cannot source anymore. Wood of this caliber is essentially unobtainable today, and there is no doubt that it plays a meaningful role in the guitar’s sound, contributing to the depth, clarity, and remarkable sustain that define this instrument.
Sound & Playability
This may be the most playable Fleta neck I have personally encountered. The neck has a comfortable C shape that lands right in the sweet spot, not too thin, not too substantial. The action is set up low and comfortable, with room remaining at the saddle should further adjustment be desired. It feels natural and inviting in all positions, making long playing sessions a genuine pleasure.
Currently strung with D’Addario XTC45FF, featuring carbon G and B strings paired with a nylon high tension first string, a setup that complements the guitar’s clarity and projection while preserving tonal color.
Craftsmanship & Hardware
The guitar retains its original Fustero tuning machines, which is always a joy to see. These tuners have aged beautifully, operating smoothly and precisely while displaying a rich, organic patina that only time can create. They are as elegant today as they were when the guitar first left Fleta’s workshop.
Condition
Outstanding overall condition. Aside from the occasional small nick here or there, there is very little to note. Importantly, there are no cracks and no repairs, a rare and highly desirable trait for a guitar of this age and caliber.
Key Features
-
Year: 1965
-
Top: Spruce
-
Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
-
Scale Length: 650mm
-
Nut Width: 52mm
-
String Spacing at Bridge: 59mm
-
Tuners: Original Fustero
-
Action: Low and comfortable
-
Bracing: 9 Fan
This is a Fleta that will undoubtedly find its way to a very lucky owner, someone who will cherish it for the next hundred years of its life. Guitars like this do not come along often, especially in this condition, and especially in spruce.