Jose Oribe, 2007

José Oribe, one of the most respected American luthiers, built this Grand Suprema model in 2007. Known for his masterful craftsmanship and rich, Spanish-inspired tone, Oribe’s guitars have been highly regarded for decades, earning a place among the finest hand-built classical guitars in the world. This particular instrument has a unique backstory, having been kept in pristine, unplayed condition since its creation. It was originally built as a gift to a personal friend of Oribe’s, who preserved it carefully until recently, making this a rare opportunity to own an essentially untouched example of Oribe’s work.

Final Thoughts

This José Oribe Grand Suprema is a remarkable find, offering the power, nuance, and playability that have made Oribe a respected name among concert guitarists. It presents a rare opportunity to own a virtually untouched instrument from a true master luthier.

For purchase inquiries, contact info@guitarcollection.com.

This Oribe has an exceptionally full, rich voice, with a clear, ringing treble and deeply resonant basses. The Western Red Cedar top offers a vibrant, colorful tone, combining the warmth and complexity of a mature cedar instrument with the clarity and projection more typically associated with spruce. It has a surprising brightness for a cedar guitar, delivering a wide palette of tonal colors, from rich, dark textures to a lively, punchy response when pushed.

Despite its slightly longer 656mm scale, this guitar is extremely comfortable to play, thanks to the expertly carved C-shaped neck, tall frets, and precise setup. It responds beautifully to variations in attack, making it a perfect choice for both powerful, expressive playing and delicate, nuanced passages.

• Top: Western Red Cedar, seven-fan bracing, protected by clear tap plates
• Back & Sides: Stunning cocobolo with dramatic sapwood center strip
• Neck: Spanish Cedar, C-shaped, comfortable and fast
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 52mm nut width
• Scale Length: 656mm
• Bridge: Cocobolo with traditional design elements

• Tuners: High-quality but modestly appointed (upgrade recommended for those seeking a more premium feel)

• Finish: Hand French-polished for a warm, resonant tone

Essentially brand new, this 2007 Oribe Grand Suprema has been impeccably preserved, with no cracks, dings, or noticeable play wear. The French-polished finish is flawless, and the cocobolo back and sides present a stunning visual centerpiece, with dramatic grain patterns and a striking sapwood center stripe.