1970s Unmarked Mexican-made Requinto

June 13, 2021

1970s Unmarked Mexican-made Requinto

While unmarked, this Mexican-made requinto is clearly of good quality and is probably a Paracho-made instrument. It's solid cedar over what looks like solid granadillo (Mexican rosewood), it's super-lightweight and braced lightly, has a good straight neck and comfortable neck profile, and has a punchy, full, forward voice. Also -- it's pretty. That helps!

I'm guesstimating the age at mid-late '70s but it could be an '80s instrument, too, that's just been played a bit more than most. I love all of the minor wear and tear throughout, though it's nicely crack-free and was in almost-ready-to-go condition when it arrived.

After a quick level/dress of the frets, restring, and some endpin-sorting (plug-and-drill), it plays bang-on and is ready to go. I worked on this for a customer and I think he's going to be totally excited to get it back -- it's the kind of instrument that makes you want to pick it up and play. I may trace the body outline, too, before I send it home -- I like this shape a lot.

For those not in the know, a requinto is a Mexican classical/folk nylon-strung guitar used mostly as a lead/melody instrument alongside a "normal" guitar. It's traditionally tuned a fourth higher than standard pitch (ADGCEA low to high) which is like a capo at the 5th fret on a regular guitar. Uke players will be familiar with the GCEA part of that as they're the same pitch as normal low-G uke.

Repairs included: fret level dress, endpin hole fill/drill, cleaning, setup.

Top wood: solid cedar

Back & sides wood: solid granadillo (I believe)

Bracing type: fan

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: Spanish cedar or similar

Action height at 12th fret: hair-over 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: regular light gauge classical

Neck shape: medium D

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium