Joaquín Pagés 1819 Early Classical Guitar Plan

GUITAR by Joaquín Pagés, Cádiz, 1819
Details & Restoration Report by Ian Watchorn

This guitar is the only recorded instrument by Joaquín Pagés, a member of the renowned Pagés family, who worked in Cadiz from around 1770 to the 1830’s. The label is dated 1819 and guitar has been subsequently repaired, also in Cadiz, around 1840.

The instrument is mentioned in the “Dictionary of the Vihuela de Mano and the Spanish Guitar” by Jose Luis Romanillos, page 285. It was formerly in the collection of the late Marcelino Lopez Nieto, a famous maker and collector of Spanish guitars.


The guitar is in very good original condition, with remains of the original configuration of 1819 being clearly visible beneath the current fretboard. Its current state is that of the very well executed modification, also done in Cadiz around 1840.


Very little work has been done on the guitar since the modification and this work was done through the soundhole, without removing the back.

The 1840 configuration has been retained because of its historical importance and integrity to the instrument. The instrument was subsequently restored to playing condition as indicated by the 1840’s modification.


The following work was carried out:

Back: - The back was removed and the condition inside assessed.
- It was decided to remove all non-original paper reinforcements from inside the guitar. It was further decided to remove all the original paper reinforcement which showed signs of tearing or instability, and to back them onto acid stable silk paper before reinstalling them in their original positions.
- The original label was also damaged and was removed, repair and reinserted.


Sides:
- The multi-piece sides and back required re-gluing prior to reinserting the stabilised paper reinforcement.
- All bars, peones, bar supports and blocks were reglued. Cracks and missing sections of the rosewood back & sides were stabilised and repaired as needed. The multi-piece sides were realigned and reglued in outer forms as above. The repaired original paper liners were then reinstalled.


Belly:
All loose bars were reglued to the belly and any missing sections replaced. One substantial section of the 2nd treble bar was missing – see photo above. This was replaced and all bars were cleaned and stabilised. 2 belly cracks were closed and reinforced with silk paper. The bridge required repair and was cleaned and repositioned. All old glue was removed from belly, back and sides.

Reassembly of Body:
Once all the parts were stabilised, the body was reassembled and the action set.


Neck and Head:
The tuning machines were removed, cleaned and repaired. The tuners are English, and date from around 1840. They were installed during the repairs carried out in Cadiz around that time. Their condition is good overall, but the shaft on tuner no 4 required some bushing and a new button.


Restringing and Set up:
Restring with Pyramid gut strings as follows:
e’ 0.62mm gut
b’ 0.76mm gut
g 0.94mm gut
d 1414 Pyramid Wound
A 1426 Pyramid wound
E 1436 Pyramid wound


Recommendations:
The guitar is fully playable and in stable condition. Due to the extent of restoration the following is recommended:
a. The guitar be tuned to a’ = 415Hz (1/2 tone below modern pitch).
b. The guitar be de-tuned by a fifth for prolonged storage or exhibition.
c. The guitar be stored and displayed away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C, and relative humidity between 35 and 75%.