Ignacio Fleta Ex. Adam Holzman, 1973
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
A rare opportunity to acquire a historic 1973 Ignacio Fleta, played and toured for decades by legendary artist and teacher Adam Holzman. This is the very guitar heard on more than a quarter-million records sold across multiple landmark CDs, including volumes of Sor, Ponce, Mertz, and the Grammy-nominated recording of the Lauro Waltzes, all on the Naxos label.
To say this guitar is part of modern classical-guitar history is an understatement. This was Adam’s primary instrument throughout his most prolific recording and touring years, and comes with a detailed letter of provenance documenting its complete performing and recording history, alongside the original Royer flight case covered in early touring stickers – an artifact in its own right.
Fleta’s work from the 60s and 70s remains the most sought-after period of his career, and No. 631 is a standout example: powerful, throaty, brilliantly responsive, and deeply played-in by one of the great concert artists of our time.
Key Features
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Scale length: 650 mm
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Nut width: 52 mm
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Top: Western Red Cedar
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Back & sides: Indian Rosewood
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Tuners: Original Fustero machines with white rollers
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Case: Original Royer touring case (well-traveled and extremely protective)
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Provenance: Detailed signed letter from Adam Holzman included
Condition
This guitar has been played extensively – as great guitars should be. The cedar top shows honest play wear, light string marks, scratches, and patina from decades of professional use. Despite this, the guitar is in exceptional structural condition:
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No cracks
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No repairs
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Neck is straight
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Plenty of life left in the frets
Action is set very low at approximately 3.75 mm / 2.75 mm, exactly as Adam performed with for decades. There is very little room left on the saddle, but the guitar plays cleanly and buzz-free even under a heavy concert touch.
The back and sides show light marks and finish wear typical of an instrument that has lived on stages for half a century, but remain in excellent condition for its age.
Sound & Playability
Few guitars carry this level of musical identity. The first strum reveals the unmistakable Fleta growl – a deep, earthy, almost seismic bass response that fills a room instantly.
The trebles are everything one hopes for in a great cedar top:
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warm
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colorful
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singing
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and, uniquely, bright and assertive when pushed
Where many cedar guitars from this period can lean dark, this one remains surprisingly brilliant and articulate, especially under tension.
Sustain & Power
Adam’s priorities as a concert artist were always sustain, projection, and color flexibility, and this instrument delivers all three in abundance. Notes such as the high C♯ ring on seemingly forever. The guitar rewards an aggressive, confident touch yet remains expressive at low volumes.
Personality
This is a guitar that commands respect – it feels alive, open, seasoned, and responsive in a way only a heavily concertized instrument can be. It pushes air in a physical, visceral way. To play it is to feel decades of musical history under your hands.
About Ignacio Fleta (1897–1977)
Fleta’s instruments defined the sound of the Spanish concert stage in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Julian Bream famously shaped his signature voice on a Fleta, helping cement the maker’s reputation internationally. Fleta introduced a unique structural and tonal identity: thick cedar tops, powerful basses, blooming sustain, and an unmistakable projection quality that made his guitars staples of top soloists.
This 1973 instrument sits squarely in his golden era, and its sound is among the most impressive Fletas I have played.
Final Thoughts
For the player or collector seeking:
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a Fleta from his most collectible era,
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a guitar fully opened up through decades of professional concert use,
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and an instrument with true historical provenance…
…this is an extraordinary opportunity. Instruments with this level of documented artistic legacy rarely come to market.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
Please note: Free UPS 2nd day air shipping is included if paid via a feeless method. Please contact for payment information.