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Mateo CRESPI

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2009
Western Red Cedar Soundboard, Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides
Ebony fretboard with 650 string length
$ 8000

I first became aware of the work of this young Argentine master luthier through the delightful Naxos recordings of Victor Villadangos who has performed for years on a Mateo Crespi guitar. Then I discovered that one of my guitar heros, Ermesto Betetti, also plays a Crespi guitar. So I naturally wanted to have one in my shop.

Crespi is one of South America's finest guitar makers and his instruments are becoming famous all over the world. This is the first one I have imported and it more than satisfies my expectations with its rich sonority and open clarity. The woods are top quality and the workmanship is beautifully refined. One unique feature is that it has a 54mm nut so the fingerboard is suitable for a player with large hands.

This is one wonderful concert guitar.

For a sample of the tone of Crespi"s guitar played by Ernesto Betetti click on the following link: www.mateocrespi.com.ar/english/galeria.htm