Description
José Yacopi 1955 – an extraordinary concert guitar with a unique bracing system, exceptional tonewoods, and a truly captivating sound.
José Yacopi (28 December 1916, Victoria, Spain – 11 August 2006, San Fernando, Argentina) was a master luthier whose craftsmanship left a lasting mark on the world of guitar making. He learned the art of luthiery from his father, Gamaliel Yacopi, and by the age of 27, he had already earned prestigious accolades, winning first place at the Concurso Provincial de Artesanía in Barcelona and later at the Concurso Nacional de Oficios Artesanos in Madrid. His innovative approach to enhancing the tonal qualities of guitars earned him further recognition in competitions in London and Argentina, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the field.
In 1947, Yacopi and his father introduced an ingenious bracing system known as the inverted fan system, designed to reinforce the guitar top and improve its tonal response. This revolutionary design, later patented, became a defining feature of Yacopi guitars, giving them a distinctive and powerful voice. In 1949, he and his wife Pilar Perez-Menchaca relocated to General Villegas, and in 1951, they settled in San Fernando, Argentina, where he continued his work for the rest of his life. While Yacopi built a variety of stringed instruments, he remained devoted to crafting Spanish guitars, incorporating both the traditions of Barcelona luthiery and his own groundbreaking innovations.
His guitars have been favored by an impressive roster of renowned musicians, including María Luisa Anido, Julian Bream, Eric Clapton, Irma Costanzo, Eduardo Falú, Edmundo Rivero, and Narciso Yepes.
This 1955 guitar is an outstanding example of Yacopi’s craftsmanship, bearing his signature and showcasing the distinctive elements of his work. It is built in the tradition of classical Barcelona guitar making, while integrating Yacopi’s signature features. The exquisite ornamentation is reminiscent of Francisco Simplicio’s designs, giving the instrument a refined and elegant appearance. However, inside the guitar lies the hallmark of Yacopi’s innovation—his remarkable inverted fan bracing system, which contributes to its unique tonal qualities and superb projection.
A true concert-level instrument, this guitar possesses remarkable power and an impressive capacity for projection, making it ideal for performance. It features a nut width of 50 mm and a scale length of 650 mm, offering both comfort and ease of playability. The top is crafted from the finest spruce, while the back and sides are made from carefully selected rosewood. The workmanship and varnish are of exceptional quality, among the finest ever seen on a guitar from the Barcelona school of luthiery.
Despite its age, the guitar has been well preserved and remains in great condition. The French polish has been refreshed. It is accompanied by its original case, adding to its historical significance.
The sound of this instrument is both spontaneous and commanding, with an extraordinary dynamic range and effortless playability. Its voice is full of character and resonance, combining warmth and depth with exceptional sustain and balance. The richness of tone and the sheer volume produced by this guitar are truly remarkable, reflecting the essence of a well-aged and masterfully built instrument.
With its lyrical qualities and expressive timbre, this guitar invites the musician to explore its full potential, offering a deeply inspiring playing experience. It stands as a testament to the golden era of Barcelona guitar making, worthy of comparison with the finest instruments from Ignacio Fleta, Francisco Simplicio, Enrique Garcia, and Enrique Sanfeliu.
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