1950s Carbonell

The luthier Arturo Carbonell emigrated to France in 1913 from Valencia, Spain. He eventually setup a workshop in Marseille in 1922 and by the 1930s was a highly respected manufacturer of guitars in the Selmer Maccaferri style. In 1946 Arturo's son Arthur took over the business, eventually transitioning to the sole production of classical guitars. The Carbonell workshop continues to produce fine guitars under the management of Joel Laplane.

The former Hot Club of France guitarist Marcel Bianchi was the most well know endorser of Carbonell guitars, popularizing the brand through his use of their guitars on numerous recordings.





Django Reinhardt was also photographed playing a Carbonell:




This well preserved example features a 4 braced spruce top, Cuban mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The stylish ivoroid pickguard and unique tailpiece design are common features of Carbonell's instruments.

Once a guitar reaches over 60 years of age, something magic happens and this wonderful vintage instrument is no exception. It has a clarity, warmth, and crispness of tone that you simply can't find in contemporary instruments. It provides a dry, crunchy rhythm sound that will add character and gusto to any band's sound. Lead lines are poignant and stinging, with the sort of mystique that evokes the smokey cafes of mid-century Paris.

The condition of this instrument is excellent with only a few dings and scratches to show for it's long life. The frets are new and it plays very easily with low 3mm action.

Here's a chance to own an outstanding vintage Gypsy guitar at a fraction of the price you'd pay for similar "big name" makers like Busato or Selmer. This one has all the fun at less than half the cost!

This is the CASH price...add 3% if you'd like to pay with a credit card. Add 4% for international credit card orders.