1988 jose oribe "Calidad suprema"

José Oribe began building guitars in Vista, California in 1962 and spent the next six decades producing instruments that earned a devoted following among concert artists, master teachers, and serious collectors. His approach was rooted in an almost obsessive commitment to quality control: woods were cured in stages between machining operations over extended periods; rosettes were not purchased but designed and built by Oribe himself, with veneers dyed to his own color schemes; every detail of the instrument reflected his insistence on total control of the building process. He was, by all accounts, one of the most meticulous classical guitar makers America has produced. Aaron Shearer — the pre-eminent American classical guitar pedagogue of his generation, director of guitar programs at Peabody Conservatory and the author of the foundational Classical Guitar Technique method books — was among Oribe's most devoted advocates, and the two collaborated on Oribe's book The Fine Guitar. Following his passing in 2026, his instruments stand as the legacy of a long career entirely devoted to the concert classical guitar.

The Calidad Suprema was Oribe's highest-grade model — the instrument that represented the full expression of his skills and his standards. This example, completed January 6, 1988 and built during Oribe's mature period in Vista, pairs a cedar soundboard with exceptionally figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The figuring on the back is dramatic, the coloration deep and dark; the cedar top has developed the warm golden character that comes with nearly four decades of playing and aging.

The voice is deeply compelling: dark, powerful, and expressive, with the full-bodied sustain and singing treble register that define the best cedar concert guitars. Substantial presence under the right hand, yet sensitive and responsive to tonal color and dynamic nuance. Players who encounter a great Oribe often describe the sound in almost physical terms — the instrument projects with authority while retaining the capacity for intimacy. This one is no exception.

Condition: A nearly 40-year-old concert instrument that has been played and professionally maintained. There is a professionally repaired top crack and a professionally repaired back crack. Both repairs are stable and the guitar is fully playable. Normal cosmetic marks and finish wear are present and consistent with the instrument's age and use — please examine the photographs closely. The repairs have been reflected in the asking price, offering an opportunity to acquire a Brazilian rosewood Oribe Calidad Suprema at considerably below the equivalent of a clean example. Most importantly, this remains a serious concert-level instrument with a powerful, mature voice.

Comes with an original Kurman case made specifically for José Oribe instruments.