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Paul Bruhns -> RE: Gerundino Guitar (Aug. 4 2003 18:59:20)
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Hi Peter:
I have a Gerundino Blanca. Mine has a 54mm nut width and 660 mm scale. This gives the guitar an extreme amount of depth and resonance, but it takes some getting used to to play cleanly.
There is very little on the internet about Gerundino. His guitars were made famous because Paco Pena played them in the 1970s. After that, lots of performers chose his guitars. Gerundino is an enigma. Today he is in his seventies, has been reported in ill health for several years, and is reported to be all but deaf. My teacher in D.C. knows him personally, and they frequently talk on the phone (well shout at each other is more like it). I have played six or seven Gerundinos, all but one were blancas. They seem to vary in appointments, and neck feel. Mine has a wide neck, but very thin from top to back. The body is usually full with large rounded upper bouts. The head stocks never seem to be identical from guitar to guitar, and I get the feeling these are all carved by hand: some look very finished, others seem a bit rushed or less carefully done. Everyone, without exception has been a great playing and sounding guitar. And, these guitars need and deserve to be played alot, and the strings kept in good shape. As with any guitar, if let to set and be uncared for, they lose their tonal response immediately.
I have tried a couple Gerundinos that were not maintained in this fashion, and it was a shame to see. Worst of all, the guy selling them didn't care to keep good/ new strings on them.
Anyway, I hope you are very happy with yours. As you know he isn't making guitars anymore. I think 2001 was the last time he actually made a guitar, but he had several unfinished ones that were completed by another well known Luthier in Almeria (as a colaboration) at least that is what I have been able to glean form several discussions, but no one will say for sure this is true, as they still bear the Gerundino label. Be that as it may, the guitars of this period are fantastic examples of the Gerundino sound: very soulful, clear, and balanced.
By the way, mine is worth 3 to 4 thousand US dollars more than I paid for it, but I would never sell it. Never!
Regards,
Paul
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