1963 Gibson Flamenco Flamenco

This is a rather rare 1963 Gibson Flamenco 2, marketed by Gibson during the height of the folk era from 1963 to 1967. Gibson’s classical guitar models were all numbered--C-0, C-1, C-2, C-3, etc.—and since the Flamenco guitar was modeled on Gibson’s maple-bodied C-2 classical, it was called the Flamenco 2, but it was the only flamenco-style guitar that Gibson made.

Flamenco music involves percussive tapping on the face of the guitar and very fast strumming in complex rhythms. To accommodate this style, a flamenco guitar is similar to a conventional classical guitar, but with less bracing so the sound is loud and immediate. Usually there are two thin pickguards or “golpeadors” on the soundboard of the guitar near the strings, in the right-hand playing area so you won’t damage the top when you tap it while playing. Since no picks are used in flamenco, these guards are named for the golpe technique, where the ring finger or the middle and ring fingers combined tap on the guard, usually in association with an index finger downstroke, or in the gap between strokes. The body of a flamenco guitar is generally shallower, the bracing is lighter, and the woods are slightly thinner on flamenco guitars, with a flat or negative (before string tension) neck relief, making the action very fast at the cost of some buzzing. Cypress wood is mainly used for flamenco guitars due to its lower density and responsiveness. Woods such as flame maple and of course many rosewood types are also popular.

Gibson’s most popular conventional classical or “folk” guitar, the C-1, was the same 14 ¼” wide as the Flamenco, but with the less expensive mahogany back and sides. As introduced in 1951, it was designed more for folk music accompaniment than serious classical music despite the classical pinless bridge and fan bracing, with the later models having an end pin for a strap never used for classical playing. The C-1 had the same rectangular bridge inlays, ebony nut, 12/19-fret rosewood fingerboard, zero fret, and slotted peghead with center dip at the top as the Flamenco, but starting in 1964 it had a wide decal rosette, an unbound back, and a decal peghead logo. It was discontinued in 1971.

In contrast, the Gibson “Flamenco 2” had a high quality spruce top, cypress or other less dense wood for the back and sides, and a thinner body than classicals, being only 3 ½” deep instead of the C-1’s 4 ½” deep. First produced in 1963, it retained the pearl ribbon bridge inlays behind the strings, the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, inlaid soundhole rosette, bridge, and head-stock overlay, as well as full tortoiseshell body binding, top and back, until it was discontinued in 1967, unlike the increasingly mass-produced C-1. The Flamenco 2 also had small white pickguards (or golpeadors) above and below the sound hole, and the internal fan bracing is noticeably thinner and lighter than on the C-1. The tuners for both models are three-per-side nickel tuners with plastic buttons.

This particular Gibson Flamenco 2 is in very good playing condition, considering that its serial number (62477) indicates that it was made in 1963, the first Flamenco model year, sixty years ago. Its pale cypress “Blanca” finish on the back and sides is in very good shape, although there are some dings and bruises on the treble side, including a 1” dent near the heel. The mahogany neck and headstock are clean, the frets are unworn, the binding is in beautiful condition, and the playing action is very comfortable at a bit under 4/32” at the 12th fret low E. However, there are several repaired cracks in the thin top, mostly at the edge of the waist area, and there is a slight dip in the top at the sound hole. My luthier has checked the thin braces, re-glued the cracks as necessary, and certifies that the top is now perfectly sound although not quite perfectly level.

And speaking of sound, this guitar plays great, has a very nice full sound and resonance, and has a very sharp attack due to the light bracing and thin top. While it is certainly capable of playing in flamenco style, it is extremely responsive to a light touch, making it ideal for vocal accompaniment. The fact that it is unusual, even rare, and really beautiful without a bunch of external decoration is a very satisfying bonus.

The case included is an obviously non-original thermoplastic Road Runner deluxe model which is in excellent condition. The hardware all works well, the soft silver plush interior is clean, and it offers outstanding protection for this fine guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payments by Paypal, cashier’s checks, money orders, or personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have made every effort to describe and illustrate this outstanding guitar and case with scrupulous accuracy. Please read the description carefully, check out the pictures, and ask any questions you might have before purchasing this instrument. Its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing.

Thank you for your interest in this cool guitar.