Recently corrected: (scale length and nut width dimensions are now correct):
The negative comments regarding the Sherry-Brener 'Hernandis' instruments as made by the other gentleman are unfortunate. Then again, perhaps those comments keep the prices in check; of COURSE they are not 5000 dollar instruments; however, I would gladly pay a fifth of that or more, for a great one. Here's what is missing from the gentleman's remarks; as a 47 year old, 34 year player who has two college classical guitar department head professorships on his resume, I can vouch for the following:
The negative comments regarding the Sherry-Brener 'Hernandis' instruments as made by the other gentleman are unfortunate. Then again, perhaps those comments keep the prices in check; of COURSE they are not 5000 dollar instruments; however, I would gladly pay a fifth of that or more, for a great one. Here's what is missing from the gentleman's remarks; as a 47 year old, 34 year player who has two college classical guitar department head professorships on his resume, I can vouch for the following:
The Hernandis instruments were commissioned by Jim Sherry of Sherry-Brener Ltd. of Chicago and were manufactured and designed under the oversight of famed Japanese luthier T. Kurosawa (Kurosawa, Tsunesaburo) in his small Japanese factory.
The specs unique to these instruments (as long as we are discussing the Hernandis Grand Concert and grade 1a models) along with the specs of the Segovia-era concert Ramirez' are the scale length and general nut/ neck width- both of these are identical (nut width on Grand Concert and 1a Hernandis models are 52-53mm, Ramirez are generally 53mm) to the aforementioned 60's and 70's Ramirez'.
In my (very personal and no longer widely shared) opinion, the concert Jose Ramirez instruments as built by, among others but most notably, the 60's era Ramirez luthiers MT - Mariano Tezanos Martín and AM - Antonio Martinez Ortega are among the finest concert guitars ever built.
NOTE: The Sherry-Brener/ Kurosawa 'Hernandis' Grand Concert and grade 1a instruments, along with the early to mid/late 1970's Ramirez', possess a scale length of 665mm (as opposed to the now-standard concert guitar scale length of 650mm) and these 2 Hernandis models also possess a neck/ nut width of 52mm (60's and 70's Ramirez nut widths are 53mm).
The Sherry-Brener Hernandis grade 2 instruments possess a scale length of 660 mm and nut width of 52mm.
I prefer the 665 scale length to the 660, but at least the grade 2 is not 650mm, which is a commonly found scale length these days.
The Sherry-Brener Hernandis grade 2 instruments possess a scale length of 660 mm and nut width of 52mm.
I prefer the 665 scale length to the 660, but at least the grade 2 is not 650mm, which is a commonly found scale length these days.
If you prefer a golden age, Segovia-era Ramirez size instrument without the Ramirez price tag, a Grand Concert or grade 1a Hernandis from Sherry-Brener is the way to go. Just try to find another instrument with these dimensions, at a similar price (assuming you do not over-pay)...good luck.
The Sherry-Brener "Garcia" guitars possess the now standard 650mm scale length and 52mm nut/ neck width, the scale length of which is not acceptable to me. I play only instruments with the Segovia-era dimensions, so when I need a travel guitar of the same precise dimensions as my prized Ramirez guitars, I reach for one of my two Hernandis- either my Grand Concert or my grade 1a...one is from 1970 and the other from '71.
The main issue with nut width is the E to E spacing. Most builders provide an E to E spacing of 42mm at the nut; the 60's and 70's Ramirez' possess an E to E spacing of 46mm at the nut.
Note that a new nut can be installed on a guitar that comes stock with a 52mm nut with 42mm E to E spacing, so that the new nut is slotted for 46mm E to E spacing. I cannot deal with 42mm E to E spacing; whether the actual nut itself is 52mm or 53mm wide is not the issue.
The main issue with nut width is the E to E spacing. Most builders provide an E to E spacing of 42mm at the nut; the 60's and 70's Ramirez' possess an E to E spacing of 46mm at the nut.
Note that a new nut can be installed on a guitar that comes stock with a 52mm nut with 42mm E to E spacing, so that the new nut is slotted for 46mm E to E spacing. I cannot deal with 42mm E to E spacing; whether the actual nut itself is 52mm or 53mm wide is not the issue.
These are phenomenal instruments; if you desire proof, listen to "Catalonian Song" as recorded by Christopher Parkening. It was recorded with a Hernandis. Good enough for him, good enough for me. I am grateful to Jim Sherry for making an affordable Segovia era Ramirez-sized instrument available for die-hard Ramirez fans like myself, so that we might have something to travel with and not be so concerned. Playing on the modern small instruments is simply not an option for me. 665mm x 52-53mm is in my opinion far superior. GREAT guitars for the money (again, assuming you do not overpay). Sherry-Brener 'Garcia' instruments, not so much- excellent student guitars, however.
I hope this helps. If scale length/ nut/ neck width are crucial factors for you, I see it as important to point out the unique role that these instruments can play in the life of the 60's and 70's Ramirez lover. There ARE still some of us left. For me, there is simply nothing else that touches them. My two Hernandis' allow me to lock my prized Ramirez' in my fire proof vault when I would prefer to refrain from putting them at risk...
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