Chartwell Guitar

Bernabe Especial in Madagascar and spruce

Woods: straight grained Madagascar rosewood back and sides, European spruce top, Spanish cedar neck, cypress lining on sides. French polish throughout.

Specs: 650mm scale, 52mm nut, 43mm string spacing at nut, 58mm at saddle.  Just a bit over 4mm bass string height at 12th fret, with ample string break angle and saddle for substantial adjustment if desired.  TKL type hard case, inlaid tie block.  Tuners appear to be Rodgers–silky smooth action.

Condition: as new

Comment: this is the first concert level Bernabe guitar in the shop and I am floored by its power, projection, presence. With traditional builds in mind, the comparative word “huge” is apropos. I note the weight suggests laminated sides, which boost the performance while adding a bold, round intonation and extra sustain. The sustain is what I noticed immediately, in just tuning it up. There is also a sweet aspect that has won me over. Such guitars make its players better if not just more inspired. the rosette and delicate border purfling is most attractive. The recent solid top, fan braced additions to my offerings suggest the Spanish had it right all along. This is the best of the best and worthy of a concert venue. The Especial model is between the Concierto and Royal in the  Bernabe hierarchy.

If the Bernabe name is unfamiliar, know that Paulino learned at the feet of his father in their Madrid shop, living upstairs and dreaming of the perfect guitar.  They are part of classical guitar royalty, along side of the Perez, Tezanos, Rozas, and Contreras families. Their work is in the luxury class and this guitar is indeed a Mercedes. Due to its heft and power, it would be the SUV version. Here is a piece from his web site:

We worked together in this manner for 30 years. Even when we rested or we had vacations we were always thinking of the future and about how we could build the next Great Guitar. Now my father has passed and that challenge has become mine. I know my father is still with me, even after his death, helping me build my guitars and that he is happy that he prepared me so well these 30 years, to build guitars in our way.

I hope to make the same thing with my children, if they want to follow this beautiful profession of making great guitars.