Igancio Fleta, 1954
Spruce / CSA Rosewood
Overview
This 1954 Ignacio Fleta No. 61 is a truly extraordinary find, the kind of instrument that almost never becomes available. Early Fletas are already exceedingly rare, but to find one from 1954 in excellent condition, with no cracks, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and this level of ornamentation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This guitar comes from one of the most fascinating and collectible periods of Fleta’s career, before his later style became more standardized and internationally recognized. It shows a deep connection to the great Barcelona school, especially the influence of Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio, and the broader decorative tradition that defined some of the most beautiful Spanish guitars ever made.
What makes this example especially remarkable is the level of ornamentation. The top, back, rosette, and overall aesthetic detailing are far more elaborate than what is typically seen on Fleta guitars from this period. Visually, it is one of the most special early Fletas I have encountered, combining historical importance, extreme rarity, and exceptional preservation in a way that should be taken very seriously by both collectors and players.
Sound
This guitar has the warmth, color, and depth one hopes for in an early Fleta, but with the clarity and immediacy of a spruce-top instrument. The sound is open, lyrical, and refined, with a beautiful balance between old-world charm and the focused voice that would later become associated with Fleta’s mature work.
The Brazilian rosewood back and sides add depth and complexity, while the spruce top gives the guitar a directness and transparency that make it especially expressive.
Playability & Condition
The guitar has a 650mm scale and a comfortable 51.5mm nut width, making it very approachable by modern concert guitar standards. It has also been refretted at some point in its life, which makes it exceptionally easy to play while preserving the character and integrity of the instrument.
Condition is excellent, especially for a guitar from 1954. There are no cracks, which is remarkable for an instrument of this age. The guitar has been very well preserved and remains an outstanding collector-grade example of Fleta’s early work.
Aesthetics & Craftsmanship
This is where the guitar truly stands apart. Many Fleta guitars from the 1950s are comparatively restrained, but this No. 61 is highly ornamented, with decorative work that strongly recalls the Barcelona school tradition. The rosette, top detailing, and back ornamentation give the guitar an elegance and individuality rarely encountered in Fleta’s output.
For collectors, this makes the instrument especially compelling. It is not only an early Fleta, but an unusually decorative one, capturing a moment before Fleta’s style became more standardized and internationally recognized.
Specs
Maker: Ignacio Fleta
Year: 1954
Number: 61
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 51.5mm
Condition: Excellent, no cracks, previously refretted
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF, carbon G and B, with the first string replaced by a high tension Pro Arte nylon 1st string
String link: https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Summary
A rare and beautifully preserved 1954 Ignacio Fleta from his early mature period, this guitar offers a remarkable combination of historical importance, collector-grade condition, Brazilian rosewood, superb playability, and unusually elaborate Barcelona school ornamentation. It is a particularly special example for players and collectors interested in the bridge between the ornate Spanish tradition of García and Simplicio and the later Fleta sound that became legendary in the hands of John Williams and many of the great guitarists of the 20th century.
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If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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