This exceptionally rare and fully original six-course Spanish guitar was crafted by the renowned luthier Josef Pagés around 1830. A distinguished son of Juan Pagés, a prominent luthier in Cádiz, Josef Pagés emerged as a key figure in the Cádiz School of guitar making and a trailblazer in the development of the classical guitar. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and innovative designs, Pagés created instruments celebrated for their rich tonal quality and historical importance. This guitar, with its German spruce top and South American rosewood back and sides, represents the pinnacle of Pagés’ work during a transformative era in guitar design.

Biography and Significance: Josef Pagés (1762–1830) was an influential Spanish luthier and the son of Juan Pagés (1741–1821), another master craftsman from Cádiz. Building upon his father’s legacy, Josef played a central role in the evolution of the classical guitar, bridging the gap between the baroque guitar and the modern instrument. Pagés is credited with refining the guitar’s body shape and pioneering advancements in bracing systems, innovations that significantly improved the instrument’s tonal balance and projection. His work set a standard for guitar makers and laid the foundation for many elements of modern guitar design.

Pagés’ reputation as a master luthier was cemented during his lifetime. Fernando Sor, the celebrated Spanish guitarist and composer, included the Pagés family among only four recommended guitar makers in his renowned Methode pour la Guitare. This endorsement underscores the high regard for Pagés’ instruments among the greatest musicians of his era and further enhances the historical value of this guitar.

Provenance and Attribution: The provenance of this guitar is equally remarkable. Its attribution to Josef Pagés is supported by its structural and aesthetic features, consistent with Pagés’ distinctive craftsmanship. The original German spruce top, paired with South American rosewood back and sides, showcases materials that Pagés favored for their tonal excellence. The guitar’s design and bracing pattern align with the hallmark innovations introduced by Pagés, solidifying its place as an authentic work of this master luthier.

This instrument is not merely a guitar but a significant artifact of musical history, representing the artistry and innovation that shaped the classical guitar as we know it today. Its preservation in original condition adds further to its rarity and value, making it a treasured example of Josef Pagés’ enduring legacy. This guitar bears a spurious 1860 Antonio Torres label, which is plainly inaccurate, as Torres never made this type of guitar, and there is nothing in the construction of this instrument to suggest his involvement. The previous owner purchaded this guitar from Dr. James Westbrook. He is a renowned British-based organologist, a respected luthier, author, and appraiser for Brompton's auction. His attribtion of it as authentic work of Josef Pagés is fully consistent with my own.

Even without this attribution, the rarity of finding a Spanish guitar from this period that remains in its original six-course configuration cannot be overstated. Over the centuries, many of these instruments have been altered or converted to six-string guitars to suit changing musical styles. This guitar, however, has retained its original setup, offering a rare glimpse into the early 19th-century guitar-making tradition. The French polish finish has been expertly restored, preserving the guitar’s authenticity while allowing it to be enjoyed for generations to come.

This Josef Pagés guitar represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of guitar history. Its fully original condition, combined with its exquisite craftsmanship, makes it a museum-worthy instrument, perfect for collectors and performers alike.

Price available on request.