Manuel Velazquez, 1967

Overview

This 1967 Manuel Velazquez is a compelling example from his New York period, reflecting the European tradition he helped carry into the United States. Deeply influenced by Santos Hernández, Antonio de Torres, and Hermann Hauser I, this guitar blends elements of all three schools into a voice that feels both familiar and uniquely expressive.

There is a striking resemblance to the Hauser sound world, particularly in the basses, which have a clear, humming authority and strong fundamental. The trebles lean slightly darker and sweeter, with a crystalline quality and long sustain that gives the instrument a sense of depth and refinement.

One of the most impressive qualities of this guitar is its dynamic range. It can be driven with power while maintaining clarity, yet remains highly responsive and resonant under a light touch. Notes seem to bloom after the initial attack and hold their presence, giving the guitar an immediacy and liveliness that belies its age.

Construction & Design

The spruce top displays a beautiful, mature patina along with striking bearclaw figuring, a hallmark of Velazquez’s excellent material selection. The rosette design is inspired by a mosaic pattern from the Alhambra and is often associated with Santos Hernández, further reinforcing the Spanish lineage in this instrument.

The plantilla and overall aesthetic clearly reflect the Hauser tradition, with clean, balanced proportions and understated elegance. The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are dark, old-growth, and visually stunning, paired with simple bindings and a traditional center strip.

The headstock follows a Torres-inspired design and is fitted with brand new Rodgers tuning machines, a top-tier upgrade that complements the guitar appropriately.

Sound

The sound of this instrument sits at a beautiful intersection of Velazquez’s influences.

There is the raw power and depth associated with Santos Hernández, the sweetness and lyrical quality of Torres, and the clarity and structure of Hauser. The basses are full and cello-like, capable of both power and color, while the trebles sing with a refined, slightly darker character.

A particularly notable quality is how the notes develop after the attack. The sound reaches its peak and sustains with remarkable stability, creating a sense of continuous presence and projection.

Playability

Despite a wider 55mm nut width, the neck is surprisingly comfortable. It has a fairly thin, C-shaped profile, and the 43mm string spacing at the nut keeps the feel familiar under the left hand.

The additional width provides extra margin on both sides of the fingerboard, offering security without feeling cumbersome. The guitar is currently set up with a low action that remains clean and resistant to buzzing even when pushed.

Condition

The guitar has been refinished, with the work carried out to a high standard. It presents in excellent, near-mint condition.

Specs

Top: Spruce (bearclaw figuring)
Back & Sides: Brazilian rosewood (dark, old-growth)
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 55mm
String Spacing (Nut): 43mm
String Spacing (Bridge): 56mm
Tuners: Rodgers (new)
Neck Profile: Thin, comfortable C-shape

Summary

Velazquez guitars have been played by artists such as Paul Simon, Jorge Morel, Rey de la Torre, and Eliot Fisk, and were notably admired by Andrés Segovia.

For players seeking a guitar that captures the essence of the great European tradition, with power, clarity, and color, this is an exceptional and increasingly rare opportunity.

If you’re interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com