The "Model 17A" ("A" for "antiqued" look) is based largely on the1864 Torres FE 17, the earliest of Tarrega’s 3 Torres instruments that he would play throughout his career – this is a fun sweet toned, first-epoch style guitar with a slightly more compact body size and shorter scale length 640 scale. Its smaller size and lightweight build is a bit deceptive at first – but once you pluck the first note, it has a huge sound, very full and robust with great lyrical charm in the trebles and fat basses. Like the original Torres guitar it a has maple back and sides. Edmund Blöchinger wanted to also offer this model with cypress for the back and sides, a wood which he loves to use for his classical guitars. The sound of this guitar is exceptionally vibrant and rich, and it retains a deep, dark voice - very old-world Spanish in character. In truth it is perfect for virtually any style of music as it has both great separation and warmth making it suitable for everything from baroque music to Brazilian jazz - just about anything that could benefit from an extra bit of old-world Spanish charm. Startlingly easy to play, the comfortable neck shape and fast response make this a fun guitar to play. The guitar was bought 1 year ago at Guitar Salon International in Los Angeles for $3750. You can visit their website as they have one left for sale along with a sound bite of the guitar. Great opportunity to own a very unique guitar at a great discounted price. It is in like new mint condition.